Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Description

Jock Safari Lodge is the first private lodge set in the heart of Africa s premier wildlife reserve, the Kruger National Park. Situated in the southern area of the Kruger National Park...

This luxury lodge incorporates the romance and elegance of the past colonial era, and reflects in its unique style the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures. 

Sightings of animals including the BIG FIVE can be seen while relaxing around the rock pool or from the comfort and privacy of your own room.

The Kruger Park offers some of the best game viewing available in Africa and Jock Safari Lodge is situated in one of the best game viewing areas of the park.

Game drives in open landrovers, with our professional team of game rangers and trackers, offer guests the thrill of close encounters with Africa?s BIG FIVE.

Walking safaris, Birding safaris and guided Historical tours will take you along the paths of legend and mystery. Interpret the signs, sounds and scents of wild animals in this unspoilt wilderness.

Our warm and friendly staff look forward to hosting you on Safari.

Step into the welcoming arms of a luxury lodge with character, people with heart & the bushveld alive with possibility. Welcome to Jock Safari Lodge!

Jock Safari lodge is situated in the Big Five area of the Kruger National Park.

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.

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.

Accommodation

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.

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.

Guests 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.

Children at Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge values the safety of their guests and strives to provide a memorable game experience to all guests. Our child policy has been planned with the safety of your loved ones in mind and is also within the parametres of regulations laid down by the Kruger National Park. 

Adults/Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on any walking safaris.

Children under the age of 12 years are accommodated by prior arrangement only.

0 – 2 Year old children to share with parents at no extra charge, but are not permitted to join the game drives.

3 – 6 Year old children may share a room with the parents and will be charged 25% of the normal rate, which includes meals, accommodation, but are not permitted to join the game drives.

7 – 11 Year old children either sharing a room with their parents or in a separate room will be charged 50% of the normal rate, which includes meals, accommodation and game drives.

Children from 12 years old will require a separate room at the normal rate.

A maximum of one (1) child under 12 years sharing a room with 2 adults at Jock Safari Lodge, subject to availability of mattresses.

Facilities

Main Jock

GUEST FACILITIES
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.

Standard Room Features
En-suite bathroom
Air Conditioning
Outdoor showers
Mini-bar facility
Digital safe in cupboard
Amenities
Each has a private sala (viewing deck) overlooking the river & plunge pool

Additional facilities
Internet facilities on request
Beautiful rock swimming pool

Little Jock

Standard Room Features
En-suite bathroom
Air Conditioning
Indoor showers
Mini-bar facility
Digital safe in cupboard
Amenities

Additional facilities
Beautiful rock swimming pool

 Conference

As an exclusive incentive prize, a trip to Jock Safari Lodge, Mpumalanga, surely has to be one of the ultimate targets to aim for. Something that any self-respecting sales person would strive to achieve. It is one of the very first privately-owned camps in the world-famous Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights in one of Africa’s best Big Five game viewing areas. Which means that this amazing destination is sure to focus people’s minds on winning any incentive programme you devise!

Jock Safari Lodge has 12 luxury air conditioned suites which offer guests the unique opportunity to experience the gracious style of old world elegance surrounded by unspoilt wilderness. Each suite has a private ‘sala’ (outdoor lounge) that overlooks the river, with bathrooms and outdoor showers that share the same river view. Sightings of animals, including the Big Five, can often be seen from the comfort and privacy of each room - and the private terrace has its own plunge pool with a wooden walkway to a viewing point overlooking the riverbed.

Local Information
GMT +1
Two hours drive from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) or private charter to Skukuza airport
Internet access
Accommodation includes 12 luxury air conditioned suites or exclusive use of the three roomed private villa at Little Jock

Activities could include : Subject to availability, conditions apply
Morning and evening game drives in open landrovers
Walking safaris
Bird-watching safaris
Guided historical tours along the paths of legend and mystery
Pilgrim’s Rest spa
Sunset drinks

Weddings in the untamed wilderness

Jock Safari Lodge is set in an untamed wilderness which makes it the perfect location for a romantic African Wedding. At Jock we arrange wedding package to suit your individual needs.

