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Kruger National Park Accommodation - South
Kruger Park Game & Safari Lodges
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Kapama
Game Reserve
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Kruger
National Park
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South
Africa
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Jock Safari
Lodge - South Kruger National Park - South Africa
Before
the turn of the century, the lure of gold brought men from all corners
of the world to Southern Africa. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the animal
classic, Jock of the Bushveld was one of these.
They passed
through some of Africa’s most scenic untamed wilderness. It is in this
area that Jock Safari Lodge is based with our southern boundary being the
old wagon route from Delgoa Bay into the gold fields of the interior. Today
the wilderness experience we offer is unchanged from these early times.
It is in an area noted for its diversity in game, particularly the BIG
FIVE.
Jock
Safari Lodge incorporates the romance and elegance of the past colonial
era, and reflects in its unique style the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan
cultures. |
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This luxurious
lodge is situated in the southern area of the KNP at the confluence of
the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers, half way between Skukuza and Malelane.
It is
approximately 35 km to the Skukuza airstrip and 150km to the Kruger International
Mpumulanga airport in Nelspruit.
Magnificent
trees and an abundance of bird life surround the Lodge. From here our two
track roads take you into 6000 ha of exclusive traversing in the first
private concession set in over 2 million hectares of KNP. The lodge is
easily accessible by road, just over 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, or
1 hour Skukuza and 2 hours from Kruger International airports.
Jock
is located in a malaria area, but incidents are very low. Guests are advised
to take precaution though. |
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Exclusive
traversing rights of six thousand hectares of pristine bush offers the
best Big Five game viewing experience.
Located
in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park, at the confluence
of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers, the lodge is named after local legend,
Jock of the Bushveld. This canine hero of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s famous
story of courage and loyalty has stirred adventurous souls for hundreds
of years. Jock Safari Lodge offers two, five star luxury lodges, namely
the original Jock Safari Lodge and Little Jock.
These
two lodges operate independently, each with a full staff compliment, chef
and host. Jock Safari Lodge offers wonderful views of the river bed and
waterholes. Careful screening by lush trees and reed walls ensures that
each luxurious suite provides a sense of privacy and union with the surrounding
landscape. All 12 suites are linked to the main lodge by meandering pathways. |
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Each accommodation
boasts private plunge pools, furnishings reflecting the region’s distinctive
mix of regional cultures with attention paid to the little comforts.
Ensuite
bathrooms feature Victorian ball and claw baths, his and her vanities and
personalized toiletries. For guest’s convenience, each suite has adjustable
air-conditioning, a hospitality tray, mini-bar and safe and a private outdoor
lounge area that overlooks the river.
Situated
one kilometer from the main camp, Little Jock, a three suite stand alone
lodge overlooks the banks of the Biyamiti River offering sweeping views
over the unspoiled Kruger Park bushveld. With only three luxurious private
suites, Little Jock can be booked as a private safari camp for a small
group or family or for individuals. Here, guests can relax in the comfort
of the central lounge designed with large windows and enjoy the al fresco
and indoor dining facilities, while the chef conjures up traditional dishes
inspired by the natural surrounds. |
Daily
guided game drives and walks led by professional rangers offer close encounters
with Africa’s wildlife.
At dawn
and dusk, avoiding the heat of the day, guests are invited to follow paths
through the bush to discover the mysteries of the unspoilt wildnerness.You
might encounter a grazing rhino, a majestic leopard, a rare raptor, or
an exquisite rock paining left 3 thousand years ago by local hunter-gathers
at any turn. Birders and photographers will be overwhelmed by the opportunities
afforded by the open savannah. All guests are encouraged to pamper themselves
by making use of the extensive Spa treatments made available at the main
Jock Safari Lodge.
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Main
Jock
Twelve
individual thatched suites, screened by lush trees and reed walls, offer
guests utmost luxurious privacy, creating a unique experience of gracious
old world elegance surrounded by unspoilt wilderness.
