Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

I booked Jock Safari as part of a surprise trip for my wife’s 50th (sure she won’t mind me saying age) and our 10th wedding anniversary so it really needed to be “wow”. I am pleased to say I don’t have enough superlatives to say how great this private (and it really feels private and secluded) concession was. In a nutshell. The position on the dry river bed, the layout inside the lodge to maximise views and comfort, the attentiveness of all the team, the quality of the game drives without other game drive vehicles encroaching like in the main park area, Rangers knowledge and my goodness the food made the experience unforgettable. We saw all we came to see by the way big 5- tick. I had done a lot of research prior to booking as a Safari was a bucket list thing for my wife. Even with research I didn’t appreciate how much of a difference the private concession and river bed traversing rights would make. Lots by the way It has to be said I was less of a fan for a Safari in advance of going. I’m not dead inside 😀 just as a scuba diver I prefer being under the water not above it. Not so now though I’m a convert thanks to the experience Jock Safari and in particular Lazarus our Ranger was able to give. From arrival at Skukuza airport we were met by a Jock Safari Ranger who sorted the fees, bags etc and immediately supplied us with soft drinks this set the tone for Jock staff service as he began the journey to Jock Safari. From arrival at lunchtime we were blown away by the views from our lunch table as “The Safari” is right there. The lunch offering as all the food is was incredible and ranged from soup and salads to a full on meat meal I don’t know how many staff there are in total but it felt like you had your own personal team member such was the attentiveness. The other guests numbered 6 at our visit so it was beginning to feel like Jocks lodge was just ours. We joined the afternoon game drive and like our room it didn’t disappoint the animal interaction you get is amazing unspoilt and with no itinerary you can sit and take photos as long as you like or move on as the mood takes you. Quick note some of the best sightings occurred within about 2 km from the gates of Jock so don’t worry you will see some incredible animal behaviour. All with some great knowledge from the Ranger. With four nights we definitely gave ourselves the best chance of seeing the big 5 but it was the fact that when you did see a pride of lions resting on some rocks or a leopard languishing in a tree or a Rhino wandering along the river bed there was not a horde of jeeps with other animal seeking tourists vying for position. The times when we were able to veer off from the main park and head into the bush were often the most rewarding. That’s when we saw the pride resting and also lionesses and their cub charging some buffalo. When you couple the incredible and probably unrivalled game drive experience with the location of the lodge, the private concession land, the sta

Cannot really fault Jocks - great food, accommodation was comfortable and staff were excellent. You won’t be disappointed with the game viewing either, which is really why you come to this part of the world. Take enough rand cash for the gratuity at the end. As I recall, they recommend R1000 per room per night, which is then split across the staff.

The service was exceptional. Our guide Ike’s knowledge of the surrounding had no limits. The food was delicious and plentiful. The whole team ensures you have a fantastic stay.

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the Jock Safari lodge, in early March 2025. From our very first contact with the Lodge until our departure, the service we received was first class. My reservation queries and questions were answered speedily and were very helpful. Lazarus and his team are well organised, very friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. The standard of accommodation is very high considering he lodge is in the middle of the Kruger National park. Everything is thought of even so far as a portable blue tooth speaker. The bedding , towels an linen provided are super quality and everything is spotlessly clean. The lodge accommodation is really very comfortable, and quite roomy and generally laid out very well, with plenty of scope to let the outside in. We loved the his and her shower rooms as well as the outside bath area, plunge pool and day bed areas. The camp is very peaceful and very relaxing after a day out on Safari. The meals provided at the lodge are fantastic with the menu changing daily with a good selection and choice. The food is freshly cooked and always arrives within a timely manner. All the staff are friendly, helpful and polite. The safari drives themselves are wonderful, and always eventful from seeing Elephants searching for water with their young in the dry river bed and proving successful, to watching a pride of lions basking in the sunlight just like your domestic cat does, they are an amazing experience. We enjoyed everything about Jock Safari, a truly magical place, and we are already setting plans to return in the not so distant future.

Room had double shower and sink. King bed with fan and ac. Outside tub and shower. Plunge pool and mostiquo net day bed. Food was plentiful and delicious. Light breakfast before morning drive. Full breakfast afterwards. Lunch, light tea before evening ride. Dinner after om ride.

Jock Safari Lodge is a 5 star jewel of a property. No attention to detail is spared. The quality of the accommodations and food is superb. The naturalists who lead the safaris are very knowledgeable and the animals are numerous and spectacular. The experience was quite memorable and one I hope to repeat.