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Group or family safari travel has never looked this good!

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

Having undergone a transformation of notable proportions, family friendly Fitzpatrick’s safari lodge at Jock reopened on 1 November 2018.

Retaining its rich, traditional safari lodge feel, Fitzpatick’s Lodge has a brand new lay-out and reimagined interiors and styling. Accommodating families with children of all ages, the lodge is also perfectly suited to friends travelling together.  Kids on Safari in the Kruger National Park has never been this rewarding.

Driving onto the private concession at Jock Safari Lodge you’re greeted with unique landscape sculpted by granite hills and koppies. It is a private and exclusive area, ideally located in the southern wilderness areas of the Kruger National Park.

As you arrive you can feel the warmth and care radiating from the enthusiastic lodge staff that welcome you to the lodge, as you sip on your cocktail and overlook the Biyamiti River our Lodge Manager, Blessing, takes you through the variety of activities and sights that the lodge has to offer. The Biyamiti River snakes through the Jock Concession, holding water in pools all year even long after the bush has dried up, attracting large herds of game with predators that follow. It is flanked by huge granite boulders and giant jackalberries, marulas, fig and weeping boer bean trees that make for scenic photography. The lodge’s spacious indoor and outdoor areas have all been centred around the view, which presents excellent game viewing from the decks, including regular sightings of the Big 5.

The knowledgeable and passionate guide Ruan, invites you on your first safari. An endless thrill tracking through 6,000 of private concession where only the Jock guests can traverse- the game viewing is intense! Jock Safari Lodge sits in the original heart of the Kruger National Park, the wildlife within this region have survived undisturbed without any negative impact from mankind. It’s an area of unbroken landscape where the wildlife has always been encouraged to thrive, it also gives credit as to why we are so fortunate to encounter so many other endangered species within the concession such as: wild dog, cheetah and ground hornbill.

Children are encouraged to join on game drives or stay back at the lodge to experience a variety of entertaining and educational activities. Kids are never bored at Fitzpatrick’s Lodge with a full Kids on Safari programme included in the rate.  The programme has been meticulously created to inspire our little Eco warriors for the future.

Every detail has been seen to, with only 3 rooms one can expect personalised attention and care, it’s the perfect home away from home for only 6 guests. Nothing is too much trouble for this dedicated team, who are all connected by a driving force to create the perfect stay for all our guests. Come home to the newly refurbished Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock Safari Lodge.

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THE FITZPATRICK’S TEAM,  From left to right

THOKO KHOZA – Waitron,
THANDEKA LUKHELE – Waitron,
THULANI KHOZA – Groundsman,
RUAN FERREIRA – Ranger,
BLESSING MBONGELA – Fitzpatrick’s Manager,
SIBONGILE DHLAMINI – Housekeeper,
KATE NDLALA – Chef,
ZANDI PHUKANE – Housekeeper,
THANDEKA SIGUDLA – Chef

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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