Jock Safari Lodge

Untamed, Untouched, Unforgettable! That is Jock Safari Lodge, a charming luxury safari lodge tucked away in the beautiful verdant vegetation of the Kruger National Park and is rated a top property with premium accommodation, game drives and thrilling activities.  Book this historic bush lodge with the South African travel experts and get all that you would expect from a world-famous national park. 

Rustic chic chalets nestle where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers flow into one, at this legendary camp situated in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. In fact, Jock is easily accessible, found half way between Kruger’s Skukuza and Malelane gates, about 35 km in both directions with only 3 km of dirt road. Just know that you will be able to explore a vast 6000 ha of exclusive untamed bush in an area of the park which is celebrated for the Big Five game viewing.

Jock Safari Lodge is committed to conservation efforts in the Kruger Park and is the first private concession ever given permission to operate within the National Park. Owners remember the story about Jock of the Bushveld and the explorer, Sir Percy FitzPatrick who wanted to find gold. 

It may feel as if guests are stepping back into the gold rush days of ancient South Africa as the landscape is still wild and the lodge is reminiscent of this era. Imagine how FitzPatrick and his dog, Jock, crossed this territory en route to Pilgrims Rest and beyond. Feel the aura when you choose this legacy of the gold rush days and colonial safaris in Africa.

Jock Safari Lodge is proud to be known as the best environmental concession within the Kruger and guests can become part of the drive to sustain people and planet in eco-tourism approaches. Make the most of bush walks to learn as much as you can about the biodiversity around you and the endangered plants and animals. Bring the children to learn about the threats to wildlife and what they can do to help when they join the Kids on Safari programme, in nature. Take a break from game drives and explore the golf course at Leopard Creek or enjoy a spa treatment at the Pilgrims Rest Retreat. 

Jock has for many years worked to upskill and uplift community members to sustain their own livelihoods. A great partnership has been formed with the well-known Wilderness Foundation Africa to teach kids conservation education and then take them on to get green jobs. Your place as a tourist contributes to this programme and your enjoyment in the reserve is another plus for the staff who host you.

Regal safari accommodation at Jock Safari Lodge has two components: Main Jock Safari Lodge is carefully screened by lush trees and reed walls, offering 12 individual thatched rooms, radiating a sense of aloneness and oneness with the landscape. Each suite is treated to its own deck and plunge pool, outside day bed, Wi-Fi and aircon, plus captivating views over the river and beyond to the peach horizon. It’s a place to rediscover the real you! 

Fitzpatrick’s At Jock is a large designer villa for that ultimate private experience in the wilderness with everything that opens and shuts. Families and groups of friends can book this remote and lavish villa for 6 adults when they take a customised all-inclusive package for a safari second to none in South Africa.  Sink into a space so relaxing you will never want to leave – 3 ensuite bedrooms, a TV, mini bar, swimming pool and deck, private chef and game ranger with exclusive game dries int the 6 000-ha private concession. See the Big 5 and learn more about the bigger conservation picture.     

Other activities include game walks, bird watching, stargazing, visits to rock art sites, a round of golf, and spa treatments at the Pilgrims Rest Relaxation Retreat.

Jock Safari Lodge was one of the first private lodges and concessions permitted inside the Kruger National Park, and with that first-mover advantage they chose to place it at the meeting of two rivers, the Mitomeni and Biyamiti, offering just beautiful views. 

The lodge is surrounded by magnificent mature trees and thick bush supporting the abundance of bird and animal life this region attracts.

Many decades ago, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his dog, Jock trekked to Pilgrims Rest as part of the heady gold rush and the lodge has been styled to reflect South African colonial days. The eco-conscious Niven family, who is Sir Percy’s descendants, established the lodge close to where Sir Percy and Jock made history.

At Jock Safari Lodge, daily safari activities are guided by a passionate and professional team of rangers in open vehicles, getting you up close and personal with the big 5 as well as a full range of exciting wildlife that can be seen in the Kruger National Park. In addition, walking and birding safaris, guided historical tours to learn more about the story of Jock Safari Lodge, stargazing and even frogging safaris for those who love reptiles!

The Main Jock Safari Lodge boasts 12 elegant, thatched chalets with river views and gorgeous decks plus special mod cons designed for comfort on safari. Three couples can book the private villa that is a stand-alone decadent affair with private chef and game ranger, swimming pool, mini bar, and more. The lodge is proud to hist conferences and meetings and the bar is popular with guests before and after game drives.