Jock Safari Lodge

Located within 6, 000 ha of pristine bushveld, Jock Safari Lodge is an exclusive private concession, perfectly positioned in the southern part of the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park.

The wildlife within this region have survived undisturbed without negative impact from mankind, encouraged to thrive.

Jock Safari Lodge emerges where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers flow as one – this natural unbroken landscape offers guests one of the best Big Five game viewing experiences in South Africa with its exclusive riverbed traversing rights.

Steeped in history, Jock Safari Lodge was the first private concession granted within the Kruger National Park and is named after local legend, Jock of the Bushveld, the canine hero of Sir Percy FitzPatrick’s famous story of courage and loyalty that is set during South Africa’s first gold rush era.

Relive one of South Africa’s cultural heritages through this wonderful story and view the original mementoes on display at the Main Lodge.

Two authentic lodges both offering the timeless style and elegance of a classic safari lodge, pay homage to its rich history and heritage but with the addition of modern comforts expected by today’s discerning traveller.

Taking guests on a sensory journey that encapsulates history, flora, fauna, conservation, relaxation and fine South African food and wine, Main Jock Lodge comprises 12 individual thatched rooms, while nearby the private and intimate camp, Fitzpatrick’s at Jock caters for small parties and families with three suites. Fitzpatrick’s at Jock welcomes children of all ages which is complemented with our curated Kids on Safari programme.

In addition to the excellent Big Five game viewing, activities include daily game drives, wilderness walks, bird watching and nearby golf at Leopard Creek Golf Course, while the Relaxation Retreat will ensure guests truly unwind.

Welcome to Jock Safari Lodge, a luxurious private lodge situated in the Big Five region of the Kruger National Park.

STORY OF JOCK SAFARI LODGE

The lure of gold brought men from all corners of the world to Southern Africa. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, renowned South African author, was one of these.

The gold-rich capital of Thula Mela, situated on a hill at the fork of the Limpopo and Lebuvu Rivers 200 km north of Jock Safari Lodge, served as the trading centre of Southern Africa.The prospectors 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 Voortrekker road from Delagoa Bay (now Maputo) to the goldfields of the interior at Pilgrims Rest.

Today, the wilderness experience we offer is unchanged from those early times and is an area noted for its diversity in game, particularly the BIG FIVE. In 1982, the Niven Family built a fence around the camp, which helped in preserving all the trees from destruction by visiting elephants.

The conservation-conscious Niven family also planted indigenous trees within the fenced area, which has grown to create a canopied ambience of shade different to the exposed wilderness just outside of the lodge.

Nestled at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers at the southern tip of the KNP, the legend of an intrepid explorer, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his trusted dog, Jock, lives on.

THE LEGEND OF JOCK
The concept was born by the descendants of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick – the Niven family.They used the trust funds of Sir Fitzpatrick to build a lodge in the area close to where the story of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his dog Jock took place.

Sir Fitzpatrick was educated at Downside Abbey, near Bath (England), and later at St. Aidan’s College, Grahamstown. On his father’s death in 1880, he left college in order to support his mother and her family.

In 1884, he went to the Eastern Transvaal goldfields, where he worked as a storeman, prospector’s hand, journalist and transport-rider, travelling from Lourenco Marques to Lydenburg and Barberton by ox-wagon. At the latter place, he became editor of the Gold Fields News.

His adventures during the pioneering days in the Bushveld are vividly described in Jock of the Bushveld, now a South African classic. At bedtime, he used to recount his experiences with his dog, Jock, to his four children.

Rudyard Kipling, an intimate friend, took part in these story-telling evenings and persuaded Fitzpatrick to collect the stories in book form. When he had done this, the author searched for a suitable artist to illustrate the book and came across Edmund Caldwell.

He brought him to South Africa to see the Bushveld and make the drawings on the spot.The book appeared in 1907 and had an enthusiastic reception, being reprinted four times in that year.

