Tshukudu Bush Lodge

This was our first safari visit ever and we could not have picked a better place to stay. Tshukudu bush lodge was recommended to us by a friend who visited 6 years ago. He spoke very highly of the location, the service and the people, but words alone cannot do this place justice. Our room, a suite, was large, clean and comfortable. The main building where we drank and dined was impressive without being ostentatious, just tasteful and relaxing. All the staff were amazing, but a big thank you to Simon and Tumi, and to manager Gregg who arranged a late check out for us at no extra cost. The food is excellent, with plenty of good quality all inclusive wine to drink. Our driver out to the park were all excellent, and Tumi, our guide, was an expert animal spotter. We saw everything..every animal and great scenery...at a pace that suited our 50+ bodies!!! If we get the chance to do safari again, we are coming back here ❤. Read less

We’ve spent 3 nights at the Thsukudu Game Lodge and we enjoyed every second! The Lodge is situated within the park (in the middle of nowhere) with a stunning view! We sat on our terrace and could see a lot of animals (giraffe, zebras, gnus and a hippo!) going to the water hole in front of the lodge! It was fantastic! The time at the lodge was more than great because of the whole Thsukudu team! They all have been so nice and friendly and did everything that we felt comfortable! Our guide Cole was fantastic and super nice! He took us on the safari drives twice a day and we have seen so many animals and learned a lot about them and the nature! Thank you Cole for this unforgettable time! It was a pleasure meeting you. Since Cole had to leave the lodge earlier we got another great guide for the last two rides - he was also really great! In general, you have two rides during the day. One early in the morning (you can grab some fruits, juices and coffee before the ride). There is also one break during the ride where you’ll get coffee and muffins :). Once back in the lodge you’ll get a wonderful breakfast on the main terrace. The other ride is in the afternoon with a really nice snack (bread, cheese, local snacks and drinks) before leaving. You will also stop for a break during this ride where you can enjoy a wine, beer, gin tonic or any non alcoholic drinks :) After coming back you can enjoy the 5-course dinner together with the other guests! That was really nice and so delicious! If you are lucky, you‘ll see some lions, rhinos and elephants right next to you. We‘ve had them literally 2m away. It was breathtaking :) Another point which was important for us, you are not sitting in a big truck with other 30 people - it is a game vehicle with a maximum of 6 guests in it (even if there are 9 seats). We‘ve been only 4 the whole time which enables you to spend the time with the animals as you wish and not as the driver with 30 guests decides! It was an amazing and extraordinary experience and we’ll definitely come back again! So, if you are thinking going to the lodge: DO IT! It’s worth the price! Read less

My husband and I have just spent three nights in this magical place. From the moment we were met until the time we left nothing was too much. We could not fault a thing. The setting, accommodation and food were superb. Our safari drivers were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and tried to find us everything we wanted to see, although realistically this was an impossible task as dealing with wild animals. We had a special wedding anniversary and thanks to the staff particularly Ernest and Elvis it was magical. All we can do is thank you all from the bottom of our heart. We can not recommend this place more highly, if you have the opportunity to go please do. John and Karen Cavill Read less

This was our first safari ever and the first lodge we visited. We also stayed I. Black rhino further up north in the same park. Me and my wife was happy to receive a very talented and friendly guide, JR. His knowledge about animals and the park together with his respect for nature and wildlife brought us to to most amazing experience in this fantastic park I will remember as long as I live. Every game drive brought something new and as the cars were never full with people you always had a great seat and view. Breakfast and dinner was good. Do note that drinks and wine was included. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The lodge is situated in its own part of the reserve with wildlife literally ourside the door. One morning we woke up by roaring lions not far away. Amazing! Read less

I don’t even know where to begin. I don’t usually write reviews for accommodation but I feel as though I need to. My husband and I visited the lodge in August 2019 for part of our honeymoon and I can honestly say I have never had an experience like it! From the first welcome, we knew we would love it here. The staff are so attentive and polite, ready to cater to your every need. Tshukudu really offers a personal experience- we were 2 of only 4 guests staying at the hotel at the time, which meant we pretty much had it to ourselves! The views from the lodge were out of this world; you could clearly see a large watering hole from the deck and your own room, which meant a lot of animals frequented it. People who moan about the steps- you are warned prior to booking and how else are you going to get those beautiful views of the reserve without them!! The food was amazing! We were pleasantly surprised to return from our game drive on the first night to a private dinner in our room, with the fire going and an absolutely delicious 5 course meal. I’ve read reviews complaining about the food and lack of it- we were never without it! I can honestly say I have never been so well fed during a stay anywhere, the cakes and sandwiches provided for high tea in the afternoon were delicious and plentiful. Also, little extras in the room like bottles of Amurula, nougat and boxes of fudge kept us going- plus the mini bar was always topped up with soft drinks, beer and wine. Oh and the biscuit tin was topped up twice a day which we loved! Breakfast was lovely with lots to choose from- myself and the other guests had a conversation about the traditional SA breakfast ‘mealie meal’, the next day the staff had prepared us some to try! Nothing was too much trouble. The second night we joined the other guests for a dinner by the fire pit overlooking the beautiful views of Pilanesberg. The facilities of the lodge are definitely 5 star- the rooms were so cosy and welcoming and the bath with the window that opens to overlook the game reserve was just priceless. Now for the game drives!! We had the absolutely fantastic guide Michelle for our drives. I felt the drives were very personal; there was only 4 of us in the jeep at a time, and I am told that they only ever have a maximum of 6 people in the jeep at a time. This is much better than the other vehicles we saw from other lodges who seemed to cram in guests. Michelle left no stone unturned during our drives- we saw all of the big five and more! Michelle takes her service very personally, she is determined for you to get the most out of your experience and stops at nothing to show you the best! After 3 game drives we still hadn’t seen a leopard, but on our final one Michelle went above and beyond to track one down, making sure we got the best view around all the annoying private vehicles. She was extremely knowledgable and I learned lots of new things about all of the animals. The sundowners were a beautiful experience- definitely one to remember. We were taken to some beautiful spots with picturesque views over Pilanesberg. The only other thing I have left to say is that I WISH we had booked an extra night! I would recommend this lodge to everyone and anyone- it was the highlight of our honeymoon and I was so sad to leave. Read less