My curiosity was sparked by the sound of an animal’s grunt during my first early morning at Jock Safari Lodge. I had opted to spend the night in my suite’s outdoor bed amongst the sounds, smells and feel of nature. Convinced that the grunting sound was a hippo foraging near the riverbed ahead, I couldn’t wait for morning to break so that I could see it.
Before heading out for the daily morning game drive, it was still dark. So, I borrowed a torch to shine light towards the source of the sound. To my surprise, it was not a hippo. Instead, I saw two female lions dash further into the bush. What a thrill! We managed to get closer during that morning’s drive and found that the lions had killed a young waterbuck just beside my suite. This is the luxurious wild adventure of Jock Safari Lodge.
Jock Safari Main Lodge
A visit to the world famous Kruger National Park which spans across Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces in South Africa is on many travellers’ bucket lists. Afterall, it is one of the largest conservation parks in the world.
Staying at Jock Safari Lodge, which is within the first privately-owned concession in the Kruger, was a superior experience to any previous visit I had made to the park.
With 6000 hectares of exclusive traversing rights at the confluence of the Bayamiti and Mitomeni rivers, 12 secluded suites and an advantageous location for game viewing, the scene is set for an epic safari experience in South Africa.
I enjoyed spending time at the lodge’s wooden terrace which overlooks the riverbed. There’s undeniable luxury in unexpectedly sighting wildlife while enjoying the pool or a meal there.
During one afternoon, for example, I was munching down a crisp chicken salad, while seated at the terrace, when a herd of elephants walked through the riverbed. I was ecstatic. It makes you feel so lucky.
It was particularly fascinating to watch how they use their trunks and feet to dig for water.
A stay at Jock Safari Lodge goes beyond it’s comfort and exceptional dawn and dusk game viewing. It has an interesting story too.
The lodge is named after a dog called Jock, who belonged to Percy FitzPatrick, an intrepid explorer and the author behind the South African classic, Jock of The Bushveld. During your stay, you will notice that pleasant references to Jock the dog are seen throughout the lodge.
Learn more about the history of Jock Safari Lodge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CS6_IdmD6mb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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Close Encounters With Wildlife
Game viewing with Jock Safari Lodge is intimate and uncrowded as sightings are only shared with other guests of the lodge. We were expertly guided by Jacob who was both brilliant and entertaining.
What makes game viewing with Jock Safari Lodge even better is its location in the south west of the Kruger where it’s the norm to see at least four of the big five in one single drive. I saw all five in one day!
I visited during winter season (May to August) which meant the view of fresh flowing rivers was replaced by a dry sandy riverbed. This dry season is the ideal time of year for game viewing as the lean vegetation makes it easier to sight wildlife.
In addition to the lion scene that unfolded outside my suite, the following may be difficult to believe. I saw a leopard on every game drive during my stay! I always hope for close encounters with leopards as they are usually one of the most rare to spot.
The first sighting was extraordinary. We watched a leopard patiently stalk impala right before us. It lay flat and still on the ground, waiting for an opportunity to attack. Luckily for the impala, it was a failed hunt. I’ve included an image below.
The second leopard sighting was of a mother and her cub laying in the grass – a special scene to witness.
During my final game drive, Jacob’s sharp eye noticed a very young leopard cub left alone while its mother was presumably out hunting.
While I experienced each of these sightings, I couldn’t believe they were happening. These finds were beyond what I had expected.
Jock Safari Lodge Suite Tour
And at the end of a day of exploring the wild nature of the Kruger, serious comfort awaited me at my spacious Jock Safari Lodge suite. Their thatched roofs, green & brown tones and wooden textures create an earthy aesthetic that compliments the natural surroundings.
I was especially impressed by the privacy and size of my suite. In addition to a four-poster bed, double shower and leather seating, each suite has the following:
- Outdoor shower
- Splash pool
- Outdoor Victorian bath
- Uninterrupted views of the riverbed
- and a net-encased outdoor bed
I made sure to use it all! Soaking in the hot bath at night with the stars above and calming sounds of nature surrounding me was absolutely soul refreshing.
Thank you to the staff at Jock Safari Lodge for your hospitality. Your welcoming smiles, professionalism and warmth enhance the Jock Safari spirit. My stay surpassed my expectations and I’ve certainly made memories that I will carry with me forever.
Enjoy my suite tour video below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CS_mnBPj0WR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Learn more about Jock Safari Lodge
Jock Safari Concession is privately owned by the CALEO Foundation who aims to protect the wilderness while providing guests with a pure experience in nature.
Book your stay at Jock Safari Lodge for a legendary experience of Kruger National Park.
