Main Jock Lodge | Deep soaking bathtub

Reviews of Jock Safari Lodge

5 out of 5
Jock Safari Lodge
H3 Road Kruger National Park, Malelane, Mbombela, Mpumalanga

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Jocks. Our guide Lazarus was amazing and incredibly experienced at spotting the Big 5, tiny birds and snakes, eagles, and other wildlife. The food was great and service was excellent all around. We hope to come back soon with our families.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
5*+ Safari Lodge
This is an amazing hotel, delicious food and drink is all included and the service is friendly but exemplary. On arrival we were on a game drive within the hour and saw the big 5 in one go as well as lots of other animals, birds and reptiles. Our ranger was called Lazarus and he made our stay and drives fun and very interesting and informative. He went over and above what you would expect and always found us different things to see every day. As this lodge has it's own grounds of several hectares you are able to view the game in privacy from all other tourists, though you do go out into Kruger park as well. I couldn't recommend the hotel enough and the game spotting was unbelievable, with lions, elephants, rhinoceros, giraffe, hyenas, wild dogs, zebra etc all within a couple of meters from your vehicle.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Oct 31, 2019
Good day, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. We hope to welcome you back in the near future for another memorable stay. Kind Regards The Jock Safari Lodge Team

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about Jock Safari Lodge is perfect. From the staff on site to our Ranger Mayneth! Everyone went over and beyond to make our stay an amazing experience. Even with out dietary restrictions, they accommodated to everything. We have already recommended Jock Safari Lodge to our Friends. And, we look forward to our next visit! :-)
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Oct 8, 2019
Good day, Thank you for taking the time to complete a review on your recent stay with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time at our property and we look forward to welcoming yourself back for another amazing experience and to welcoming your friends for their first visit with us. Kind regards The Jock Safari Lodge Team

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely fantastic! On the surface it seemed expensive but we felt that we received brilliant value for money - the game drives (with Jacob - our ranger) were excellent!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Aug 20, 2019
Dear Mark, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time at our very special property. Indeed the Lodge is fantastic value for money with the luxurious accommodation, exciting game drives and the warm welcome from our amazing lodge staff. We hope to welcome you back in the near future for another fantastic stay. Kind Regards The Jock Team

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional stay!
Jock lodge, the rangers, the staff and the food were all exceptional! Wanted to stay longer!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Jun 18, 2019
Dear Anthony Thank you for taking the time to post a review on your recent stay with us. Thank you for your lovely comments. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future for another exceptional stay. Kind regards The Reservations Team

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
lodge in the Kruger
an amazing lodge to stay when visiting the Kruger National Park. If you want to see wildlife at its best this is the place to be. The rooms are amazing, spacious, comfortable and in a great location.....all in all a perfect choice of Lodge...
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Mar 13, 2019
Dear Jackie Thank you for taking the time to post a review on your stay with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us viewing the wildlife and enjoying our comfortable rooms. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another amazing stay. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place with very private setting for each guest. A very memorable safari experience for us as we celebrated our 25th anniversary. From Shelley to the staff at the restaurant to our exceptional Ranger - Jan Kriel, 3 days we will never forget. Game drives were fun and made extra special by Jan who is passionate, full of energy and ready to answer any questions. Jan drove us far out to see animals but we saw the Big 5 by our 3rd game drive. We also saw the Big 5 on day 3. I would summarize it with “WOW”
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Jan 21, 2019
Good day Thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us. Thank you for your wonderful feedback, we are delighted that we were able to make your 25th Anniversary so memorable. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wow what an experience, well worth it and a great place to do game rides and relax. Everything was well organized from pickup at airport to the end.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Jan 21, 2019
Good day Thank you for your review on your stay at our property. We hope to be able to welcome you back for another memorable experience. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

Nora

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing experience, highly recommend
I am SO glad I splurged in Jock Safari Lodge. I visited Kruger during a month and a half backpacking trip through Southern Africa where I'm mostly staying at hostels. On the advice of a friend I decided to really splurge for Kruger, spending three nights at Jock. I can honestly say it was worth every penny. Accommodation was truly luxurious: private, with an outdoor shower, tub, and sleeping area, plus private pool, an indoor shower, a sitting area, and netted four-poster bed. The food was delicious and ever-flowing (you get fed every couple of hours, it's a little ridiculous but in the best way). Staff were lovely and friendly. But the best part is the access you get in the park. You get knowledgeable game drives in their private concession, giving you incredible access to the animals. I saw the big five, plus wild dogs and leopards. Just amazing. My only piece of feedback is that it was a bit awkward traveling alone there. While I appreciated the solo game drives, during breakfast and dinner I would have preferred to either be seated by myself or with another guide group. Eating alone with just my guide was a bit odd, even if he was very nice. In the future I'd recommend the manager ask solo travelers what their preference is.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Jan 21, 2019
Dear Nora Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at our very special property. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. The lodge re-opened in July after an extensive refurbishment which took the already luxurious facilities to another level. Along with our amazing lodge staff, delicious meals (worth the extra calories) and our passionate rangers a stay at Jock Safari Lodge is always memorable. Thank you for the feedback regarding meal times for solo travellers, we appreciated any feedback which will assist us in enhancing our guests experience and this has been passed on to the management at the lodge. We hope that we are able to welcome you back to Jock Safari Lodge in the future for another stay. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

