Tshukudu Bush Lodge

“Stunning experience in a paradise”

Our time there was completely amazing. Our guide was JR, an excelent profesional totally in love with his job. He made us feel very comfortable all the time and managed to show us all every possible animal in the park. Thank U, see U again soon!

“Simply wonderful”

I can’t imagine there is a better place around Pilanesberg. The view over the watering hole from the room balconies and reception during downtime is fantastic. The game drives are great and varied. The food is plentiful. The staff are superb. Thank you!

“Best Experience Ever - Jafari the Lion King!”

This place is truly magical, from the day we arrived we were able to witness so much. Game Drives We arrived late afternoon and had a quick bite to eat before going out for our evening game drive, during this drive we saw 4 out of the big 5 thanks to Jafari. He is a brilliant and truly special … more

This place is truly magical, from the day we arrived we were able to witness so much. Game Drives We arrived late afternoon and had a quick bite to eat before going out for our evening game drive, during this drive we saw 4 out of the big 5 thanks to Jafari. He is a brilliant and truly special guide who made each drive unique and special. He had a unique capability of finding the animals and we had so many close up experiences. My wife and I will be forever grateful. We stayed for a total of 6 nights and had 12 drives in total and managed to see the following and more: Close sightings - Vervet monkeys, Kudu, Lions 🦁 and lion cubs, Zebra & baby zebra 🦓 , Impala, Antelope (various), Water buck, Elephants & baby elephants 🐘, Cheetah x 3 🐆, Leopards x 4 🐆 Giraffes and baby giraffes🦒, Hippo, Rhino & baby rhino 🦏 , Kudu, Rock rabbits, Water buffalo, Wildebeest, Jackals Birds - Black chested snake eagle, Fish eagle, Bee eater, Blue backed heron, Grey hornbill, Southern Masked Weaver, Red winged starling, Red breasted meadowlark, Australian white ibis, Guinea fowl Jafari - thank you so so much for making this the best holiday we’ve ever had! Accommodation - We stayed in the elephant room right near the top and were treated to amazing views of the local watering hole and surrounding area. The bed was perfectly sized and the room came with all the essentials you need to have a lovely stay Food - The breakfast, high tea and 4/5 course dinner every day and night was of the highest calibre. We loved every single meal we had and were extremely grateful for the meal you setup for us in our lodge. Staff - They were all amazing, from the staff cleaning our rooms, to those looking after us daily making sure we were fed and watered to the extremely knowledgeable safari guides. You did not put a foot wrong! Things to be aware of - As you will see in the other reviews, there are a lot of steps. Yes they’re uneven and come in different shapes and sizes but just take your time. For the drives, prepare yourself for the early mornings and later evenings. Make sure you rest well. You may also get some uninvited guests (it’s rare but can happen), do not worry at all as the staff are on hand to help if needed. Other guests - The other guests we stayed with also really made this an amazing holiday for us. You know who you are! It is very rare that my wife and I would say we’d go back to somewhere again as there is so much to see in the world but we can’t wait to come back again! Thank you to everyone at Tshukudu Lodge!

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“South Africa’s hidden gem”

Please do not change a single thing about this place! What a rare find to have a lodge so luxurious yet so true to the surroundings. I have been to lodges all over Africa - from budget camps to luxury accommodation frequented by celebrities, and there is something so special about Tshukudu I just w… more

Please do not change a single thing about this place! What a rare find to have a lodge so luxurious yet so true to the surroundings. I have been to lodges all over Africa - from budget camps to luxury accommodation frequented by celebrities, and there is something so special about Tshukudu I just want to return over and over again. It is so refreshing to find a lodge of this calibre that has not sold out to tourist commercialism of having to include gyms and spas. If you want to work out - run up and down the 130 stairs. If you want to spa, then the guides will take you to a neighbouring lodge. This rare and precious lodge needs to stay true to its original purpose; creating a quiet and tranquil setting to enjoy the surroundings. I cannot express in words how magical this place is, and worth every single penny of the cost. The staff are all helpful and attentive. Our guide, JR, was one of the best guides I have ever come across. His knowledge of the park, the flora and fauna was outstanding. His passion for the animals shone through, and he was genuinely in love with his job. Guests always came first for him and I cannot thank him enough for such an amazing and educational stay. The lodges themselves are stunning. We had originally planned to book a suite, but unfortunately these were fully booked on our dates, so we instead chose a lodge. We got so lucky with our views, and I have to say I would always book a lodge in future, as the views are second to none. The stairs - there are a lot of warnings when booking this lodge about the stairs, and a lot of warnings in the reviews. They are not lying, and do not underestimate. However, I will say this; I have a pretty severe walking disability, have undergone 2 operations in the last 12 months, am definitely not fit, and definitely am overweight. I managed. There is no one hurrying you up and down. Take your time. Take a rest (there is a bench half way). Enjoy the views and wildlife as you climb. It is part of the experience. It also makes you feel a bit better about eating the amazing food on offer! This place would not be the same if a lift was added (not even sure it would be possible). The views are phenomenal. The ambience is unbeatable. The staff are amazing. The rooms and beautiful. The drives last hours, include refreshments and toilet stops. I cannot praise this lodge highly enough, and I will definitely be back! Please, please, do not change a thing about this rare gem.

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