Ultimate Golf Safari in the Kruger National Park (Jock Safari Lodge + Leopard Creek Golf Course)

Why Travelers Love This Itinerary

• Two passions, one trip: Morning/evening Big Five game drives plus a dedicated Leopard Creek golf day with lodge–course transfers organized.

• Effortless logistics: Scheduled flights Johannesburg (JNB) ⇄ Skukuza (SZK) and point-to-point lodge transfers handled for you.

• Classic Kruger location: Southern Kruger’s renowned “Southern Circle” for lion/rhino; Crocodile River views and nearby San rock art.

• All-inclusive comfort: Full board, house beverages, on-drive snacks, and conservation levies included.

Where You’ll Stay: Jock Safari Lodge (3 Nights)

Set where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers meet, Jock Safari Lodge enjoys exclusive traversing in a Big Five area of southwestern Kruger. Thatched suites are screened by reeds and trees for privacy, with covered 4×4 game vehicles and expert rangers leading drives. Optional guided walks, birding, rock-art excursions, and spa treatments round out your days.

About Leopard Creek Golf Course

Where Championship Golf Meets Wild Africa

Bordering Kruger National Park along the Crocodile River, Leopard Creek was conceived to complement nature, not compete with it. Subtle earthworks, water features, and indigenous landscaping protect wildlife corridors while creating strategic shot values and river-edge vistas. Sightings of elephant, buffalo, antelope, hippo, and crocodile are common—a reminder that beyond the manicured greens lies the untamed Lowveld.

Course Character & Design Ethos

• Nature-led strategy: Lakes and small streams weave through the routing, shaping authentic risk–reward decisions.

• Wild water hazards: On some holes, “water in play” truly means wildlife in play—the Crocodile River adds both beauty and bite.

• Quiet engineering: Architectural and landscaping techniques subtly separate play from wildlife while preserving a powerful sense of place.

• Signature atmosphere: The leopard—course namesake—captures the thrilling contrast: serene greens framed by a vast, living ecosystem.

Clubhouse Experience

Perched above the river, the clubhouse opens onto terraces with sightlines to the 9th and 18th greens and sweeping views into Kruger. Settle into the lounge or bar for sunset cocktails, watch passing game along the river, or linger over a meal from the professional kitchen. Practicalities for golfers include a fully stocked pro shop, elegant locker rooms with spike-proof carpeting, and covered cart parking.

Practice & Junior Development (NJDC Par-3)

Within a 33-hectare practice domain, multiple hitting, chipping, and putting areas surround a superb 9-hole Par-3 course—a comprehensive facility designed to nurture every aspect of the game and inspire the next generation of golfers.

How we build your day here: We secure tee times, handle lodge ↔ course transfers, and pace your round so you can still catch the evening game drive—the best of championship golf and Big Five safari, in one seamless rhythm.

Your Daily Flow

Day 1 — Arrive, Settle & First Drive
Fly JNB → SZK; meet & transfer to the lodge. Lunch and relax, then high tea, an afternoon game drive with sundowners, a short night drive, and dinner.

Day 2 — Safari Rhythm
Pre-dawn coffee, morning game drive (with a bush coffee stop), hearty breakfast, pool/deck downtime or spa, high tea, evening drive, sundowners, night drive, and dinner.

Day 3 — Leopard Creek Golf + Safari
Breakfast timed around tee-off. Transfer to Leopard Creek for your round beside the Crocodile River; return to the lodge for high tea and the evening drive.

Day 4 — One Last Drive
Final morning drive, breakfast, check-out and transfer to SZK → JNB flight.

Private charter options available on request.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included

• Flights: Scheduled OR Tambo (Johannesburg) ⇄ Skukuza (SZK).

• Stay: 3 nights at Jock Safari Lodge (Full Board Plus).

• Safari: Two game drives daily, guided wilderness walks (on request), on-drive drinks/snacks.