It has remained a special favourite in South Africa and has been widely read abroad, appearing in several forms and languages.The Caleo Foundation is proud to own this property and is guided by the philosophy of Quality, Excellence and Distinction. The pleasure is ours… make the experience yours!

EXPERIENCE A LUXURY 5 STAR SAFARI

Experience wildlife such as the Big 5, like never before, in the historical setting of Jock Safari Lodge with two unique accommodation options.

The lodge with 6 000 hectares of natural landscape within the Kruger National Park, offers guests one of the best Big 5 game viewing experiences in South Africa with its exclusive riverbed traversing rights.

MAIN JOCK LODGE
Main Jock, emulates the timeless style and elegance of a classic safari lodge, with the addition of modern comforts and conveniences expected by today’s discerning traveller.

Twelve secluded thatched suites offer privacy and uninterrupted views of the riverbed, reimagined with a private sala area offering evening sleep out options.

Main Jock Lodge ensures guests will experience a stay of seclusion and in pure harmony with the natural surroundings. Twelve secluded thatched suites, offering utter privacy, are veiled with lush trees and reed walls.

Each leads on to a private deck with plunge pool and a Sala, an outdoor day bed, all with a spectacular view of the riverbed. Main Jock Lodge will help your soul capture the essence of finding your inner peace amidst the calls of the wild.

The camp is situated half way between Skukuza and Malelane gates approximately 29 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.

FITZPATRICK’S AT JOCK
The intimate Fitzpatrick’s Lodge is stylishly appointed to offer the ultimate private villa experience, accommodating small parties and families on an exclusive-use basis, complete with private guide, vehicle and chef.

Children staying at Fitzpatrick’s at Jock are able to take part in the Kids on Safari programme offered. The intimate Fitzpatrick’s Lodge is stylishly appointed to offer the ultimate private villa experience, accommodating small groups and families on an exclusive-use basis.

The villa comes complete with its own staff compliment and dedicated ranger with a private game viewing vehicle, offering guided game drives twice daily to explore the 6,000 hectare private concession, which is known for its exhilarating Big 5 sightings and other interesting game encounters.

Perched on the banks of the Mitomeni (Shangaan for ‘Jackalberry Tree’) riverbed, Fitzpatrick’s boasts spacious indoor and outdoor living and dining areas that make the most of the magnificent wilderness setting.

It comes with a private boma and swimming pool with sun loungers overlooking the riverbed and the bush beyond, with frequent sightings of elephants and other animals passing by. Each of the three luxurious suites has a private deck, while two also come with small plunge pools.

The en-suite bathrooms extend onto the private decks with outdoor showers and baths that offer unforgettable nocturnal soaks under the stars. Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is child-friendly, and an exciting Kids on Safari programme is available.

The camp is safely fenced and various educational and recreational wildlife activities are offered. The villa is equipped with a TV room, and childminding services are available.

GAME DRIVES

Morning and evening drives are performed in covered 4×4 Land Cruisers conducted by highly experienced rangers. Traversing through the concession, the wildlife is sometimes staggering in its diversity.

Enthralling sightings of elephants, prides of lions as well as a sea of buffalo horns rising from the grass as they lie resting in the growing heat, awaits one. At dusk, a vantage point is chosen to overlook one of the many breath-taking views 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. Wilderness Walks 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. Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of approaching species on foot.

WILDERNESS WALKS

Walking Safaris 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. Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of approaching species on foot.

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 will unfold.

Sighting the “Big Five” has become something of a quest for many people when on safari, and the Kruger National Park has more than its fair share of these, with an estimated 1,700 lion, 15,000 elephants, 25,000 buffalo and 1,000 leopards.

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.

With the Kruger National Park being so vast it naturally has a tremendous botanic diversity. Simplistically the Kruger National Park can be divided into 16 macro ecozones.

The northern half of the park, north of the Olifants River is predominantly mopane veld, while south of the Olifants River the ecozones are thornveld. There are 404 tree species in the park.

