The Kruger, South Africa
Jock Safari Lodge
Low-Key Luxury and Extremely Likeable
A tale of companionship in a vast wilderness, ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ is on most safari travellers’ reading lists and the lodge, being owned by the family of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick (the author), is christened in tribute to this moving story of man and his best Staffie friend.
Nonetheless it is not just the novel that makes the lodge so well-liked and why guests often return year on year, but its modest, informal atmosphere, warm staff and their knowledgeable and friendly team of rangers.
Located in the Jock Concession of the Kruger National Park, game drives here are ideally placed to spot and track the Big Five and there’s a fantastic nocturnal safari option to see the area’s 34 different species of amphibians.
The Main Jock Lodge has 12 individual thatched suites done up in the traditional ‘Old World’ style of colonial adventurers and named after various places in the novel (“treacherous Pettigrew’s Road”). Twisted Jackalberry tree trunks shape the supports of the typically open-plan suites which are all designed to enhance both the wilderness around you the comfort of your more immediate surrounds. The decor pervades the pioneer romance with classic luxury in the form of roll-top Victorian baths, oil lanterns and four poster beds blending with local Zulu and Shangaan artisanship. Plus each suite has its own “sala” (private viewing deck) and plunge pool.
Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock offers personal service in an intimate atmosphere, perfect for small parties and families. Fitzpatrick Lodge overlooks the Biyamiti Riverbed and has just 3 large, luxury suites (2 of the 3 rooms can sleep 2 adults sharing with 2 children) and is a bit more modern in its design. Placed a little further away from Main Jock for greater personal service and privacy, the whole property can be hired exclusively for families or a group of friends (in which case you get your own personal chef, ranger and private game drives).
The Explorer Camp at Jock Safari Lodge offers guests a unique experiential insight of a bygone era, a time when exploring really was an adventure into this unknown Big 5 wilderness, as did the legendary Percy Fitzpatrick in the 19th century. The camp and tents have been meticulously recreated with the similar style camp beds, canvas washing basins, lanterns etc in order to transport guests back in time. This two day educational, walking safari is lead by two highly specialised guides and nights are spent around the camp fire enjoying hearty bush meals whilst learning more about the history of Jock of the Bushveld, Percy Fitzpatrick and how the Kruger was born. During the day, guests explore on foot, a remote part of this private concession in the heart of the Kruger National Park, to get a real sense of how trekking was done during the early days of exploration – a tribute to the original and authentic African safari adventure.
Highlights
Game Drives and Walks
Birdwatching
Rock Art Sites
Stargazing
Frogging Safaris (nocturnal)
Walking safaris and camp outs at Explorer Camp
2 lodges and 1 seasonal camp:
2 lodgesMain Jock:
Main Jock Safari Lodge:-
12 individual thatched suites
Communal lounge § dining decks
Boma
Rock swimming pool
Internet on request
Spa
Fitness RoomFitzpatricks at Jock:
Fitness Room at Jock:
3 suites
Fitzpatrick's at Jock:-
Pool
Private lounges and decks
Rock Pool
Explorer Camp:-
3 x spacious campaign canvas tents sleeping a maximum of 2 people each
Explorer Camp operates during the cooler months with the first trail in April and the last trail at the end of October
Each trail is 2 nights with a set departure each Friday of the week.
No persons younger than 16 years will be able to participate.
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Jock Safari Lodge with
Mozambique
Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun.
Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.
Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.
The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