All
the suites are named after places of interest in the tale of “Jock of the
Bushveld” - the treacherous Pettigrew’s Road, the trading posts of Delagoa
Bay and Komatipoort. Each suite, with queen or twin beds enveloped in a
canopy of voluptuous white netting, has its own personal “sala” (thatched
viewing deck), plunge pool, romantic Victorian ball and claw bath, his
and her vanities and outdoor shower. The suites have been built overlooking
the rivers and offer breathtaking river bed frontage, bushveld vistas and
game viewing. Each suite is also fully equipped with 5 star amenities such
as air-conditioning, fans, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and
safe. |
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Guest
Facilities at Jock Safari Lodge:
The romance
and elegance of the past are reflected in this unique luxury lodge. Interesting
aspects include historical wagons of this bygone period strategically parked
in and around the lodge – one is found parked under the thatched porte
cochere of the main reception.
A small
business centre is available for internet access while a cosy lounge and
library invites one to curl up with a book, reflecting on the tranquil,
lethargic beauty Jock has to offer.
At
Jock African cuisine is offered which incorporates an abundance of flavours
accumulated on the routes followed by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. The head chef
at Jock and his passionate team conjure up dishes of legendary proportions,
allowing the taste buds to follow their own African journey. The cuisine
is served in a variety of locations - from fine dining in or outdoors to
a gourmet adventure in the Lapa under the canopy of African night skies. |
| Climbing
wooden stairs that wind through a 400 year old Jackalberry tree, leads
on to the upstairs bar area with a viewing deck overlooking the rock pool
and Biyamiti River. Comfortable leather couches inviting one to enjoy an
aperitif before dinner or relax reflecting on the day that was. The soul
of Jock and its people, delight in making one at home, informally yet attentively
ensuring luxurious comfort and relaxation, leaving one with lingering aftertastes
of the essences of Jock and the Bushveld.
Room
Configuration
12
Luxury suites
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Standard
Room Features
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En-suite
bathroom
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Air Conditioning
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Outdoor
showers
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Mini-bar
facility
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Digital
safe in cupboard
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Amenities
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Each has
a private sala (viewing deck) overlooking the river & plunge pool
Additional
facilities
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Internet
facilities on request
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Beautiful
rock swimming pool
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| Little
Jock
With
only 3 suites, Little Jock will ensure that personal service is always
a priority for the lodge’s friendly staff. Each of the 3 luxurious suites
are equipped with their own viewing deck, indoor or outdoor showers and
guest amenities. While the dining and entertainment area offers both alfresco
and indoor dining facilities allowing guests the unique opportunity to
experience the gracious style of old world elegance surrounded by unspoilt
wilderness.
Little
Jock’s suites boast beautiful views into the unspoilt Kruger bushveld and
guests can also relax in the comforts of the central lounge overlooking
the banks of the Biyamiti River. This new lodge can either be booked as
a whole lodge with its own personal chef & game ranger or as individual
suites. |
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at Little Jock are able to enjoy snacks and meals in the privacy of their
suites or join other guests to sumptuous meals under the African sky while
the chef and his dedicated team conjure up traditional dishes inspired
by this unique location.
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Room
Configuration
3
Luxury suites
Standard
Room Features
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En-suite
bathroom
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Air Conditioning
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Indoor
showers
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Mini-bar
facility
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Digital
safe in cupboard
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Amenities
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Additional
facilities
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Beautiful
rock swimming pool
Additional
information
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Buffet
style breakfast, plated lunchs, wide variety of hot and cold foods
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Early
morning tea/coffee and High Tea in the afternoon before game drives
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Dinner
mostly served outdoors in the Boma or at the ox wagons
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Two game
drives per day. One in the late afternoon and one early in the morning
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Game
Drives and Walks
Morning
and evening drives are performed in covered 4x4 Landrovers conducted by
highly experienced rangers.
Traversing
through the reserve, the wildlife is sometimes staggering in its diversity.
Enthralling sightings of elephants, a sea of buffalo horns rising from
the grass as they lie resting in the growing heat as well as prides of
lions, awaits one.
At
dusk, a vantage point is chosen overlooking one of the many breathtaking
vistas of the Kruger National Park. Sundowners are enjoyed while tales
of the bush are told and a glimpse of what this unique wilderness has to
offer is seen while being entranced by the ever changing colours of the
sky as the sun slips into the timeslot of tomorrow. |
En route
back to the lodge, nocturnal animals such as leopard, hyena and lion are
often seen.
