Jock Safari Lodge

Sun block
Sun hat or cap
Hiking or trail shoes
Comfortable and casual clothing
Warm tops for game drives
Camera and binoculars
Medication for allergies. Jock Safari Lodge is in a low-risk malaria area. Please consult your doctor about prophylaxis before your trip and do not forget to pack it.

Kruger experiences winter and summer at the opposite times as Europe and North America and they correspond to the dry and wet season, respectively. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid. Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild although it cools off considerably at night. It is advisable to take warm clothing for early morning and evening game drives. During the wet season it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers are common.

There are so many things for kids to do here that they won’t have an opportunity to be bored, and with both indoor and outdoor activities available, we cater to a variety of tastes. And, to sweeten the deal even more for the kids, Jock Safari Lodge has an entire lodge and programme dedicated to entertaining little ones.

Children from 0 to 5 years of age are only permitted on game drives conducted within the Jock Safari Lodge Concession. Children from 6 years and older are permitted on game drives.

In the Kruger National Park, the year is broken up into two distinct seasons, namely the dry winter season from May to October and the summer season from November to April.

Dry Winter Season (May-October):
The dry winter season is generally considered the best time for game viewing as sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife. There are also fewer watering sources, meaning wildlife will gather around more permanent watering holes. Furthermore, malaria risk decreases in the cool winter months.

Rainy Summer Season (November-April):
The rainy season, known as the Kruger’s Green or Emerald Season, starts in November. The bush is lush and dense during this time, and it’s the ideal time for birdwatchers and photographers to visit because migrant birds arrive, creating a symphony in the treetops. It’s also the best time to visit if you want to see adorable newborn animals finding their feet.

For an additional fee, private road transfers and charter flights can be arranged and booked when you book your accommodation.

Self-drive and road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (KMIA/MQP) are subject to Kruger National Park gate times. The Kruger National park prohibits the use of roads within the park once the gates are closed; therefore, guests need to be at their destination and transfer companies must be outside the park by the time the gates close. Jock Safari Lodge is approximately one (1) hour from the Malelane Gate and therefore we recommend that flights to / from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA/MQP) are booked to:

• arrive at KMIA/MQP no later than 14h30 on day of arrival
• depart from KMIA/MQP no earlier than 10h00 on day of departure

Your allocated ranger will draw up a customised programme for you on the day of your arrival, which includes game drives and guided walks.

When travelling to South Africa, it’s important to take note as to whether you’re required to have a Visas. Certain countries are exempt, you can find that list here.

Please note: As of June 2015, people travelling with minors (people under the age of 18) are required to carry an unabridged birth certificate, as well as their passport.

As per South African law, upon your arrival in the country, you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for passport control stamps.

For the latest visa requirements, you’ll need to contact your nearest South African Embassy or consulate. You also need to note that travellers over 1 year of age coming from a high-risk area need to bear a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate.

At Jock Safari Lodge, our 5-star luxury lodge accommodation is accredited by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa annually. Thorough inspections have been conducted in accordance with South African tourism standards. South Africa is home to a world-class infrastructure including transport, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, mining and medical facilities.

Gaining access to South Africa is as easy as hopping on a plane to one of the many airports in the country.

Visitors usually fly to Johannesburg and either hire a car or utilise our transfer service at an additional fee.

The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adapters can be purchased, but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. However, a limited number of adaptors are available in each room.

Additionally, most hotel rooms have 110V outlets for electric shavers and appliances. All three Jock Safari Lodge’s lodges are currently equipped with standby generators, as a precaution against a power outage.

Please be sure to check your device specifications and requirements, before utilising our power supply source.

In South Africa, we drive on the left hand side of the road and wearing a seatbelt is compulsory.

Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own country. However, it must be in English and have the photograph and signature of the holder.

If yours doesn’t meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required.

South Africa is a nation that is home to a vast amount of cultures. In total, we have 11 official languages, including English, which is widely spoken throughout the country. The local population groups and cultures include Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Afrikaners, English, Cape Coloured, Indians, Khoi and San.

