Description
Jock of the Bushveld is the true tale of author Percy Fitzpatrick’s travels around his native South Africa with a Staffordshire terrier. Named after that same dog, this luxury safari residence is equally storied. It sits within what was the Kruger National Park’s first-ever private concession, and has long provided an acclaimed benchmark for exclusive safari experiences, romantic seclusion and gastronomy.
Accommodation
Drenched in old-world elegance, the dozen thatched, air-conditioned chalets boast plunge pools, outdoor showers and salas (shaded decks) with daybeds overlooking the animal-rich riverbed. Guests may sleep out on the latter, shrouded by mosquito nets. Prefer more privacy? Half a mile away, exclusive-hire Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock offers three family suites plus a pool, two lounges and a private vehicle
Facilities
A pool and adjacent veranda await back at the main lodge, which is dotted with Zulu and Shangaan tribal artefacts in a further nod to Jock of the Bushveld. Between game drives, guests also relax in the library or the bijou spa, sauna and exercise room. Everyone then tends to gather in an upstairs bar before dinner – taken either in a campfire-heated boma or on your suite’s private deck. The cuisine once again reflects Fitzpatrick’s roving adventures to different corners of gold-rush South Africa.
Activities
Utilising open-topped 4x4 vehicles, morning and late-afternoon game drives rove around the private concession. You’re unlikely to see any other residents, nor other safari-goers, but the Big Five are very likely to make memorable cameos. As Jock Safari Lodge is a private concession, drives can excitingly continue after dark. Other possible activities include birdwatching, stargazing, visits to rock art sites, treatments at the Pilgrims Rest Spa or overnight walking safaris based at nearby Jock Explorer Camp.
Child Policy
Kids are very welcome; note that children below 6 cannot join game drives. Fitzpatrick’s Lodge is the suggested accommodation which is fenced to keep out any unwanted attention.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
"We were referred to Ash by a mutual friend and were specifically looking for a unique experience for our family which involved a game park. After a brief discussion around what we would like to see and do, Ash then came back with a package that met us at Jo'burg airport, flew us into the Kruger where our three day safari staying in a 5 star lodge began. This intimate lodge with our own dedicated guide gave us an amazing experience seeing the big five and many more types of wildlife. We then stayed in a luxury guesthouse outside of the park, drove the Panorama Route and visited an elephant sanctuary where we got to lead and ride the elephants - an experience our children will remember forever. This six day portion of a three month world holiday was still the highlight of the whole trip for me. We would not have experienced this but for Ash's local knowledge and attention to our specific needs. I have recommended friends to Ash who have subsequently also arranged similar holidays via her. I would love to come back and see more of South Africa in the years to come and will definitely use Ash again for this."
Tim Groenestein who stayed here in August 2016.
Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger has been rated 1 time, with an overall rating of 5.00 out of 5.
