In the late 1800s a rugged two-wheel track through lion-infested bushveld was the only link between the goldfields of the interior and the coast at Delagao Bay (now Maputo). Running a gauntlet of wild country and wilder animals, the wagon drivers hauling supplies to the interior were tough men facing a tough land.

One of those men was Percy Fitzpatrick.

However, Percy's most valuable find on his travels from the bush to the Bay was not the gold he panned at the rough and tumble Pilgrim's Rest or trophies shot along the way, but rather the story of a brave mutt called Jock.

'Jock of the Bushveld' tells the tale of Fitzpatrick and Jock's travels through the Lowveld, and has gone on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies in the 100 years since it was first released in 1907.

That dusty track which Jock padded along now forms the southern boundary of the first ever private concession within the Kruger National Park, South Africa's most famous game reserve. Now entrusted to the Mantis Collection and safari entrepreneur Adrian Gardiner, nowadays you're more likely to see Land Rovers, not wagons, rumbling down that track as modern-day adventurers follow in the footsteps of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and the famous Jock.

Kruger has changed from hunting ground to conservation kingdom since Percy and Jock wandered through, and this game-rich southern section of the park is one of the best destinations in South Africa for a safari holiday. It's fitting then that the concession's Jock Safari Lodge is named after the canine hero who provided such thrilling bedtime stories for generations of South African children.

Perched on the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers, Jock Safari Lodge makes a refreshing change to other lodges in that — because the camp was first developed in the late '70s — it feels a part of the bushveld, not an imposition on it.

Trees grow up through the deck surrounding your private plunge pool and creepers crawl round the corners of the outdoor sala (a day lounge overlooking the river and the perfect spot for a lazy safari during your afternoon siesta); almost as if the bush is reclaiming its own. It's a lived-in feel that puts you instantly at ease.

Loveable mix of modern safari chic

That’s not to say that the lodge's 12 suites have failed to keep up with the times. Quite the opposite, as each suite is a mini-lodge in itself.

They may not be as gargantuan as more modern lodges in the park, but the loveable mix of modern safari chic (love the stylish Nguni rug) in the bedroom and lounge, and quirky oxen motifs, more than make up for the cosy interior. Throw in a spacious bathroom with Victorian bath overlooking the river, twirling fans and romantic mozzie net and your suite is more than enough for a few days in the bush.

The highlight though is your private deck and plunge pool, where you can merrily while away the hours between your morning and evening game drives and escape the searing summer temperatures. Monkeys gambol through the trees, elephants wander by in the riverbed and Grey Loeries shout their signature 'Go Away' from the rooftops. You hardly have to leave your comfy Adirondack chair on the deck to enjoy the bushveld.

Like your wildlife grey and grumpy?

But it'd be a shame not to make the most of the game-viewing opportunities on offer. Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead morning and evening game drives out into the reserve, bringing the bush to life with close-up sightings and insights into the flora of Kruger. And with just 24 guests to enjoy the 6000-hectare concession, chances are that you won't bump into many other travellers. The lush southern section is especially good for rhino and elephant, so if you like your wildlife grey and grumpy then this is the spot for you.

If you're feeling a little grumpy yourself, then a visit to the Pilgrim's Rest spa is probably in order. Apart from the witty name, the spa offers a range of treatments along with fully equipped therapy and relaxation rooms, hydrotherapy bath, steam room and sauna. A short walk from the suites (the lodge is fully fenced, which means that you can happily wander around the property without worrying about unexpected encounters with the wildlife) the spa is another great way to while away the five or six hours between the morning and afternoon game drive.

Your other option, of course, is eating. Something guests at Jock seem to do in abundance. Breakfast at nine, lunch at one, tea at four, dinner at eight… and not a lot of exercise in between, so don't visit expecting to slim down!

The meals — morning, noon or night — are excellent. Breakfast is a fairly informal buffet and a la carte affair, while lunch is a flexible menu served anytime until 3pm. Wander down to the deck overlooking the river and lunch at your leisure, or hang on until dinner; far and away the culinary highlight of the day.

Whether it's a more formal silver service affair on the deck of the main lodge, or a laid-back braai in the boma the fare is uniformly excellent. There's not a lot on offer for vegetarians though, so make sure you inform the lodge ahead of time of any dietary requirements. The lodge also has an excellent wine selection (most of which are included in the rate) from estates throughout the Cape winelands so you can indulge without worrying about your credit card.

And indulgent it certainly is. With fine food, great game viewing and some of the most comfortable five-star suites on offer in the Kruger, Jock Safari Lodge is a great choice for your home from home in the bush.