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 abounds 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, hangover solutions 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 and Wilderness Walk is a discovery of nature and the magic of Jock.

BIRD WATCHING

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 one’s 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.

Late summer (January and February) is an excellent time for birding in Kruger. Kruger attracts a diversity of birds because it straddles so many eco-zones. 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.

LEOPARD CREEK GOLF CLUB

Complimentary transfers from Jock Safari Lodge to Leopard Creek Golf Club. Jock Safari Lodge offers all golfers free transfers to Leopard Creek Golf Club just outside the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park. All transfers are done on a game viewing vehicle so your transfer is a game drive in itself!

Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopard Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and challenging golf strategies.

Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures after whom the river is named, crocodiles.

In addition to the decorative water features seen throughout, guests can also look forward to the frequent crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and elephant sighting in the Kruger National Park which borders the course.

KIDS ON SAFARI AT JOCK SAFARI LODGE

Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is a 3 room stand-alone lodge offering families personal service in an intimate atmosphere. Upon arrival the host and/or ranger will discuss activity options with the family taking the family’s size, children’s ages and the weather into consideration.

Child minding is available at an additional cost. Each child will receive a gift pack containing small gifts, most of which they can use during their stay at Fitzpatrick’s at Jock.

Outdoor Activities

• Visit the Stevenson Hamilton Museum in Skukuza
• On route to and from Skukuza, they will enjoy a game drive (in closed vehicle) which will stop at all the lookout points to enjoy refreshments
  Junior ranger training while on kiddies drive
• Night walk within the camp

Arts, Crafts and Games

• Play dough session
• Mini Chef’s
• Arts and crafts
• Puzzles of varying sizes and difficulties covering a broad
• A selection of entertaining and educational children’s books
• A selection of fun board games

Special Notes

• All swimming activities must be supervised by parents at all times
• Game drives for children younger than 6 years old are conducted in closed vehicles as per rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park
  Child minding is done by lodge staff and can be arranged with reservations prior to arrival at an additional cost
• Please ensure that all children bring good walking shoes, a large hat and sunscreen as well as any medicine used to treat allergies

PILGRIMS REST RETREAT

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.

CONSERVATION AT JOCK

Nestled at the confluence of the Mitomeni* and Biyamiti* rivers at the southern tip of the world famous Kruger National Park, the legend lives on of the story of an intrepid explorer, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, the renowned South African author.

The lodge is situated on 6 000 ha of pristine bushveld and for the exclusive use to the discerning Jock guests.

The lodge has been built to the most stringent eco-management criteria in South Africa, audited by Kruger National Park and DEAT (Department of Environment and Tourism) on a bi-annual basis. Off road driving on the concession is permitted for predator sightings.

This is however done in an environmentally sensible manner as the damage a vehicle does to the veld takes up to 2 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 in maintaining a low impact upon the footprint that is Jock in order to remain true to the overall conservation ethic of the Caleo Foundation and in order to preserve this unique heritage for future generations.

This luxurious concession offers us glimpses of bygone days of the gold diggings of the Eastern Transvaal, where adventurers like Irish born Fitzpatrick traversed the rugged Lowveld and escarpment en route to the beautiful African port of Delagoa Bay now known as Maputo in Mozambique.

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick transported provisions by ox wagon from the coast to the gold digging villages, assisted by his constant companion, Jock.

Fitzpatrick outwitted crocodile infested rivers, malaria carrying mosquitoes and man eating lion, while having to ‘hunt for the pot’, traversing and sleeping under immense African skies.

Jock Safari Lodge are actively involved with numerous conservation and research projects of rare and endangered species such as: black and white rhino, lion, wild dog, marshall eagle and the ground hornbill.

More recently Jock Safari Lodge was thrilled to be a part of a demographic study in conjunction with the Kruger National Park to research the impact of bovine tuberculosis on lion populations.

Rooms: 15

Price: from 889 EUR per night

Source: www.jocksafarilodge.com