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A Legacy of Exploration and Adventure

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

The lure of gold once drew adventurers from all corners of the world to Southern Africa, among them Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the beloved classic Jock of the Bushveld. The gold-rich capital of Thulamela, perched on a hill at the confluence of the Limpopo and Levubu Rivers, served as the bustling trading hub of Southern Africa, just 200 km north of Jock Safari Lodge.

As fortune seekers ventured inland, they traversed some of Africa’s most breathtaking and untamed landscapes—wilderness that remains largely unchanged today. Jock Safari Lodge, located in the heart of the Kruger National Park (KNP), sits along the historic Voortrekker road that once connected Delagoa Bay (now Maputo) to the legendary goldfields of Pilgrim’s Rest. This region, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, continues to offer a truly authentic safari experience, where encounters with the Big Five are part of everyday life.

A Living Legacy in the Heart of the Bushveld

Nestled at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers, Jock Safari Lodge keeps the spirit of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his loyal companion, Jock, alive. This visionary concept was brought to life by the Niven family, descendants of Fitzpatrick, who in 1982 used his trust funds to protect the area and its indigenous trees, creating a sanctuary that honors both history and nature.

Born in England, Fitzpatrick was educated at Downside Abbey near Bath and later attended St. Aidan’s College, Grahamstown. In 1884, he set off for the Eastern Transvaal goldfields, working as a storeman, prospector’s hand, journalist, and transport rider, navigating ox-wagon routes from Lourenço Marques to Lydenburg and Barberton.

It was in Barberton that he became editor of the Gold Fields News, chronicling the grit and adventure of the pioneering days. His captivating Bushveld experiences, shared around campfires, caught the attention of Rudyard Kipling, who urged him to compile them into a book. In 1907, Jock of the Bushveld was published, cementing its place as a South African literary classic, cherished worldwide and translated into multiple languages.

An Authentic Safari Rooted in History

At Jock Safari Lodge, we are committed to preserving the untamed beauty and rich history of the Kruger region. Every aspect of your stay is designed to be unique and memorable, immersing you in the golden era of exploration. Walk in the footsteps of pioneers, relive the tales of Jock of the Bushveld, and experience an authentic safari like no other.

Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith

Jock Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the Kruger national park. It’s amazing location gives you a unique and real safari vibe. The lodge itself looks so amazing, stunning rooms, restaurant and relax areas. When you arrive at the lodge you will be welcomed by the amazing staff, that will tell you what the planning looks like. The planning is really amazing, you will get so much food and drinks, on top of that 2 amazing safaris with the best rangers! The safaris are really something else, private routes and amazing storys. The staff and everyone is really amazing at the lodge, this is a must do experience!

-Teuni D

The lodge is advertised as 5 star but I’d happily give it 6. Everything was perfect for the 3 night stay myself and my wife had, The room was spacious, clean and had everything you could want. The double shower cubicle was huge.There was an outside shower and bath, sunbeds, plunge pool, patio table with chairs and even a meshed tented area on the end of the platform overlooking the river bed with a made up double bed in case you wanted to sleep under the stars. The lodge staff were amazing, friendly and nothing was too much for them, Evening meals were fantastic, two of which were Brais (BBQ’s) on the river bed. The game drives were brilliant and our guide (not Driver!!) David, was really friendly and knowledgeable. We got the big 5 twice over. Will definitely be returning for a stay in the winter. Have done previous lodges in Kruger, Zimbabwe and Kenya but this tops them all.

-R. Davie

We spent several days here in early March — simply, the best! Very comfortable room and excellent food, with a warm staff. Highlights are the twice a day game drives. This definitely is not “pre-packaged” stuff — your guide (ours was Jacob) has a keen sense of where to find the animals, and drives over river beds and down back trails to find them -in a respectful way. We eagerly anticipated this part of our trip, and it exceeded expectations. You must go to have this experience.

-Robert D

I visited Kruger and Jock Lodge in 2017 and all I wanted to do is come back. That happened in Jan 2022 and once again it was wonderful in every way. The location is on a normally dry river bed so you can see wildlife from your window or terrace. The staff is so gracious and helpful. The wildlife guides are the most knowledgable and enthusiastic I have ever met. I come for the beauty and the animals and Jock Lodge delivers every time.

-Eva Fellner

Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith
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