South Africa has world-class medical facilities, with a large network of hospitals that offer excellent services. However, please ensure that you have adequate health insurance as a safety precaution.

While most parts of the country are perfectly safe for tourists to visit, it’s important that visitors take precautions. For example, walking alone in deserted streets, and exposing expensive equipment and jewellery is not recommended. Most major cities run organised crime prevention programmes and basic safety tip guidelines are also available at hotels and tourism information offices.

If you’re in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on+27 (0) 831232345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

The local currency is the South African Rand (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favourably with major international currencies. Take note that currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and at certain hotels. Foreign tourists can have their VAT (value-added tax at 14%) refunded at the point of departure, provided they present their original tax invoices.

In addition, most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

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Gratuities are not compulsory at Jock Safari Lodge, however should you wish to leave a gratuity, they can be placed in the courtesy envelopes which are supplied in the rooms. 

South Africa’s tap water is some of the safest and cleanest in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is closely monitored via inspections.

Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are usually very impressed with the standard and choice of award-winning cuisine on offer. The country’s many cultures make for varied traditional fare, which is worth exploring.

Check-in time 14:00pm

Check-out time 11:00am

Unfortunately, due to the high density of animals within our area and the high security risk around poaching, the flying of drones is strictly prohibited.

It is an approximate 4.5 hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport to the Malelane Gate. From the Malelane Gate it is a further 1 hour drive inside the Kruger National Park to the lodge.

Please ensure that you are aware of the Kruger National Park Gate times and plan your trip accordingly. Due to the rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park, nobody is allowed on any KNP roads during the period in which the gates are closed.

Yes, parking is free of charge.

Skukuza Airport is the nearest airport, which is an approximate one hour drive from the lodge through the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or KMI Airport is located 98 kilometres from the reserve, an approximate 2 hour drive.

OR Tambo International Airport is 425 kilometres from the lodge, an approximate 5h30 drive.

We are situated in a malaria area, but incidents are very low. Guests are, however, advised to take precautions against malaria and consult with a medical professional prior to travel.

Our suites are ideally suited for 2 adults sharing. Beds can be double or twin-sharing.

Yes, we do. These are charged at an additional cost and can be booked through our Reservations department.

Guests are welcome to self-drive along the main roads of the Kruger National Park, however, please be aware that these self-guided tours are not exclusive or private.

No guests are permitted to self-drive through the Jock private concession. All drives within the exclusively of the concession require the correct vehicles and Rangers.

Jock sits within an intensive region of the Kruger National Park, renowned for its Big Five game viewing. While nothing is guaranteed in the bush, we recommend a three-night stay to give you the best possible opportunity to spotting the Big Five.

A stay with Jock includes:

• Two daily game drives
• Guided wilderness walks
• All meals and afternoon high tea
• A selection of house beverages
• On-drive beverages and snacks
• Complimentary WiFi
• Tourism levy and VAT

Jock offers several exciting nature based adventures:

• Game drives
• Guided wilderness walks
• Golf at nearby world renowned golf courses
• Our Kids on Safari programme
• Bird watching
• Pilgrims Rest Retreat

Internet services & WiFi are available at the lodge. Please bear in mind that the lodge is located in a remote area of the park.

Guests are requested not to smoke when on game drives, in dining rooms or inside the suites. Ashtrays have been made available on your suite decks for your convenience.

The suites at Main Jock have double indoor showers, complemented with outside showers and a Victorian ball and claw bath on the privacy of your private deck.

The suites at Fitzpatrick’s offer both a bath and shower, with the addition of an outside shower facility.

Our rates at Main Jock are all priced per person. Fitzpatrick’s operates on a villa basis and is therefore priced per unit per night.

Please speak with one of our Reservations consultants who will happily make the reservation on your behalf.

Gratuities are completely at the guests own discretion.

Gratuities are customary in South Africa and are not included in the rate structure. Ordinarily, the guides, spa therapist and a general staff gratuity are issued separately.