Mpumalanga, SOUTH AFRICA (03/2010) For veteran bush trekkers who’ve been there done that,. Mantis’ Jock Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park is offering something new under the sun – a Frogging Safari. Here’s what gives:
With an estimated 34 different species of Amphibians in Kruger, Jock Safari Lodge ranks as one of the best places for Frogging Safaris. Froggers are issued head lights, nets and gum boots and set out after dark. Frogs are caught and identified, and then released back into their habitat. Guests get to marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors and the choir of sounds emitted from these tiny creatures, some no bigger than your thumb.
Every different species of frog has his or her own look – color, pattern and size. Mark Twain’s celebrated frog of Calaveras County has nothing on the amazing frogs of Kruger. Some recent “catches” include Banded Rubber Frogs, Bubbling Kassinas, Sand Frogs and Painted Reed Frogs.
Frogging Safari-goers will discover the wee wet ones get a bad rap for such characteristics as sliminess and bulging eyes. Truth is they have very good eyesight because they bulge out the sides of their heads in order to see in nearly all directions. And their skin must remain moist to help them breathe.
Best time to go wet and wild? The rainy months of November through March are the top months for frogging.
Jock Safari Lodge is a luxurious, five-star safari lodge set on 15,000 acres in South Africa’s vaunted Kruger National Park. It was the first private concession in the Park and was developed along the original camping sites used by trekkers on the route to Delagoa Bay. The Lodge is themed around one of the country’s most popular children’s classics, Jock of the Bushveld, true tales of a nineteenth century adventurer’s travel through South Africa with his faithful and plucky dog, Jock. The story was written at the time of the country’s first gold rush and the lodge brings this era alive by incorporating elements of the colonial past along with facets of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures. Jock Safari Lodge is part of the Mantis Group, a portfolio of boutique hotels, resorts and game reserves across Africa, Europe and South America.
For reservations, Toll Free: 1-877 354 2213
reservatrions@mantiscollection.com or visit www.jocksafarilodge.com
Showing posts with label Jock Safari Lodge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jock Safari Lodge. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
“MANTIS MADNESS” HAS HIT SOUTH AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Mantis Madness has hit South Africa, where travelers can enjoy savings of up to 46% on summertime bookings with Mantis properties. For $1,020, guests may enjoy five nights in the some of the best accommodations in South Africa. Guests will pay for two nights at one of South Africa’s exciting five-star Mantis game reserves: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge, or Nkomazi Game Reserve, and will receive three nights free at the charming Constantia boutique hotel, located in the Cape’s oldest wine region, 20 minutes from the center of Cape Town.
For those with more time, an additional option is available: guests may receive a complimentary night at the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel with the booking of an overnight journey on the luxurious Blue Train. The Blue Train will transport guests from Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa) in style for $1342, with a free night at the end of the rails.
Pricing includes accommodation; meals, game drives and select beverages at your game reserve of choice; and breakfast and beverages at the Constantia. For the Blue Train option, all meals, off train excursions, high tea, beverages, and single transfers to/from the Cape Town and Pretoria train stations are included. Upgrades are available on all accommodations for an additional fee.
Valid from April 15th to the October 15th, 2010, excluding the dates of the World Cup (June 10th to July 15th), the Mantis Madness deals are subject to availability. For reservations, please email the Mantis Collection Central Reservations Office at reservations@mantiscollection.com or call +27 41 407 1000.
For those with more time, an additional option is available: guests may receive a complimentary night at the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel with the booking of an overnight journey on the luxurious Blue Train. The Blue Train will transport guests from Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa) in style for $1342, with a free night at the end of the rails.
Pricing includes accommodation; meals, game drives and select beverages at your game reserve of choice; and breakfast and beverages at the Constantia. For the Blue Train option, all meals, off train excursions, high tea, beverages, and single transfers to/from the Cape Town and Pretoria train stations are included. Upgrades are available on all accommodations for an additional fee.
Valid from April 15th to the October 15th, 2010, excluding the dates of the World Cup (June 10th to July 15th), the Mantis Madness deals are subject to availability. For reservations, please email the Mantis Collection Central Reservations Office at reservations@mantiscollection.com or call +27 41 407 1000.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK’S JOCK SAFARI LODGE
Mpumalanga, SOUTH AFRICA - Mantis owned and operated Jock Safari Lodge recently underwent an extensive refurbishment program that was so successful, the lodge re-earned its five-star status as well as praise from the inspector, who noted its high level of “quality, service and facilities.”
Jock Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge set on a 15,000-acres concession in South Africa’s vaunted Kruger National Park. It was the first private concession in the Park and was developed along the original camping sites used by trekkers on the route to Delagoa Bay. The Lodge is themed around one of the country’s most popular children’s classics, Jock of the Bushveld, true tales of a nineteenth century adventurer’s travel through South Africa with his faithful and plucky dog, Jock. The story was written at the time of the country’s first gold rush and the lodge brings this era alive by incorporating elements of the colonial past along with facets of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures.
Interesting aspects include historical ox wagons of the gold rush era, strategically placed in and around the lodge. One is parked under the thatched porte cochere of the main reception, and serves as a mounting platform for guests embarking on game drives. Buffalo horn motifs are featured on the walls and furnishings, paying tribute to the abundant herds found in this part of the park. Walls are also decorated with framed prints depicting incidents of Jock’s and his master’s life in the wild.
Twelve individual thatched suites, screened by lush foliage and reed walls, offer guests utmost privacy, and create a unique experience of old-world elegance surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. Each suite, with king or twin beds outfitted with the finest linens and enveloped in a canopy of white netting, has its own private ‘sala’ (viewing deck), plunge pool, romantic Victorian ball and claw bath, ‘his and hers’ vanities and outdoor shower, all with a view of the rivers and breathtaking bushveld, the subtropical eco-region emblematic of large swaths of South Africa. Each suite is also fully equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea- and coffee-making facilities, private bar and safe.
