South Africa – Kruger – Jock Safari Lodge

By Barry

Jock Safari Lodge is set on the western corner of Kruger National Park. We drove to a viewing point over Kruger National Park which was pretty breathtaking – which gives you an idea of the sheer size of it. The transfer is on tarmac roads for almost all of it. The lodge is gated, meaning it is safe for guests to wander around at night. There was a good mix of guests – all ages and nationalities including families.

Rooms/ Lodge
• 12 individual rooms.
• Room space large when including large terrace area with outdoor plunge pool, day bed (overlooking river and elephant watering hole). Indoor space smaller.
• Nice rooms with African décor – Zebra rug. Double beds with mosquito nets and an
armchair and coffee table.
• Double bedroom. Only bath indoors, no shower. Double sink. Outdoor shower.
• Letter on arrival detailing days activities.
• Lodge has a very family friendly feel.
• Tree-house bar area is very cool. Sociable area where guests discuss their sightings for the day.
• Terrace and dining area is also the communal pool area with sun loungers to relax and
overlook the watering hotel. The watering hole is permanent.

Game drives / guide
• Around 3 hours.
• Saw all the Big 5 on one game drive. The game viewing is really excellent.
• Open and closed vehicles.
• Always have sundowners / coffee break in the morning in the concession.
• No tracker. Excellent and friendly guides. Very good for all the family.

Food
• The Food was good, hearty and tasty. Featuring some traditional African dishes.
• Outdoor boma in courtyard area, they host a boma every other night. Other meals are taken in restaurant area on a semi open deck.
• Buffet meals. Breakfast has continental offering and you can order hot breakfast as well from menu. Was very good.
• Drinks – not included in full board so you pay on your departure. Tea and coffee included and drinks on game drives included.
• Boma – you dine with your guide and other guests from the game drive vehicle. Sociable and good fun.

The Concession
• A private concession of 6,000 hectares in Kruger National Park.
• Drive into Kruger National Park – pre and post game drives. They can get in there before other tourists visiting for the day get there as at least 40 minute drive from gate.
• Saw Big 5 on the game drive – and a different experience game driving in Kruger as vehicles cannot go off road to follow animals. (off road only possible in private reserves outside of the National Park). So we saw a rhino and baby briefly close to the road before they ran off into the bush.
• Excellent game viewing. In the concession we only saw one other vehicle (at a leopard sighting) whilst on game drives.
• River running through the property which they drive down for game viewing. River dry nine months of the year.
• Park gets busy as you are driving back – but brings diversity with extra animals not
available on reserve. Get to see hippo’s for example when river isn’t running in concession.

Other
• Spa and gym.
• The Jock Safari lodge named after a dog – local legend.
• Was the first privately owned concession within Kruger National Park.
• There is a TV room and games room.

Overall
• A nice family and welcoming feel to the lodge. Lodge occupies a fairly large space with lots of facilities. Sociable guests and guides add to good atmosphere.
• Game viewing is good. It was good to experience both National Park and concession – good for first time safari goers.

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