• Dining & Drinks: All meals + a limited selection of house beverages.

• Golf Day: Round at Leopard Creek with lodge–course transfers.

• Levies/Taxes: Conservation levy, VAT, Tourism levy.

• Transfers: Lodge ↔ Skukuza (SZK) transfers.

Excluded

• Premium/top-shelf beverages; discretionary gratuities; items of a personal nature; visas/travel insurance; anything not specifically listed as included.

Pricing (Guide)

• From R69,192 per person sharing (≈ US$3,650)

• From R109,097 single (≈ US$5,750)

Rates are indicative and vary by season, availability, room category, and exchange rates. Enquire for a tailored quote and current specials.
USD display (optional): Show neat ≈USD estimates alongside ZAR (ZAR is authoritative).

Practical Travel Info (South Africa)

Currency and Payments in South Africa

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). While cash is useful for smaller purchases and tipping, most lodges, airports, and shops accept major credit and debit cards. ATMs are widely available in towns, airports, and shopping centers.
💡 Tip: It’s common to leave gratuities for safari guides, lodge staff, and drivers. Most lodges can also add tips to your bill for convenience.

Getting Around: Transfers and Transportation

Most guests flying for this itinerary arrive at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport before taking a short flight to Skukuza (SZK) or Hoedspruit (for other itineraries). From there, private transfers are arranged directly to the lodge.
In South African cities, you’ll also find convenient transport options:

• Uber & Bolt: Widely used for safe transfers.

• Car hire: Available at all major airports.

• Rail journeys: Premium options like The Blue Train or Rovos Rail link cities and safari regions.

• Gautrain: High-speed rail connects Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo Airport.

Food and Drink on Safari

South Africa is known for its world-class cuisine and wines. At the lodge, you’ll enjoy:

• Fine dining with locally inspired dishes.

• Special menus for vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs.

• Safe drinking water — filtered or bottled water is always provided.
  Street food and local markets are popular in cities, but at luxury lodges, meals are curated by expert chefs for both taste and safety.

Climate: When to Visit

• Winter (May–September): Dry, cool, and excellent for game viewing as animals gather near water sources.

• Summer (October–April): Warmer with green landscapes and afternoon showers—great for birding and lush scenery.
  Both seasons are rewarding; choose dense wildlife sightings (winter) or vibrant, green scenery (summer).

What to Pack for Your Safari

• Neutral, breathable clothing for game drives.

• A warm jacket for early mornings/evenings in winter.

• Wide-brim hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Comfortable walking shoes/light boots.

• Swimwear for the lodge pool.

• Smart-casual evening wear for lodge dinners.

Internet and Connectivity

Lodges typically provide reliable Wi-Fi access, though signal can be lighter in remote areas.

Electricity and Adapters

South Africa uses 230V / 50Hz with plug types M and N. A universal adapter is recommended.

South African Golf Safari FAQs

Q: Is Leopard Creek included?

Yes — your round at Leopard Creek and the transfers to/from the lodge are included.

Q: Which flights are part of the package?

Scheduled JNB ⇄ SZK flights are included; we ticket these and arrange lodge transfers.

Q: How many game drives will I have?

Two per day (morning & afternoon/evening), plus optional guided walks (on request).

Q: Can I add extra golf or spa time?

Yes — we can add a second round (subject to Leopard Creek availability) and pre-book spa treatments.

Q: When should I book?

For peak months (Jun–Sep and major holidays), secure space 9–12 months in advance to lock in tee times and the best suites.

Q: Is a round at Leopard Creek included in the package?

Yes. One round at Leopard Creek with lodge–course transfers is included. We can request extra rounds subject to tee-time availability.

Q: Do I need a handicap certificate to play Leopard Creek?

A valid handicap is recommended and may be requested. Share your handicap details when enquiring so we can pre-clear with the club.

Q: What is the dress code at Leopard Creek?