chad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An unforgettable safari destination in Kruger
This is the most amazing place I have ever been. Jock Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of Sabi Sands, Kruger National Park South Africa. My wife and I stayed 2 nights and wished we could have stayed at least two more. The villa we had over looked a dry river bed that was frequented by lions, elephants, kudu and impala. The suite was equipped with everything you would expect at a luxury experience: outdoor shower and soaking claw foot tub, private plundge pool and even an option to sleep outdoors. This was an incredible three days where we had the chance to see the Big 5 and then some. We can’t say enough good things about this lodge. The staff are friendly, professional and very helpful. The food is the best in South Africa and the accommodations are unreal. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience this place, just not when I go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Oct 18, 2018
Dear Chad Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your recent stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at our very special property and we hope we are able to welcome you back in the near furture for another memorable stay. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

Indira

Fabulous vacation in the Bushveld
I visited Jock Lodge with my 17 year old son in August. We both had the time of our lives. The lodge is so well kept and our living quarters was well decorated, beautiful and comfortable. The staff went out of their way to look after us. The game driver was amazing and went out of his way to ensure that we saw the Big 5 and we did!!! We learned so much about nature. The food was great!!! All meals were scrumptious. There was a full bar. My son enjoyed sleeping outdoors in a posh tent and he often ran inside to tell me about the elephants he saw just outside of his tent. Words can’t describe the amazing time we had, so just go and see for yourself!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Sep 11, 2018
Dear Indira Thank you for taking the time to post a review on your recent stay. We are happy that you enjoyed your stay with us. The day sala (outdoor tent) is one of the facilities which make Jock such a special property and one of the best places to watch the array of wildlife in the area pass by. We hope we are able to welcome you both back in the future for more special memories. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Managere

10/10 Excellent

Brian, Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
From the second we arrived everything and everyone was spectacular. The food was fantastic and they always had something for you to snack on. The drives were amazing and the rangers skills are incredible. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great
Amazing place and great people.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Dear Jeffrey Thank you for taking the time to comment on your stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back in the near future. Kind regards The Jock Safari Lodge Team

10/10 Excellent

Sudeshna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic lodge in Kruger
Jock is an amazing place to stay! The game drives were fantastic - the rangers/drivers/guides were very knowledgable and skilled at locating animals and at driving off road. Patrick was our guide and we enjoyed his drives and enthusiasm for the animals. We were able to see almost all the animals we wanted to see, iuncluding the elusive cheetahs and leopards. We even saw a honey badger and a porcupine, as well as all the usual animals you expect to see. The lodge itself was wonderful, and the service was top-notch. Everyone at the lodge sees to the comfort and care of the guests. I recommend Jock to anyone seeking a truly memorable experience in Kruger.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Dear Sudeshna Thank you for taking the time to comment on your recent stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and appreciate the wonderful feedback received regarding your time with us. We hope to welcome you back in the near future for more memorable experiences. Kind regards The Jock Safari Lodge Team

8/10 Good

starphi, Colorado, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just wonderful
I am only giving 4 stars because of a mix up in the reservation; IDK if it's Expedia or Jock, but we were put not at Jock but at the nearby Fitzpatrick's, which is very nice (only 3 rooms), but does not have a private dipping pool in the rooms, a main attraction for me. I did book Jock and not Fitzpatrick's. That said, it's a five star place, just check when you're booking. Fitzpatrick's is not individual huts like Jock either. But at either place I'm confident you'll have an excellent time! Would highly recommend and would come back despite the confusion. Staff is wonderful, the ranger David is awesome, funny, and on a mission to find you game (he knows where to look), and other guests were very fun so we didn't ever say anything. The lodge's safari terrain is just stunning, the turf of some amazing creatures. A walking safari if offered is fun! The food is absolutely gourmet and the Boma braii night is a good time. It's slightly annoying that alcoholic beverages are not included like most other safari lodges. Rooms have a classic colonial African style, beautiful, and a lovely outside shower overlooking a dry riverbed, where I saw a rhino crossing under the full moon! Tip: the gift store's prices were actually pretty decent, even cheaper than the park's gift stores.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great first safari experience!
The staff and rangers are very knowledgeable and accommodating. The game drives were amazing - saw the Big 5 within the first two days. The rooms are huge with lots of private outdoor space too.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Safari experience
Highly experienced rangers who helped us find the Bog 5 very quickly and even rare animals like the black rhino. 2 daily drives are included in the rate (6 hours per day) Food is included in the rate however there are no snacks available between meals

