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Guardians of the Wild: The Impact and Dedication of the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

At Jock Safari Lodge, we believe in offering more than just unforgettable safari experiences – we are deeply committed to preserving the wildlife that makes these moments possible. The Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU) is dedicated to protecting endangered species and maintaining the ecological integrity of our conservancy and the surrounding areas. The work of the Unit stands as a testament to our commitment.

Strengthening Conservation Efforts

While the overarching responsibility of conservation within Kruger National Park lies with SANParks (South African National Parks), their efforts are significantly bolstered by smaller, privately funded unitS like JEMU. Established in January 2016 by prior shareholders The CALEO Foundation, JEMU was formed in direct response to the alarming surge in rhino poaching that threatened to decimate the park’s rhino population.(The International Rhino Foundation noted that by 2020, the Park had experienced “a population decline of 75% for white rhinos since 2011 (from 10,621) and 51% for black rhino since 2013 (from 415)”.)

JEMU operates as a non-combative monitoring unit, providing the Section Rangers with current and accurate information on suspicious activities within the Jock concession area and the wider Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The 6 000 hectares of unspoilt bushveld surrounding the lodge is a haven for wildlife, including a high density of rhinos and other species. Unfortunately, this abundance also attracts poachers, making it a hotspot that requires vigilant protection around the clock.

To safeguard this critical area, JEMU employs advanced technology such as Wildlife Protection Solutions (WPS) and Earth Ranger, as well as daily patrols in vehicles and on foot. These monitoring efforts are supported by motion-detection cameras, thanks to the generous support of organisations like SORAI, which sponsored their installation throughout the concession. These cameras monitored 24 hours a day as part of the concession contract, capture the movements of both animals and humans, efficiently distinguishing between the two.

When suspicious activity is detected, the team are able to instantly report it to the relevant Section Rangers. This immediate communication enables the official counter-poaching units to be deployed swiftly, increasing the chances of intercepting poachers before they can harm the wildlife. The data collected from the JEMU patrols and the cameras is an invaluable resource for conservationists managing the poaching crisis and formulating long-term strategies to protect endangered species against the illegal wildlife trade.

A Wider Conservation Lens

While rhino conservation remains important, JEMU’s conservation lens focuses on a variety of Red List species, such as ground hornbills (vulnerable) and martial eagles (endangered), wild dog (endangered) and cheetah (vulnerable). Monitoring predator movements, especially male lion dynamics, adds another layer to JEMU’s comprehensive environmental stewardship.

One of the most heartening aspects of JEMU’s work is their involvement in rescuing orphaned rhino calves, victims of poaching and other tragic events. These vulnerable young rhinos are relocated to specialised facilities, where they receive the care and rehabilitation needed to eventually return to the wild.

Beyond their anti-poaching activities, JEMU also collaborates with Kruger’s Section Rangers in essential conservation tasks such as road maintenance, controlled burns for vegetation management, erosion control and managing wildlife that may disrupt the ecological balance.

An Invitation to Join the Effort

If you think the description above sounds like an enormous responsibility and dangerous undertaking, you’d be correct. The challenges faced by our rangers are significant, from navigating a demanding environment filled with wild animals to confronting poachers. Yet their commitment remains unwavering. They risk their safety daily to ensure that future generations can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa’s wildlife.

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