Standard championship-golf etiquette applies: collared shirts, tailored shorts/trousers, soft spikes. No denim or gym wear on the course.

Q: Are carts, caddies, and rentals available?

Golf carts are common; caddies can be arranged on request. Premium club rentals are available—please provide your specs in advance.

Q: How do you balance tee times with game drives?

We pace your day so you play your round and still catch the evening game drive. Early tee times are preferred to avoid heat and maximize wildlife time.

Q: Can non-golfers join this itinerary?

Absolutely. Non-golfers can enjoy spa treatments, pool time, or additional safari activities while golfers are on the course.

Q: When is the best time of year for this golf-and-safari combo?

May–September (dry season) offers top game viewing and cooler golf conditions. Summer (October–April) brings greener scenery and afternoon showers.

Q: What happens if it rains on my golf day?

We’ll work with the club to adjust tee times where possible. If weather forces closure, we’ll attempt to rebook during your stay.

Q: Could Leopard Creek be unavailable during course maintenance or events?

Occasionally, yes. We’ll advise blackout dates and propose comparable elite courses nearby if needed.

Q: Are international and domestic flights included?

Return Johannesburg ⇄ Skukuza flights are typically included; international flights can be added on request. We handle all transfers.

Q: Is the itinerary customizable (extra golf, longer stay, different lodges)?

Yes. Add rounds, upgrade room categories, extend nights, or combine with Cape Town/winelands—everything is tailor-made.

Q: Is this a malaria area?

The Kruger region is considered malaria risk. Consult your health professional about prophylaxis. Lodges follow best-practice prevention protocols.

Q: What is included vs excluded in the package price?

Inclusions generally cover accommodation, meals, selected drinks, two daily game activities, Leopard Creek round with transfers, levies, and VAT. Exclusions typically include premium beverages, spa, gratuities, personal items, and insurance. Your quote will itemize all details.

Q: Do you show prices in USD and ZAR?

Yes—ZAR is authoritative. USD amounts are shown as helpful estimates based on the prevailing exchange rate at time of quote/payment.

Q: What are the deposit and cancellation terms?

These vary by lodge and season. We’ll provide exact policies (deposit schedule, balance due, cancellation windows) with your personalized quote.

Q: Do you arrange travel insurance and visas?

We’ll advise on entry requirements and can recommend insurance providers. Visas and insurance remain each traveler’s responsibility.

Q: Is Wi-Fi and mobile coverage available?

Lodges generally offer reliable Wi-Fi; mobile coverage is good in most areas but can be lighter on drives.

Q: Can families join, and are there age limits for game drives?

Families are welcome. Age policies for game drives/walks vary; private vehicles are recommended for younger children. We’ll tailor arrangements to your family.

Q: Are dietary preferences accommodated?

Yes—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal/kosher (with notice) and other requirements can be catered for. Please advise in advance.

Q: Are drones allowed for golf or safari photography?

No—drones are typically prohibited in and around Kruger for safety and conservation reasons.

Q: Why book with Ranger Buck Safaris instead of directly with the lodge/club?

You get one expert team handling tee times, flights, transfers, permits, rooming, and back-up plans—one itinerary, one point of contact, 24/7 support—often at rate parity with added perks.

Why Book With Ranger Buck Safaris (Instead of Direct)?

Booking direct gets you a room. Booking with RBS gets you a flawlessly run journey: we design the right lodge mix for your dates and style (not just what’s available), secure best-fit rooms and vehicles/tee times, and coordinate every flight, transfer, permit and special request—under one itinerary, one point of contact, one payment. You also get 24/7 on-trip support, a dedicated specialist who can re-route or reschedule if weather or airlines wobble, and access to added-value perks (priority rooming, private vehicles, conservation experiences) that are hard to unlock solo. Pricing is at parity with the lodges in most cases, with our expert curation and problem-solving layered on—so you gain service and security without paying more.

What Our Guests Say

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👉 Ranger Buck Safaris Reviews

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