Accommodation
Our 12 Luxurious Suites are designed to give a sense of being alone in, and integrated with, the surrounding unspoiled African Bush. All suites are elegantly furnished with attention paid to the little comforts that make any Mantis property memorable. The suites are all named after places of interest in the tale of “Jock of the Bushveld”. Linked to the main lodge by meandering walkways, the suites boast private plunge pools, and furnishings reflecting the region’s distinctive mix of Zulu, Shangaan and colonial cultures.

Venues
Different venues available, depending on the size of the Wedding Party.

Menu
Menus can be personalized for your requirements if the entire lodge is booked. (Please advise of any dietary requirements in advance). The chef and his dedicated team conjure up dishes inspired by this unique location, as well as all of the influences that have passed through it at one time or another. From the primal flavours of wild game and local herbs picked from the surrounding bushveld to the spicy tastes of visiting Arab traders, and traditional dishes introduced by European gold miners – guests can take their tastebuds on a true African safari.

Spa
Ease the strains of modern living from every muscle and mind at our fully equipped Spa. We honour our cultural heritage by using Essentially Africa body products, and support the conservation of animal, bird and plant life. This philosophy characterises our Signature Spa Treatments, which have been inspired by the richness of Africa’s soil, its abundant plant life, and the life-preserving grooming rituals of its wild animals. Treat yourself to a manicure / pedicure the morning of your wedding…

Wedding Packages Include
Minister -  Includes the processing of all necessary legal documents
Photographer - ± 80 Jumbo size colour, sepia and black & white photos – placed in a good quality flip file. Also includes negatives & 1 x CD with all photos on. An extra R 950 will be charged to courier to Europe / USA.
Flowers - Bridal bouquet, groom’s corsage, basket for table, rose petal confettie & cake arrangement. (Anything extra will be charged to guest’s account)
Wedding Cake - Traditional Fruit Wedding Cake (Advise if they would like something else)
Massages - His & hers – Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage
Witnesses - If the wedding couple is alone, the Jock staff will sign as witnesses
Time - Usually at 11:30 for 12:00, but clients can decide which time suits them best (Please keep in mind that gates close at 18:00 – for minister & photographer etc)

Packages Excludes - accommodation, meals, drinks etc.  A hairdresser can be arranged at extra cost.

We require the following information from the Bridal Couple:

Full names of wedding couple

Address, telephone & fax number, email address of wedding couple (Minister corresponds with couple directly. He needs all documents at least one month prior to wedding).

Colour Scheme – Colour of dress, what type of jewellery she’ll be wearing – gold/diamonds/pearls.

Wedding Cake – Would the couple like the traditional fruit wedding cake or carrot / chocolate cake in stead? (Bear in mind that a Fruit Cake needs to be made 3 months prior to the wedding to mature).

What type & colour flowers would the couple like? (Roses / lilies – cream / bright flowers etc…)

Where will the couple be staying the week after they depart Jock so that the photographer can courier the album & photos to them.

If the wedding takes place late afternoon, we suggest that accommodation is arranged for the minister & photographer, as the gate closes at 17:30, this charge will be for your own account.

Attractions

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Ingredients used for the paint consisted of red ochre, animal bones, coal and aloe sap. The sap and protein in egg and blood have the ability to preserve the art that exists today. The highlight of a day in paradise is a guided walk to view some of the rock art that abounds in and around Jock Safari Lodge. One gets a heightened awareness moving through the bush on foot and a newfound respect for the San who found a way to co-exist with Nature, leaving only a few mystical daubings on the rocks as proof of their fleeting visit and the simplicity of their ways, giving one a new understanding and meaning to our fast paced existence.

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.

Directions

Rates

FULLY INCLUSIVE RATES!
Rates quoted are per person and inclusive of Accommodation, Meals, Game Drives, taxes and Local South African beverages.