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Preparing for Your Safari at Jock Safari Lodge – Everything You Need to Know!

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

There’s a unique thrill that comes with preparing for a luxury safari, and if your journey takes you to Jock Safari Lodge in the heart of Kruger National Park, you’re in for an adventure that combines wild beauty with unparalleled comfort.

Whether it’s your first safari or you’re returning for more, this complete safari guide will help you get the most out of your experience at Jock Safari Lodge. From what to pack and what to expect, to travel tips and local insights, we’ve got you covered.

What to Pack for Your Safari at Jock Safari Lodge

A successful safari starts with smart packing. Kruger’s climate can vary, and the bush demands both comfort and practicality.

Jock Safari Lodge Packing Checklist:

Essentials:

  • Wide-Brim Sun Hat: Protect yourself from the African sun, essential for game drives.
  • High-SPF Sunscreen: The sun is strong year-round.
  • Camera + Accessories: Capture wildlife encounters, bring extra batteries, memory cards, and an adapter.
  • Sunglasses: A good pair reduces glare and protects your eyes on sunny drives.
  • Binoculars: While guides often have a pair, it’s great to have your own to not miss any sightings.
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: Perfect for optional bush walks and lodge comfort.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated- Jock provides insulated bottles and refill stations.
  • Swimwear: Ideal for relaxing in the pool during hot afternoons.
  • Lip Balm with SPF: The dry bush air can be unforgiving.

Clothing:

  • Neutral Colors: Stick to khaki, beige, and olive which are ideal for blending into the environment. Long pants and long sleeve t-shirts assist in minimising sun exposure.
  • Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Keep cool during the day, dry quickly if it rains or sweat.
  • Layering Options: Early mornings and evenings can be cool, pack a warm jacket or fleece, even in summer.
  • Winter Travel (May–August): Add gloves, scarves, thermal layers—the bush can get chilly!
  • Ladies: Sports Bra: Game drive roads can be bumpy; comfort is key.
  • Prescription Glasses: Dust can irritate contact lens wearers, bring a backup pair.

Your Daily Safari Experience at Jock

Every day at Jock Safari Lodge is curated to help you experience the Big Five and the diverse beauty of Kruger National Park.

Morning Game Drives:

Start at sunrise with a guided drive in open vehicles. Mornings are prime time for spotting predators and witnessing the bush waking up. Enjoy a coffee stop mid-drive with fresh snacks.

Leisure Time:

Return to the lodge for a gourmet breakfast, followed by leisure time—whether relaxing by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment at the Pilgrim’s Rest Spa, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the bush.

Evening Game Drives & Sundowners:

Depart in the late afternoon for a sunset safari. As the sun dips, enjoy a traditional sundowner, a refreshing drink in the bush while watching the horizon glow.

Evenings at the Lodge:

Return to a wood-fired dinner under the stars, with the sounds of the wild in the background. It’s in these moments that the true magic of safari sets in.

Travel Tips for Visiting Jock Safari Lodge and South Africa

Driving & Transport:

  • Drive on the left in South Africa.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Valid foreign licenses (with a photo and English text) are accepted.
  • Transfers available: Jock offers airport transfers from Skukuza or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

Electricity & Connectivity:

  • Voltage: 220/230V AC, 50Hz.
  • Plug Types: 3-pin (Type M); adaptors available at the lodge.
  • Power Interruptions: Occasionally scheduled load shedding; bring a power bank just in case.
  • WiFi: Available in main areas for light browsing and communication.
  • Cellphone Reception: Please note that there is no network connectivity available at the lodge.

Language:

English is widely spoken at the lodge. South Africa has 11 official languages, and your experience will be enriched by local cultural insights.

Currency & Payments:

  • Local currency: South African Rand (ZAR).
  • Credit cards accepted.
  • VAT refunds (15%) are available for tourists upon departure with valid receipts.

Gratuities – A Guide for Guests

Tipping is discretionary and reflects your satisfaction with the service received. At our lodges, gratuities are shared among staff to acknowledge their teamwork in delivering a memorable experience, while guides receive tips individually.

Recommended Gratuities:

  • Safari Guide: R 350 per room, per day
  • General Lodge Staff: R 300 per room, per day
    (Please inquire at the lodge for current suggested amounts.)

Don’t Forget These Safari Basics:

  • Passport: Valid for at least six months.
  • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
  • Credit Cards & Cash: Useful for tipping or souvenirs.
  • Power Bank: Useful during power outages or long drives.

Ready for Your Jock Safari Adventure?

At Jock Safari Lodge, you’ll experience the wonders of Kruger, from close-up wildlife encounters to peaceful moments under the African stars. Whether you’re sipping a sundowner by the river or spotting lions on the prowl, every moment is designed to reconnect you with nature in luxury.

Need more info? Our Reservations Team is here to help with travel planning, special requests, or safari questions.

Contact Us:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 (0) 13 010 0019

We look forward to welcoming you to Jock Safari Lodge, where your luxury safari experience awaits!

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