Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Pilanesberg, South Africa

Virgin rating

Luxury Chalet
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Dining Room and Lounge
Main Deck
Tshukudu Suite
Luxury Chalet
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Tshukudu Suite
Dining Room and Lounge
Main Deck
Tshukudu Suite

The hotel

You’ll feel like you have Pilanesberg National Park all to yourself when you stay at Tshukudu Bush Lodge. The only lodge in the reserve, it has just ten chalets and suites, and sits secluded at the foot of the Pilanesberg mountains, letting you gaze down over vast plains and a wildlife-enticing waterhole. The "Big Five" aren’t the only ones with a water feature here – your Tshukudu Suite has a private plunge pool and the lodge features a stunning rock pool. Adding a unique personal touch, the lodge’s Field Guides don’t just take you on game-drives, they also share local legends as you dine together at a boma out in the African bush.

Amenities

  • Honeymoon
  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Situated on a hill slope, in the malaria free Pilanesberg National Park, only a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Johannesburg.

Hotel information

6 luxury chalets and 4 luxury suites, all individually decorated. 

Luxury Chalets offer a private balcony overlooking the savannah/waterhole, open plan lounge and bedroom with 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults. Chalets also have a fully-stocked mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and safe, there are no radios, telephones or TVs.

All Inclusive: all meals including high tea, selected local beverages, and twice daily game-drives.

Spacious Tshukudu Suites offer a lounge area that leads to a deck with a private plunge pool. Suites also have crystal chandeliers, separate indoor and outdoor shower,

Dining Room & Lounge where breakfast is served and a 5-course dinner menu. Bush boma dinners. Rock plunge pool with bar service. The Deck with 80 degree views of the Pilanesberg. Bush walks. Twice daily game-drives. Bird watching. Complimentary WiFi access.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: children under 11 years are not permitted at Tshukudu Bush Lodge.

Please note: there are 132 steps to the lodge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (296)
  • Very good (20)
  • Average (9)
  • Poor (2)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tshukudu Pilanesberg .. where dreams come true !!

Dec 4, 2023 Malli26 Ascot, United Kingdom

We had the most magnificent time. Andre and his team looked after us like Royalty. Every game drive with Jan Rick was superb. The game walks with Andre and Dillon are a once in a lifetime experience. Thabiso, Simon and Johnny are the A team !! Tahidi and Tammy looked after us well. We hope to be back and thank you for making our dreams come true.… Read more
We had the most magnificent time. Andre and his team looked after us like Royalty. Every game drive with Jan Rick was superb. The game walks with Andre and Dillon are a once in a lifetime experience. Thabiso, Simon and Johnny are the A team !! Tahidi and Tammy looked after us well. We hope to be back and thank you for making our dreams come true. Till then we wish you all the health and success in the world. Kind regards Marion and Paolo Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tshukudu bush lodges

Nov 24, 2023 John D Norwich, Connecticut

Where to start, everything from start to finish was fantastic. When we arrived at the airport we had a private car to take us to Bakubunk gate. From here we were picked up by a pickup people carrier and taken to the lodges. After the 152 steps to reception we were greeted by Andre the Manager and staff. We were then shown to our lodge. First… Read more
Where to start, everything from start to finish was fantastic. When we arrived at the airport we had a private car to take us to Bakubunk gate. From here we were picked up by a pickup people carrier and taken to the lodges. After the 152 steps to reception we were greeted by Andre the Manager and staff. We were then shown to our lodge. First impression was WOW. Very clean, spacious and well laid out. From there every thing just got better. From the fantastic views you can see from your lodge and reception. The food was much better than good, the game drive with our dedicated driver and guide Jann-Rick, JR for short was just fantastic, his knowledge and passion is second to none. Even with his best efforts we only missed 1 of the big five, but then again nobody else saw them. 4 of the big 5 on one road in the space of an hour. Every drive, which there are 2 a day was filled with wonder and excitement. JR never ceased to amaze us, there is so much more to see than the big 5, and we were shown it. The lodge, very well laid out with everything you will need for your stay. The staff were very professional at all times, nothing was to much trouble for them. Polite and with a great sense of humour. Simon does stand out for me for the manner he treated us. Would we stay there again....YES, in a heart beat. Only down side...the 152 steps up and then down. No gift shop. Both I belive are being addressed. Thank you Tshukudu Bush lodges for a holiday of a life time, special thanks to Andre, JR, Simon and the rest of the staff, even the great Chefs. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Phenomenal - everything you need to know below

