Deep in the thick bushveld of the Kruger National Park lies a luxurious private lodge. This private lodge offers guests a 5 star safari experience and some of the best Big 5 game viewing in South Africa. For me, it is a private lodge like no other.
It is the ultimate bush retreat.
Jock Safari Lodge is one of a kind. It is absolutely magical, totally romantic and extremely luxurious.
The attention to detail remarkable.
We got to experience this first hand as we spent a weekend at the lodge. Two magical nights in this luxurious bush oasis created wonderful memories, beautiful photos and exciting stories which will last a lifetime.
We entered into the Kruger National Park through Malelane Gate (about 4 hours from Johannesburg) and arrived at Jock Safari Lodge just before lunch on a Friday afternoon. During this hour drive between the gate and the lodge we spotted giraffes, elephants and a hyena den with the cutest cub. The excitement levels were now peaked.
accommodation
Jock Safari Lodge has two unique accommodation options. The Main Jock Lodge or Fitzpatrick’s at Jock. The Main Jock Lodge has 12 individually thatched rooms whereas Fitzpatrick is an intimate lodge with three rooms perfect for a family.
We had the privilege of staying at the main lodge. Straight after check in we were taken to our room. We instantly fell in love with the setting, the luxuriousness and all the finer details. Our room was like a tree house as it was surrounded by lush trees and reed walls. We had our own private deck with clear views of the riverbed, a plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a sala with an outdoor day bed.
I spent many hours on the day bed with my book and a cup of coffee hoping the elephants will come join me. Unfortunately they didn’t but the monkeys did.
meals
At Jock Safari Lodge breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea time is included every day. Each meal is a royal affair and an experience each in itself. The food is exceptional. Lunch is served on the deck overlooking the dry river bank. Dinner is just as exciting. One night you’ll have a braai/barbecue around the fire with all the other guests. And the next night you’ll be treated to a fine dining dinner under the stars. You can either request to have this dinner in your room or in the dining room with everyone else. I must mention one more time, for emphasis, that the food is absolutely incredible at every meal time. It is difficult to describe how magical it is to enjoy this standard of food in such a setting.
On our last night, we opted to have dinner in our room. We returned to our room after our afternoon game drive to the most beautifully set dinner table. Not to mention the drawn bubble bath, lit candles and sprinkled rose petals all over. I honestly thought le bf organised this but he admitted Jock must take all the credit.
game drives
Every morning and afternoon your ranger takes you out on a three hour long game drive. Some game drives were a little longer, but the safari addict that I am, this is something that I would never complain about. I would stay out in the bush all day if I could.
Now here comes the most exciting part: because Jock is located in a private concession, driving off the beaten track and through a dry river bed to spot the animals is not frowned upon. Instead, it is what makes the whole experience absolutely legendary.
The game drives were just the best. We had the best ranger, Sue, who shared her wealth of knowledge with us and made each drive better than the previous. Halfway through the game drive, we would stop and alight the vehicle, and either have tea or coffee in the morning or wine or a G & T if it is in the afternoon. We saw a diverse range of game, including lion eating a buffalo, cheetah and at least 2 sightings of rhino per game drive.
wilderness walks
Have you ever taken a stroll through the dense African bush? Nope, neither have I. But this all changed at Jock, because at Jock walking safaris are encouraged. So on Saturday morning, after a hearty delicious breakfast, we changed into our khaki walking gear, and headed out for an hours walk with two guides. It was such an exhilarating feeling to walk and spot animals. But don’t get me wrong, there are some rules that you have to obey. Firstly, you walk in a straight line. Secondly, no talking, no whispering and only the clicking of your finger. And thirdly, the second you spot something you have to immediately stop.
The safari walk was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. We saw a giraffe, two buffalo and a beautiful bird or two.
When Sunday morning came round we were so sad to leave. Jock Safari Lodge became our home away from home. Our room was our haven, the concession was our sanctuary and everyone became our friends.
♥
Visit Jock Safari Lodge’s website for more info
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