8/10 Good

David, Hemel Hempstead

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great way to get an introduction to safari
The lodge is in the Kruger National Park and the stay includes game drives in morning and afternoon as well as full board. If you have never been on Safari, this is a great way to get the experience. If unhappy about any aspect and not resolved immediately, speak to the General Manager who is very helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kruger
Best way to see the Kruger

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Gilson, Sao Paulo/Brazil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excelent!!
The hotel has a rustic style but with all the amenities needed for a great safari experience. The room is comfortable and has everything you need to rest with silence, confort and cleanliness. The food was great and the staff could not be more friendly. The ranger who accompanied us on the safari did everything he could to present us a wide variety of animals. I do recommend.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
safari kruger
disappointing by the safari .... in safari lodge !

10/10 Excellent

James, Cayman Islands

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location in Kruger
I had a very enjoyable experience at Jock. The rooms are a bit 'rustic' but very comfortable and the staff is friendly and helpful. While the property is fenced, the view of the riverbed is great and I was occasionally able to see animals from my room. The guides were fantastic--I was there only two days and saw the Big 5. The food was exceptional (and plentiful!).

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Service exceptionnel! Notre ranger était incroyable! J’aurai Aimé être avisé d’avance des soupers à theme.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Jan 22, 2020
Good day, Thank you for taking the time to post a review on your stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and we hope to welcome you back in the near future. Kind regards The Jock Team

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
1. Private Lodge im Herzen des Krüger Parks
Sehr freundliches Personal, immer bedacht einen zu Verwöhnen. Erfahrene Ranger welche sehr fachkundig Pirschfahrten fahren.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Oct 8, 2019
Good day, Thank you for taking the time to complete a review of your stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another memorable stay. Kind regards The Jock Safari Lodge Team

10/10 Excellent

Renan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Muito bom
Lugar unico, muito bem cuidado e com atendimento excepcional ! Estao de parabens !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Merle McClarty on Aug 20, 2019
Dear Renan, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time at our very special property enjoying our comfortable accommodation and the exceptional service from our amazing lodge team. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future for another memorable stay. Kind regards The Jock Team

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

MICHEL, PARC KRUGER

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
TOUT EST VRAIMENT PARFAIT , ne pas manquer cet endroit !
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Nov 22, 2018
Dear Michel Thank you for taking the time to post a review on your recent stay. We are glad that you enjoyed your time with us and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

Evelyne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Un superbe lodge bien situé
Notre chambre était superbe, spatieuse, salle de bain originale. Dommage il pleuvait, nous n'avons pas pu profiter de la piscine privée et de la terrasse. Les repas étaient délicieux par contre la salle de restaurant était ouverte et malgré le feu de cheminée et la couverture mise à notre disposition nous avons eu froid.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Nov 22, 2018
Dear Evelyne Thank you for taking the time to post a review on your recent stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us except for the weather which prevented you from enjoying the beautiful pools and private decks. We hope that you are able to return in the near future to enjoy all the wonderful features and facilities at the lodge. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Maravilloso! Ni una sola queja. La comida exquisita, los empleados sonriendo todo el día y siempre pendientes de cada detalle. Vimos todos los animales con la ayuda magnífica de nuestro ranger Micah. Volveríamos mañana mismo sin dudarlo! Un diez en TODO
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Merle McClarty on Nov 13, 2018
Good day Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your recent stay at Jock Safari Lodge. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable visit to our special property. Kind regards Merle McClarty Reservations Manager

6/10 Okay

Jiri, Praha

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hodnocení
Hotel žije ze staré slávy , nikomu ho nedoporučuji. Jedině co je fajn je safari. A to musíte mít domorodce který opravdu je spjaty s přírodou.

10/10 Excellent

ines, lisboa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tudo excelente!!
o hotel esta localizado no meio do kruger (a uma hora de jeep da porta Malelane), totalmente vedado pelo que se pode circular livremente os quartos (12) e o restaurante e salas. tudo foi excelente: a qualidade do serviço, as refeiçoes, a simpatia e atenção constantes de todos, o ambiente familiar, os quartos com um mini jacuzzi privado e balcao com vista para rio onde se refrescavam os bufalos….recomedamos que se visite o kruger com um ranger: sabem os segredos de alguns animais, têm um olho para os descobrir nos sitios mais incriveis. o nosso ranger Micah foi sem duvida um factor decisivo para o sucesso da nossa estadia. o unico ponto negativo foi a ausencia de um tapete de corrida, que nos disseram antes que tinha e…não tinha! recomenndamos totalmente.

10/10 Excellent

hoche, france

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
emplacement exceptionnel
hotel superbe , vue sur le fleuve magnifique, les safaris étaient exceptionnels.nous le recommandons