Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Pilanesberg, South Africa

Virgin rating

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, and all with a fully-stocked mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and safe. There are no radios, telephones or TVs.

Luxury Chalets offer a private balcony overlooking the savannah/waterhole, open plan lounge and bedroom with 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

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 (304)
  • Very good (20)
  • Average (9)
  • Poor (2)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Experience of a Lifetime!

Feb 25, 2024 Lana B

We have just returned from a week long stay at Tshukudu and are missing everything about it so much. Set within the park itself the lodge is nestled away down a private road giving you the most secluded and exclusive view of a gorgeous plain and watering hole. No cars from other lodges can come by so you have a little corner of the park just to… Read more
We have just returned from a week long stay at Tshukudu and are missing everything about it so much. Set within the park itself the lodge is nestled away down a private road giving you the most secluded and exclusive view of a gorgeous plain and watering hole. No cars from other lodges can come by so you have a little corner of the park just to yourself. Elephants, Impala and Zebra were regular guests at the watering hole you can see from your balcony as you open your curtains in the morning. Breakfast, High Tea and Dinner is all served up in the main area of the lodge, a stunning viewing deck you could spend hours on soaking up the African sunshine with a stunning firepit close by which was often used for pre dinner drinks! Food itself is absolutely out of this world, lovingly prepared, served and enjoyed! The chefs are all incredibly talented and take such pride in their work, you definitely will not return from a trip to Tshukudu hungry. Special mentions to Chefs Johnny and Elvis who made some unbelievable dishes during our stay. My partner and I enjoyed 3 private dinners during our stay, set up by the staff for us to enjoy in various locations around the lodge including by candlelight next to the pool. The rooms themselves are so comfortable. They are spread across the hill meaning that despite the lodge being exclusive of only 10 rooms you still have privacy. The pool area is extremely well maintained and perfect for enjoying between drives, the staff are always there to bring drinks to you as you relax. The main reason for people’s stay is naturally the wildlife and this was unlike anything I ever imagined. You are offered two game drives a day and they become so addictive, you’re always so excited to head back out. Our driver Jafari was absolutely sensational, it was a pleasure to spend time with him. A truly wonderful man with so much knowledge and passion for Pilansberg who was happy to answer any question. He is also incredible at spotting animals, we managed to complete the Big 5 with so many extra magic moments thrown in (Hippos, Hyena, Baboons, Warthogs, Giraffes, Cheetas etc). This trip was unlike anything I have ever experienced, the most luxurious, friendly, intimate place I have ever stayed. I don’t think anything will ever compare to Tshukudu and I feel honoured to have met the gorgeous people that work there and to have enjoyed the company of other wonderful guests throughout our stay. Thank you Tshukudu for the incredible memories, we will cherish our time with you forever. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Quite simply the best overall holiday experience we have ever had

Feb 21, 2024 Q6873ZQdavidl London, United Kingdom

Where do I start!! The location, simply stunning, inside the reserve so the feeling of exclusivity is fantastic. The position is beautiful with amazing views. The cottages are oozing with comfort and sophistication, very relaxing indeed. The staff.....well that's probably the Unique selling Point if there is one to draw out. Simon, our guide for… Read more
Where do I start!! The location, simply stunning, inside the reserve so the feeling of exclusivity is fantastic. The position is beautiful with amazing views. The cottages are oozing with comfort and sophistication, very relaxing indeed. The staff.....well that's probably the Unique selling Point if there is one to draw out. Simon, our guide for the game drives was so knowledgeable and helpful, we enjoyed every second of the early morning and afternoon drives. Big Simon at the lodge along with Tshidi and Thabiso, kept us well fed and watered and nothing was too much trouble. They all had a soft spot for our son who suffered from anxiety issues and felt so welcome because they really all went the extra mile. The food is close to Michelin standard, well cooked, great variety and well explained by the chefs. Andre the manager went above and beyond in helping us with the right accommodation for our son once we arrived; simply amazing and truly made our weeks stay there even more special. I could go on all day if im honest, but if you want a truly amazing, private, luxury immersive experience away from crowds, where nothing is too much trouble, the food superb, the wine flows without the need to ever ask for a glass to be recharged. The views are breathtaking and the accommodation divine. This is the real deal, exactly how you would imagine your dreams in Africa to come alive. I loved it loved it loved it!!!! will definitely be going back Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Most incredible moments of my entire life

Feb 12, 2024 Madeleine K

My husband and I had the most incredible stay at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, and we would love to visit again. The accommodation itself is beautiful, and the bath overlooking the park is dreamy! The food is delicious and top quality. It was also lovely having a nice glass of wine by the camp fire in the evenings. The staff were fantastic and made us feel… Read more
My husband and I had the most incredible stay at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, and we would love to visit again. The accommodation itself is beautiful, and the bath overlooking the park is dreamy! The food is delicious and top quality. It was also lovely having a nice glass of wine by the camp fire in the evenings. The staff were fantastic and made us feel at home during our stay. Now, onto the game drives! The lodge offers 2 game drives a day (morning and afternoon). These made for some of the most incredible moments of my entire life. We saw many animals (such as lions, elephants, hippos, giraffe, zebra, and more) and our guide JR was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic - he made the entire trip! He answered any questions we had and really enhanced the whole experience. We were also very lucky to have seen black rhinos - which are really rare animals! Overall, a fantastic stay and we were so sad to leave! Would highly recommend. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Time of our lives