Walking
Safari’s are encouraged, after a hearty breakfast, moving through the veld
enjoying vistas of unsurpassed beauty and discovering one’s place in the
cycle of nature. The diversity of fauna and flora in this unique concession
truly comes alive when viewed on foot.
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Pilgrims
Rest Spa
Pilgrim’s
Rest, named after the quaint historical mining town featured so prominently
in “Jock of the Bushveld” and still in existence today, was a place to
rest, rejuvenate and restock. So too is the Relaxation Retreat at Jock
Safari Lodge.
The
Pilgrims Rest Retreat offers an escape to enjoy some pampering. Awaken
your senses and allow us to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Inspired by
surrounding elements that guide us, our selection of body and beauty treatments
cater for men and women.
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| Flora
& Fauna
Personally
assigned rangers will delight in sharing their knowledge of this astounding
natural treasure trove of the bushveld and slowly the mysteries of the
wild unfold.
Jackalberry
trees older than written history are pointed out and the myriad of insects,
birds, mammals and reptiles that exist in this leafy ecosystem are explained.
The sheer wonder of Mother Nature at work in this microcosm makes one eager
to experience and understand more and to experience untouched Paradise
in its pure form. |
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The
Amarula tree, so very African, can be seen overflowing with baboons plundering
the juicy fruit while keeping a wary eye out for the leopard that abound
in the Jock concession. Taste the Sour Plum and sense a taste explosion
or spot the various plants with medicinal values ranging from stomach cures,
cures for hangovers or even a bush Viagra!!
The
vast expanse of this wild land slows one down and with this inner peace
comes an ability to really incite the senses. Every game drive is a discovery
of Nature and the magic of Jock
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| Birdwatching
For
the avid birdwatcher, abundant species of bird are regularly seen on the
concession including raptors such as the Martial, Tawny and Fish Eagles
as well as Steppe Buzzards.
A wide
variety of Bushveld Birds are spotted from the comfort of ones room or
whilst lying next to the Rock Pool. Most commonly seen are Hornbills, Starlings,
Boubou’s, Shrikes and Woodpeckers to name but a few.
The
tranquil atmosphere at the Lodge allows for unique birding opportunities
as man slows down, finding the rhythm of nature and begins to truly observe. |
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Rock
Art
Throughout
the concession, rock art sites dating back more than 3 000 years are found
depicting the spiritual beliefs and lives of the San. During their travels,
members of the tribe would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories
and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through
rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions
and guidance. This medicine man would ensure the well being of the tribe,
protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring
good hunting and rains. These experiences of the Shaman were depicted
to the tribe in the form of the rock art seen today. The various sites
that were chosen were also very symbolic, the rock depicting the medium
between the different realms the Shaman had travelled in his trancelike
state. Rock was the medium where 3 worlds met: the world as we know it,
the world above and the world below. |
| Stargazing
With
the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Jock Safari Lodge is
phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa.
Romantic
stories of gods and goddesses banished to the heavens are woven into astronomical
facts and unfolds before one’s eyes.
How
better to end a blissful day at Jock but to sit reflecting under the star
studded-canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching
before one.
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Directions:
FROM
JOHANNESBURG
Take
the N12 national road to Witbank which becomes the N4 national road. Follow
the N4 through Nelspruit and Malelane. About 2 km outside Malelane, take
the turn-off to enter the Kruger National Park at the Malelane Gate where
an entrance fee is payable. Please have your confirmation or voucher with
you.
Once
you enter Malelane gate, drive straight on the H3 road, for about 37 km
and turn left at the “Jock Safari Lodge” sign. Then a 3 km dirt road and
you are at the lodge. Distance from Johannesburg: +/- 458 km |
| Note:
The camp is situated half way between Skukuza and Malelane gates approximately
35 km in both directions with only 3 km of dirt road. Due to the rules
and regulations of the Kruger National Park, nobody is allowed on any Kruger
National Park roads during the period of gates being closed. Therefore
guests must be at their destination by the time the gates close. |
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Rates
available on enquiry
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