Things to do in South Africa

Safari activities at Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger’s first private concession

I feel closest to nature when I guide guests on a walking safari…

By Lazarus Mkhonto

Ranger Manager and Assistant General Manager at Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge, where I have worked since 2010, was the first private concession in Kruger National Park. I grew up in the area and, as Assistant General Manager and Ranger Manager of the lodge, I meet all guests to find out if there is a particular animal on their wish list or if they have any special interests such as bird watching.

Our morning and afternoon game drives are in 4×4 Land Cruisers and we have 6,000 hectares of wilderness to explore. We often see the Big Five as well as giraffe, hyena and occasionally wild dog. I feel closest to nature when I guide guests on a walking safari as this gives me the opportunity to show them the diversity of our flora and fauna from tiny insects that are an integral part of our eco-system to a towering jackalberry tree favoured by baboons. We normally set off on our walk after a hearty breakfast and no two walks are the same. Without the noise of a vehicle, it can also get quite exciting if we approach mammals on foot.

The wildlife viewing sometimes continues back at the lodge as we often have elephants and buffaloes in the lodge grounds. On one occasion we had three lionesses denning on the rocks right in front of the lodge, so guests had incredible photographic opportunities.

After lunch there is time for our guests to relax. I recommend they try out the private sala where there is a day bed. It is so tranquil and the perfect place to absorb the sounds of nature. We continue to explore the concession on our afternoon game drive and as it starts to get dusk, we set up sundowners, the best time to reflect on what we have seen. As we return to the lodge for dinner, we may be fortunate to see some of Jock’s nocturnal creatures such as owls and bush babies.

The most rewarding part of my job is the appreciation I get from people when I have fulfilled a lifetime wildlife experience for them.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Icons of Southern Africa
by Adele Jones

Length13 Days

Price range£5,650 - £5,995pp

Alfred & Lazarus Mkhonto

Having been born in a village in Greater Kruger National Park, it’s no wonder Lazarus is happiest being on safari. With qualifications in wildlife management and having achieved Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 3, he is perfectly placed to lead the safari activities at Jock Safari Lodge where he has been since 2010. Lazarus particularly enjoys taking guests on guided walking safaris.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Laura Preston

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Having travelled extensively through Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about Tanzania’s diversity from the quiet wilds of Ruaha that feel completely private to the silvery sands of Zanzibar and Stone Town’s spice-laced streets. In South Africa, she sought out the best views over Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, as well as the lesser-visited Kruger conservancies for more exclusive safaris. But her favourite place in the world has to be the Serengeti for its wide-open plains and incredible game that epitomise that feeling of Africa.
Wayne Howarth

Head Safari Guide at Kariega Game Reserve

Wayne loves being outdoors and has spent most of his life between the family farm and working on Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. He has been guiding at Kariega for 12 years. His qualifications include Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 2, Advance Rifle Handling, Skippers Licence Category R and first aid. One of his career highlights was becoming a finalist in the 2021 Safari Guide of the Year competition.
Rupesh Kassen

Founder and guide of Eat Like A Local

Rupesh Kassen abandoned his decade-long career in banking to move to East Africa, where he trained and worked as a chef. He later became immersed in South Africa’s food scene and worked as a food critic before setting up Eat Like A Local in Cape Town. Rupesh now offers guided food tours to showcase the city and its diverse culture and history through food.
Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.
Ntobeko Ntshingila

Duty Manager at Three Tree Hill Lodge

Ntobeko has been part of the Three Trees family for 13 years and describes it as a lovely journey with lots of room for growth and experience. She has her own family, including a daughter of 18, and a son, aged three. She lives in a nearby village with her parents, four siblings and three nephews. When not spending time with her family she manages her broiler chicken business, which brings her extra income.
Cheryl Blackburn

Owner and guide, Three Tree Hill Lodge

Being born in the Kruger National Park instilled in Cheryl a love of nature and wildlife. Having lived and worked as a guide in the Kruger reserve, and also in Botswana, she eventually got the opportunity to run her own lodge, with her growing family, in the lush KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg region. She still finds time to guide guests on foot, tracking white rhino in the neighbouring Spioenkop Game Reserve.