Nov 13, 2023 alancjones South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Tshukudu Bush Lodge is a very special place. Game drive details and a full daily itinerary is towards the end so keep scrolling if that’s what you’re after. Upon arrival (after you’ve climbed quite a number of steps) you’ll be greeted by the team with a welcome drink and you’ll immediately fall in love with the view from the main terrace;… Read more
Tshukudu Bush Lodge is a very special place. Game drive details and a full daily itinerary is towards the end so keep scrolling if that’s what you’re after. Upon arrival (after you’ve climbed quite a number of steps) you’ll be greeted by the team with a welcome drink and you’ll immediately fall in love with the view from the main terrace; you’re then shown to your lodge which are exceptionally presented (see photos). The lodge staff, led by Andre, are fabulous. Always on hand to help - nothing is too much trouble. Everyone from Andre himself, the waiters, chef, housekeepers and maintenance team are incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive. The food is superb, especially the evening meal. All meals are communal with table service. You’ll eat dinner at the same (large) table as the other guests, many of which will be part of your game drive group, which is a great way to talk about the drives that day or meet and talk to other guests in other groups. Numbers are limited at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, there are only ten lodges so it provides a very intimate and relaxing environment within a private section of Pilanesberg National Park. If you’re lucky you’ll see some animals walk past from the main lodge terrace of from your own balcony. The game drives: You have two drives each day, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. Our guide was Jafari who was OUTSTANDING. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and a good sense of humour. You’ll have the same guide for the duration of your stay and we were fortunate to see all the Big 5 along with everything else you can think of. Daily timetable: 0430-0500 - very light breakfast (tea/coffee and fruit). 0500-0900 - morning game drive departs (includes a short break mid way for hot drinks/toilet/cigarette stop). 0900-1000 - return to lodge for cooked and/or continental breakfast. 1000-1530 free time to relax, either in your lodge, at the pool or on the main terrace (no food served during this time). 1530-1600 - high tea served. 1600-2000 - afternoon game drive departs (includes a short break mid way for a drink of your choosing/toilet/cigarette stop). 2000-2200 - five course dinner is served. Each lodge is provided with a safari backpack containing a tablet full of information on the park and its residents and one pair of binoculars, a very nice touch. Tshukudu Bush Lodge is stunning. The days are long but worth every second. Do not hesitate in booking; you’ll inevitably fall in love with the place and want to return time and time again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Magical Place

Oct 19, 2023 Clive H Crowthorne, United Kingdom

Visited with my wife for three days and we have a fantastic time . The property is accessed by safari vehicle so you get that wonderful off grid feel from the beginning. This place isn’t for people with mobility issues …..there’s lots of steps even when inside. Inside it’s truly special with lovely lodge accommodation very well laid out and… Read more
Visited with my wife for three days and we have a fantastic time . The property is accessed by safari vehicle so you get that wonderful off grid feel from the beginning. This place isn’t for people with mobility issues …..there’s lots of steps even when inside. Inside it’s truly special with lovely lodge accommodation very well laid out and decorated . Food is very good and the staff really make you feel at home . Nothing is too much for them. JR was our guide for the twice daily game tours. He is very passionate about what he does and an amazing source of knowledge about the animals . We saw elephants and Rhinos fighting at close quarters and Giraffes stood right next to us. Seeing Lions mating was an epic experience. We were sad to leave and hope to go back again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating HEAVEN ON EARTH

Aug 30, 2023 Happiness116481

WOW WOW WOW! There is such thing as heaven on earth! This stay was one of the best we have ever had! Not only are you actually in the national park, every detail has been thought through to help you enjoy your safari holiday. The room was exceptionally comfy and luxurious, with everything you needed. The food was 5 star cuisine in a wonderful… Read more
WOW WOW WOW! There is such thing as heaven on earth! This stay was one of the best we have ever had! Not only are you actually in the national park, every detail has been thought through to help you enjoy your safari holiday. The room was exceptionally comfy and luxurious, with everything you needed. The food was 5 star cuisine in a wonderful setting. But it was the staff that made the trip, always smiling, always helpful. Thanks you A special thank you t our safari guide JR - it was a privilege going out on the drives with you every day, what you don't know about animals isn't worth knowing and you have us completely hooked now. Thank you - awe inspiring Read less