Kruger National Park, South AfricaSkukuza
Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Thatched riverbed lodge
Skukuza Kruger National Park, South Africa
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
Thatched riverbed lodge
Kruger's first private concession sits where two rivers meet, built for watching wildlife straight from the timber decks.
What it’s good at
Notable
Outdoor Victorian claw-foot tubs and dedicated game rangers on twice-daily bush drives.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The main lodge’s twelve suites feature thatched roofs and privacy provided by lush trees and reed walls, each one with a beautiful view of the scenic riverbed
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The southern Kruger wilderness surrounds the lodge, where six thousand private hectares trace the confluence of two seasonal rivers.
The rooms
Thatched suites open onto decks with plunge pools and daybeds prepared for sleeping out under the stars.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool
A heated pool curves along the main timber deck, looking straight out over the seasonal riverbed.
At the table
Breakfast arrives on the timber viewing deck, and dinner moves to the enclosed boma around a central fire pit.
How it began
Sir Percy FitzPatrick's descendants founded the lodge along the 1880s transport trail that inspired his classic book, Jock of the Bushveld.
Kruger National Park
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.