The Main Lodge comprises a dining room, lounge, deck, bar, library and walk-in wine cellar. At night staircases are fitted with oil lamps, creating an atmosphere that harkens back to the gold rush era. Cuisine at the Lodge has a strong South African influence. Meals are served in several locations - from fine dining either inside or out, to a gourmet adventure in the Lapa under the crystal-clear African night skies. The upstairs bar, with sinkable leather couches, overlooks the pool and river, offering frequent glimpses of the vast array of wildlife.
The spa, Pilgrim’s Rest Relaxation Retreat, was named after the quaint historical mining town featured so prominently in Jock of the Bushveld and still in existence today, was a place to rest, rejuvenate and restock. So too is the Relaxation Retreat for men and women at Jock Safari Lodge. It overlooks a serenity garden and is fully equipped with therapy and relaxation rooms, hydrotherapy bath, steam room and sauna. Only the finest products are used for a wide variety of treatments. Therapies are also available in the privacy of the guest rooms.
Magnificent trees and abundant bird and wildlife offer stunning views from the communal deck and rock pool. The lodge overlooks the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. Highly qualified rangers drive guests into the ‘bushveld’, an area regarded as one of the best in the Kruger Park for its ‘Big Five’ sightings.
Animal sightings are likely while relaxing around the rock pool or in the upstairs bar or one’s own room. Activities include morning and evening game drives and walking safaris. There is a collection of San rock art, a small business center with internet access to e-mail photographs home, and a comfortable lounge and library.
Jock Safari Lodge is in the southern area of Kruger and accessible through the Malelane gate to the park. Direct flights to Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) are available from several destinations including South Africa’s major airports and the lodge will arrange transfers.
All-inclusive rates, including accommodations, meals, most activities and local alcoholic beverages are from $528 to $610 (depending on the season) per night, per person, based on double occupancy.*
For further information on Jock Safari Lodge, please visit the website at www.jocksafarilodge.com. For further information on the Mantis Collection, please visit the website at www.mantiscollection.com.
Jock Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge set on a 15,000-acres concession in South Africa’s vaunted Kruger National Park. It was the first private concession in the Park and was developed along the original camping sites used by trekkers on the route to Delagoa Bay. The Lodge is themed around one of the country’s most popular children’s classics, Jock of the Bushveld, true tales of a nineteenth century adventurer’s travel through South Africa with his faithful and plucky dog, Jock. The story was written at the time of the country’s first gold rush and the lodge brings this era alive by incorporating elements of the colonial past along with facets of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures.
Interesting aspects include historical ox wagons of the gold rush era, strategically placed in and around the lodge. One is parked under the thatched porte cochere of the main reception, and serves as a mounting platform for guests embarking on game drives. Buffalo horn motifs are featured on the walls and furnishings, paying tribute to the abundant herds found in this part of the park. Walls are also decorated with framed prints depicting incidents of Jock’s and his master’s life in the wild.
Twelve individual thatched suites, screened by lush foliage and reed walls, offer guests utmost privacy, and create a unique experience of old-world elegance surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. Each suite, with king or twin beds outfitted with the finest linens and enveloped in a canopy of white netting, has its own private ‘sala’ (viewing deck), plunge pool, romantic Victorian ball and claw bath, ‘his and hers’ vanities and outdoor shower, all with a view of the rivers and breathtaking bushveld, the subtropical eco-region emblematic of large swaths of South Africa. Each suite is also fully equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea- and coffee-making facilities, private bar and safe.
The Main Lodge comprises a dining room, lounge, deck, bar, library and walk-in wine cellar. At night staircases are fitted with oil lamps, creating an atmosphere that harkens back to the gold rush era. Cuisine at the Lodge has a strong South African influence. Meals are served in several locations - from fine dining either inside or out, to a gourmet adventure in the Lapa under the crystal-clear African night skies. The upstairs bar, with sinkable leather couches, overlooks the pool and river, offering frequent glimpses of the vast array of wildlife.
The spa, Pilgrim’s Rest Relaxation Retreat, was named after the quaint historical mining town featured so prominently in Jock of the Bushveld and still in existence today, was a place to rest, rejuvenate and restock. So too is the Relaxation Retreat for men and women at Jock Safari Lodge. It overlooks a serenity garden and is fully equipped with therapy and relaxation rooms, hydrotherapy bath, steam room and sauna. Only the finest products are used for a wide variety of treatments. Therapies are also available in the privacy of the guest rooms.
Magnificent trees and abundant bird and wildlife offer stunning views from the communal deck and rock pool. The lodge overlooks the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. Highly qualified rangers drive guests into the ‘bushveld’, an area regarded as one of the best in the Kruger Park for its ‘Big Five’ sightings.
Animal sightings are likely while relaxing around the rock pool or in the upstairs bar or one’s own room. Activities include morning and evening game drives and walking safaris. There is a collection of San rock art, a small business center with internet access to e-mail photographs home, and a comfortable lounge and library.
Jock Safari Lodge is in the southern area of Kruger and accessible through the Malelane gate to the park. Direct flights to Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) are available from several destinations including South Africa’s major airports and the lodge will arrange transfers.
All-inclusive rates, including accommodations, meals, most activities and local alcoholic beverages are from $528 to $610 (depending on the season) per night, per person, based on double occupancy.*
For further information on Jock Safari Lodge, please visit the website at www.jocksafarilodge.com. For further information on the Mantis Collection, please visit the website at www.mantiscollection.com.
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