At the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers lies Jock Safari Lodge, a secluded paradise occupying a prime position for wildlife viewing in the southern section of the Kruger National Park.
When translated from Shangaan, ‘Mitomeni’ means ‘Jackalberry tree’, and ‘Biyamiti’ means ‘Place of Many Trees’ and Jock is suitably found nestled amongst a forest of jackalberries. The Jock Concession was the very first privately owned and operated concession in Kruger National Park, named after the beloved South African tale ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ by author and explorer Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. The book follows the true story of Fitzpatrick’s travels with his dog, Jock, written during South Africa’s first gold rush era in the 1880’s.
Jock Safari Lodge allows guests to step back in time and experience a wild section of the national park, reminiscent of the untouched wilderness Fitzpatrick witnessed during his travels.
The property has been designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment with magnificent elegance and style, where guests can relax and appreciate nature in unrivalled comfort. The main lodge houses a host of facilities, including:
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Bar and lounge space
- ‘Pilgrim’s Rest Relaxation Retreat’ - treatments can be pre-booked with sauna and exercise room
- Heated pool
- Library TV with DVD player
- Gift boutique
- Stunning boma area where dinners are sometimes served when weather permits
The 12 thatched guest suites at Jock are positioned overlooking the seasonal Biyamiti riverbed, and the décor exudes a timeless elegance with modern comforts such as air-conditioning, private minibar, hairdryer, electronic safe, complimentary WiFi and en suite bathroom with outdoor shower. Each room is concealed by reed walls and verdant trees offering guests complete privacy, with their own deck, plunge pool, Victorian bathtub and an outdoor daybed with views of the Biyamiti River.
Here guests are also able to experience a sleep-out under the stars in the evenings whilst drifting off to the sounds of the bush.
For small groups of family or friends, an exclusive-use villa, Fitzpatrick’s At Jock, provides an intimate experience, accommodating up to six adults and four children. This stylishly decorated private villa comes equipped with its own team of staff and a dedicated ranger with a private game viewing vehicle. The communal area comprises a heated rock pool, lounge with TV and library, second lounge with fireplace, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a private boma. The guest rooms feature air-conditioning, private minibar, hairdryer, electronic safe, complimentary WiFi and en suite bathrooms with outdoor showers.
Fitzpatrick’s is a perfect destination for families with children as they offer a dedicated ‘Eco-Explorers Programme’ where the rangers will educate them on elements of the natural surroundings with daily activities consisting of play dough sessions, cooking with the chef, arts and crafts, puzzles and board games. Each child will receive a backpack on arrival containing small gifts, some of which they can use during their stay.
Jock Safari Lodge and Fitzpatrick’s At Jock enjoy exclusive traversing rights across their 6,000 hectare concession, including in the riverbeds where game viewing is often plentiful; this ensures intimate encounters at sightings as no other vehicles are permitted to enter the concession. Guided walking safaris are available after breakfast on request, venturing into the wilderness with a specialist guide to search for wildlife and view some of the oldest Bushmen rock art in South Africa (approximately 3,000 years old).
Guests staying at Jock are also able to book a round of golf at the prestigious Leopard Creek Golf Club at an additional cost, with complimentary return transfers in a game drive vehicle. Players should note that appropriate golfing attire is required: collared shirts with sleeves, tailored trousers or shorts with white socks, and golfing shoes with golf/rubber spikes.
View suggested itineraries
