Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

I cannot imagine a better safari & wildlife conservation experience in the Kruger than Jock Safari Lodge. With so much private land far from the entrance gate, you seemingly have the Kruger to yourself and fellow guests of the lodge. Expertly guided game drives brought us close to virtually every animal imaginable except the wild dogs, but the close encounters with all the Big Five plus hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, baboon, monkeys, and exotic birds were beyond amazing. The lodge, rooms and property are top notch and the staff is super friendly and attentive. The big braai on the riverside beach one night was an awesome experience. Finally, I was particularly impressed with the great work Jock does in support of protecting the endangered rhino population with their anti-poaching initiatives. Bravo, Jock Safari Lodge!!

This would most certainly be a five-star review, but for one very disappointing aspect. The lodge itself was beautiful and spacious, whilst the villa staff were extremely welcoming and thought of everything. The views were amazing, especially when a herd of 25 elephants decided to walk through. On safari, we were able to see all the big five plus many other animals and in this respect, the guide was everything we could have expected. Unfortunately, the guide, employed by Jock Safari, did not understand the meaning of 'hospitality'. Throughout the safari he was misogynistic, directing his conversation to men and most disappointing was his attitude on the final evening. Whilst the house staff had set up a lovely meal for us, he decided to sit down with us. This was probably company policy and in itself a lovely gesture. However, our guide chose to take this relaxing time to bring up his marital problems. We did not want to talk about this subject, but as he brought it up, we tried to make helpful suggestions. He claimed there was a problem with all women, particularly, his wife, who did not trust him. The fact that he happily admitted to many affairs was irrelevant in his opinion - it was her duty to trust him. He then turned to me and claimed I was "dishonest" twice. My dishonesty, was my refusal to believe there is something fundamentally 'wrong' with women and that we were not all gossips. As things were getting fractious, I chalked it up to a 'language barrier' an excuse he jumped on and for which he apologised. In no way did he seem to genuinely believe he was mistaken about women. I have never been what might be called an ardent feminist, but I would suggest that women who would like to have a fun and relaxing safari adventure avoid this guide at all costs and unfortunately, since you do not pick your guide, choose another company.

This was our second time at Jock Lodge (and over a dozen times for me, more than two dozen for my South African husband), and we can't wait to go back! We've been coming to Kruger for years and found Jock as we were driving around the park, and we are so glad we did! The entire staff, management, and rangers at Jock Lodge are incredible and provide such a great experience, from the food, which is first class, to the lodging, which is quiet luxury in each of the sleeping rooms, to the rangers, who are so knowledgeable! We were lucky enough to have two of the best, Lazarus and more recently Dawid, they made our game drives so unique and unbelievable with the animals we saw - even better since they have a private concession that no one else can use, so you get the best of both worlds, private viewing with access to the entire park too. You must go, you won't regret it!

Fabulous place great people fantastic service and food. But the trips out are the reason your there right in the middle of the activities and action.

We stayed for two nights and were treated to excellent hospitality and unforgettable experiences on our game drives. We were extremely fortunate to see all of the big five and our drives and sightings were enhanced by the consideration and knowledge of our guide. Highly recommended.

Unfortunately we were disappointed. The whole lodge and the room seemed old and poorly maintained. The wooden fence near the outdoor shower was damaged, we could see people beyond from the shower and people could see us in the shower. The sink was leaking because of the incorrect distance between the faucet and the basin (see attached photo). When we arrived, nobody helped us with the luggages, we had to carry our luggages by ourselves. Nobody made up our room in the morning during the safari (in other hotels it happened) and nobody filled the bottles of drinking water in the room. In the evening, at 10 to 7 pm we came back from the safari and we needed to go to our room to change our clothes before dinner (by then it was cold) but the staff told us that the return to the room was not planned and that they had some blankets for us for dinner. We asked again and then we could go 5 minutes to the room between safari and dinner. Staff is friendly but hasty. Good lunch and dinner but lack of choice and not abundant portions. Poor breakfast. Funny safari but a bit hasty, few explanations and little involvment of participants. Unfortunately we did not find the boasted luxury; the payed price is absolutely not in line with the offer.

We saw the Big Five in a day and a half - and twice! Without a doubt, absolutely exceptional service! They have a schedule of what you do every day, complete with early morning and late afternoon game drives. The food was delicious (especially the soup! Surprising, I know) and in a different setting every night. Patrick our guide is amazing and so knowledgeable and funny and we exchanged stories about our respective cultures and the conversations and memories will stick with me forever and changed my perspective on the world! Facilities are very nice and lovely especially given you’re in the literal middle of nowhere! Everybody should stay here if they’re deciding on a safari lodge.

Jock Safari Lodge was amazing! Our guide, Jacob, was the best! He was a local and so knowledgeable! Every employee went above and beyond to make our stay the best possible. We’ll be back!

A wonderful experience… our accommodation was comfortable, private and had amazing views over the dry river bed.The food quality and menus were impressive and the service was excellent. We had some amazing drives with Pharence and Maynard and they willingly shared their knowledge of the animals and the land. We enjoyed their company.