Tshukudu Bush Lodge

I based my review on price paid 6 nights staying there. I really wanted to give this 5 out of 5, but felt a few points need attention. Firstly, I must say, like the majority of reviews that our guide JR was exceptional, he and the other guests we met made our trip. JR had amazing communication, and his Ferrari Safaris were great fun.His knowledge of the area geological and animals was second to none, and he made a great bacardi and coke, thank you JR you are a credit to your profession. We were lucky to see the big 5 in 2 days, but this was luck of the draw as the animals are wild and roam, the views were exceptional and staying at the Lodge gave us small tour groups (max of 6) not the massive prison looking trucks you saw zooming around. Yes, there are steps 140 plus up to the rooms with a bench halfway so if you are less mobile then I would say this is not for you which is a shame.The lodges are large with stunning views and some have small plunge pools, to be honest these are great but only used ours in small amounts to cool down.Beds are firm but comfortable with all the facilities you need, hair dryer, coffee pod maker, every tea ever made, kettle, fridge and fan.Lovely double shower and separate freestanding bath overlooking water hole and double sinks. When up the top area, 2 x seating areas , one smoking one non smoking, which was great for my cigars.There is also a small plunge pool which we did not use but seemed popular. You are most probably wondering why I did not give this 5 out of 5 ? The drinks are premium, BUT I asked for Jack D on day one and was told they had run out,which is OK, but when I asked 2 days later, they checked and found it, would of been nice to have seen it on shelf when it was re-stocked up rather than in locked room around backThe cocktails selection should be improved no one ever knew what cocktail they had just given to them and a proper cocktail list with mainstream cocktails would of been nice and expected in this price bracket. Wines were good and they did keep you topped up, but I asked on the off chance for a vanilla milkshake and got one then most people got one as no one knew it was avaliable and the same goes for snacks no one knew that they were avaliable. Food was top class with 5 courses served nightly for dinner, but the bush dinner was not avaliable due to some works going on, this was a massive disappointment for me as it was one of the main reasons for going there as having dinner every night either in your room or at communal table is OK but not the experience of being out and about, they did have high tea under a tree but not do it was very disappointing. Up 5am Game Drive 5.30 Back around 8am Breakfast around 9am High Tea 3.30pm Game Drive 4pm Back around 8.15pm Dinner around 9pm The above change from Nov 1st to earlier. We were lucky to have an incredible group of people when we were there that could make or break in my opinion this holiday,(no names used but you know who you are) The couple with the accident prone hairdresser The couple who spot xmas tress and wonder what fish eagles eat The couple who hear things in the walls of there Lodge The couple who had a guide who was so good that he took them to places before the animals had arrived and left (golf offer still stands) The honeymoon couple where he managed to finally see a hippo out of the water Overall a great holiday, tiring....if I was to do it again I would do 4 or 5 nights and then collapse at sun city.A few minor things needed attention but not to have the dinner out of the complex was disappointing, but to have dinner cooked by Elvis was great. Read less

Amazing lifetime experience, highly recommended. The lodges are located in a stunning area and very comfortable. You have everything you need . The staff are so attentive and helpful. The food was amazing like private fine dining with personal chefs and premium wines and spirits. Jsafari was an amazing guide and worked hard to show us the big 5 and more, such a great person. Andre was on hand to assist also. The bush bbq is to be experienced and go on every game drive is a must no matter how tired you may feel always different. The steps are uneven but just take your time and you get strong legs and fitter , just be sensible and you are fine. It's worth it! Was an amazing experience and want to return. Read less

Spectacular - and more! We have literally just arrived home and could not wait to write a review - from arrival to departure nothing was too much trouble - it felt like a celebrity secret place to visit. Having the same game guide each drive was brilliant, it meant they knew what we had seen and what to try and find next - JR was brilliant, I couldnt recommend him highly enough, what a guy! Always smiling despite my barrage of daft questions.............. The rooms were great - dont be afraid of an occasional extra visitor, they wont harm you, and you are in the wilds of Africa........very comfy beds, loads of hot water and the views, well........just WOW! All the Lodge staff were super friendly, always on hand to help with whatever you needed - they gave 100% all the time and it showed. The food is gorgeous - and plentiful - you will not go hungry, the quality was impressive too. In conclusion - our first Safari, but having seen the options out there and this place gets return guests that have tried other places - that tells you all you need to know really...................you will not be disappointed. We were there for 5 nights and although tiring felt like it was about the right time to spend - but if you have more stamina stay longer! Beware of the steps though - there are a lot of them but nothing to worry unless you have mobility issues. Read less

What an incredible experience. We were new to Safaris and had no idea what to expect but it surpassed any expectations. JR our tour guide was amazing, so knowledgeable and we loved hearing his stories. You could tell how passionate he is about the animals. The rest of the staff were all excellent as well, so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much. All the food was delicious and we loved that we met the chef each night before dinner who would explain our menu. All of this and then the fantastic experience of the drives. We got to see the big 5 as well as lots of other animals such as zebras, kudus, impala etc etc, and my personal favourite, giraffes. Never imagined we would get to see the animals so close up. Such a special experience. Our balcony overlooked the water hole and we spent our rest time mesmerised by the animals that came to visit. We also got to use Andre’s night vision binoculars back at the lodge in the evening which was spectacular. I could go on and on and on about how wonderful our experience was. Thank you. Read less