Jock Safari Lodge
distinctive Camp | Kruger National Park, South Africa
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Jock Safari Lodge offers distinctive luxury in the heart of Big Five territory in Kruger National Park. A supremely comfortable experience awaits amid the refined yet relaxed ambience of Jock’s. The camp blends natural touches with elegant décor for a seamless expression of safari style. Just beyond, the bush beckons, and with it, some of the most extraordinary wildlife viewing in all Africa.
Our Expert Says
This camp has a great reputation—definitely one of the stronger choices for the southern part of the park!
– Ben Forbes
The Camp
Location: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Number of Rooms: 12 + 3 rooms at Jock Fitzpatrick
Tucked within lush vegetation at the confluence of two rivers, Jock Safari Lodge keeps the legend alive of an intrepid explorer, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his trusted dog, Jock. Main Jock includes 12 individual thatched chalets raised on stilts, each of which sleeps two. Nearby Fitzpatrick's Lodge, ideal for families or small groups, has three individual suites, two of which can accommodate four. Each chalet is screened by large trees and reed walls, imparting a sense of seclusion and oneness with nature. Inside, you’ll find all the comforts of a fine hotel: crisp linens, rich woods, cushy armchairs, air conditioning, mini bar and en suite bathroom with outdoor shower. A private veranda with plunge pool and outdoor day bed overlook the river. The main lodge features expansive decks, lounging and bar areas, intimate al fresco dining and campfire pits to relax around under the stars. A fitness center includes a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and spa services.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite bathroom
- Shampoo, soap and lotion
- Hair dryer
- Air conditioning
- Room fan
- Mini bar
- Tea/coffee in room
- 220v charging outlets in room
- In-room safe
- Private plunge pool
- Central pool
- Spa (extra cost)
- Fitness center
- Internet available
- Laundry (extra cost)
- Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
- Credit cards accepted
- Cellular coverage is intermittent
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
The lodge is situated on 15,000 acres of private bushveld. Morning and evening wildlife drives traverse the reserve, seeking views of a staggering range of species. Enthralling sightings of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and more await. At dusk, enjoy sundowners while overlooking one of the many breathtaking vistas of Kruger National Park. En route back to the lodge, nocturnal animals such as leopard and hyena are often seen. Walking safaris are encouraged; the diversity of fauna and flora comes alive when viewed on foot. Naturalist guides point out ancient jackalberry trees, 3,000-year-old Bushmen rock art, and share details about the myriad of insects, birds, mammals and reptiles. And, with an estimated 34 amphibian species in Kruger, Jock offers a unique sort of safari: frogging expeditions on foot! Guests don gum boots and head lamps and head out after dark in search of a multitude of colorful frogs.
Kruger National Park is a quintessential wildlife destination, featuring the Big Five and other big cats and large mammals. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Other typical sightings may include warthogs, baboons and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on weather and wildlife movements.
Country | Park/Reserve |
Black Rhino
|
Buffalo
|
Cheetah
|
Eland
|
Elephant
|
Giraffe
|
Greater Kudu
|
Hippo
|
Hyena
|
Leopard
|
Lion
|
Sable Antelope
|
White Rhino
|
Wild Dog
|
Wildebeest
|
Zebra
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
South Africa | Kruger National Park |
Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
---|---|---|---|
January | 86° F | 63° F | 1.42 in |
30° C | 17° C | 36 mm | |
February | 81° F | 64° F | 12.8 in |
27° C | 17° C | 325 mm | |
March | 82° F | 63° F | 4.17 in |
27° C | 17° C | 106 mm | |
April | 81° F | 60° F | 1.22 in |
27° C | 15° C | 31 mm | |
May | 77° F | 55° F | 0.75 in |
25° C | 12° C | 19 mm | |
June | 73° F | 46° F | 0.43 in |
22° C | 7° C | 11 mm | |
July | 72° F | 43° F | 0.16 in |
22° C | 6° C | 4 mm | |
August | 79° F | 39° F | 0.0 in |
26° C | 3° C | 0 mm | |
September | 82° F | 45° F | 0.0 in |
27° C | 7° C | 0 mm | |
October | 86° F | 52° F | 1.3 in |
30° C | 11° C | 33 mm | |
November | 86° F | 57° F | 6.61 in |
30° C | 13° C | 168 mm | |
December | 86° F | 63° F | 4.09 in |
30° C | 17° C | 104 mm |
Conservation
The lodge has been built to the most stringent eco-management criteria in South Africa, audited bi-annually by Kruger National Park and the Department of Environment and Tourism. Off-road driving on the concession is not permitted at any time as the damage a vehicle does to the veld takes up to two years to repair. An aerial survey has shown the true damage that off-road driving has done to the environment in the past. Jock Safari Lodge has a 100% commitment to maintaining a low-impact footprint in order to remain true to an overall conservation ethic and to preserve this unique heritage for future generations.