Feb 9, 2024 Sealbowen

We had the most amazing experience of our lives at Tshukudu. The lodges are spectacular and the fact you have a great view over your own section of the park is brilliant, we saw a lioness and cubs in our first day! The entire house team make you feel special and are brilliant, while the game drive team are out of this world. JR was like a… Read more
We had the most amazing experience of our lives at Tshukudu. The lodges are spectacular and the fact you have a great view over your own section of the park is brilliant, we saw a lioness and cubs in our first day! The entire house team make you feel special and are brilliant, while the game drive team are out of this world. JR was like a living encyclopaedia and his passion was infectious. We’ll do everything we can to make sure we visit again! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An outstanding stay, spacious lodge, brilliant guide, delicious food

Jan 27, 2024 traceyj454

Having gone with no expectations, we had an absolutely outstanding experience staying here. At the end of our 2 night stay, I was overwhelmed by just how amazing the safari had been. I’ve written a lengthy review, but the key outstanding features and benefits of the Tshukudu bush lodge are 2 x 4 hour game drives per night stay All inclusive… Read more
Having gone with no expectations, we had an absolutely outstanding experience staying here. At the end of our 2 night stay, I was overwhelmed by just how amazing the safari had been. I’ve written a lengthy review, but the key outstanding features and benefits of the Tshukudu bush lodge are 2 x 4 hour game drives per night stay All inclusive food and drinks, local produce extremely well cooked Only lodge within the park boundary, so less driving to get to the ‘action’ and a head start on other game drive trucks Small 9 seater truck, we saw much larger trucks from other lodges Adult only Small and intimate lodge with excellent personal service Jafari was an incredibly knowledgeable guide, as well as being enthusiastic and friendly - he really made the game drives special We arrived at lunchtime and had ‘afternoon tea’ at around 3.30pm. We’re British, the afternoon tea was nothing like we’re used to! We had kebabs, mini quiche, salads, bread, cake, fruit. And though we have no dietary requirements, one of the other guests was dairy free and vegetarian, and she was very happy with the meals she was served. Then the first of the evening game drives with Jafari as our guide. Jafari is so knowledgable about the animals and the park, he had an amazing ability to spot the animals, stopping so we could get photographs and use the binoculars. We took our own binoculars, but the lodge provided us with a rucksack and binoculars. Driving along we would see elephants, rhinos, giraffes, kudu, impala, etc just a wandering around at side of the road, wandering around the trees and in the fields. At times they were so close to the truck we could almost touch them. We witnessed the most beautiful sunset over the water from the bird Hyde. Part way through the drive was a stop where Jafari served us a pre-ordered drink from the bar and some snacks. Returning back to the lodge, we enjoyed dinner sat around the fire pit - 5 course meal with a choice of main course. The food was outstanding, well cooked, beautifully served, and totally delicious. There was an open bar with a range of wines, beers and spirits It was an early morning start - 4.30 up and we departed reception at 5am. Coffee/Tea was available in the room, and also at reception. There were plenty of large warm blankets in the truck which were very welcome in the chilly early morning before the sun rose. With the lodge being inside the park, we had a head start on most of the other game drive trucks and with Jafari as our knowledgable guide we saw the lioness’s resting in the field before running across the field chasing the zebras and then jumping around playfully when they reunited. However, the most spectacular event was watching the cheetahs come out from the rocks, prowl around and ultimately we watched the cheetah chase an impala, ultimately an unsuccessful chase, and then the cheetahs walked back a d lay in the the middle of the road in front of our truck. The morning 4 hour drive was broken with a hot drink and cake break, then we returned to the lodge for a cooked breakfast served with cereal, fruit and pastries. There’s a small pool at the lodge with sun loungers, but I spent a few hours laid on the lounger on the bedroom balcony listening to the sounds of the wildlife. The lodge reception overlooked a watering hole which we saw elephants walk over to. The room was very well appointed, with a fridge, plenty of bottles of still and sparkling water, a nespresso coffee maker and a couple of jars of cookies. The bathroom toiletries were great quality. The shower is set within the sunken bath, which could be a challenge for anyone with physical disabilities. The only slight downside was the large number of steps up to the lodge reception - but they were nice and wide and there was a stable handrail for support. I am in need of a knee replacement, but taking it steady I was fine. I would highly recommend Tshukudu bush lodge as a place to stay, Pilansberg National park was beautiful and never felt too busy. Read less