Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Our first ever Safari experience and I don’t believe we could have made a better choice, this is a very special place, the location all the staff and our dedicated guide JR who went above and beyond to ensure we saw everything we had hoped to, the Big 5. Ensuring we got close encounters, safely and respecting all these animals at the same time. When booking we had read about the 132 steps, but you get used to them and as long as care is taken then no issues with them. Loved the plunge pool and the view over the watering hole and sighting elephants, giraffes, hippos to name a few from our very own balcony was amazing. Nothing is too much trouble for any of the staff there to ensure you have the best experience. Just arrived home today and missing it already. Hoping to see you all again some time. Elaine and Wendy

My husband and I have just returned from a 6 night stay at Tshuduku Bush Lodge. The only accommodation that is inside the park. The whole experience was something to behold as it exceeded our expectations by a long way. The staff always greet you with a smile and cannot do enough for you. The food is plentiful and delicious, the menus for breakfast and dinner are varied and different every day. Dinner is 5 courses from 7:30 with all guests seated together, it was a lovely way to end the day and share all the sightings and experiences with people who were on other jeeps. We stayed in a standard lodge (no plunge pool) which was spacious, they provided toiletries, robes, slippers, coffee machine with pods, kettle and a selection of tea, plus a fridge stocked with water. You are able to ask for whatever your drink choice is to be brought to your room but we just went up to the reception area and sat with drinks up in the beautiful seating area. All lodges face the park with stunning views. There are 132 steps (I read that but didn’t count) to be mindful of that you need to climb up from where you are dropped off on arrival and then if you do 2 drives per day then it’s up and down twice more. There are lodges half way up so if you aren’t good with steps then I would advise those, but you still have to climb up the rest for breakfast and dinner. If you’re relatively able then it’s fine, there is a bench halfway to have a breather if needed. The reward at the top is the beautiful reception area with a bar and seating area. In the evenings they light the firepit for you to sit around for a pre-dinner drink. The game drives are at 6am (5:30am from 1 Sept) and 3:30pm and last around 3-3.5 hours each. The first part of morning drives and last part of the evening drives can be cool so make sure you have plenty of layers, they provide a blanket to keep you warm. Each lodge gets its own rucksack with a pair of binoculars to use which is very handy. There is also a tablet with some preloaded apps to identify birds and other animals which were useful. We had Jann-Rick as our park guide and he was outstanding. His knowledge of everything in the park is incredible, we were so taken with his empathy for all creatures which made the whole park come alive for us. He talked with kindness and admiration for everything and had some lovely personal stories to tell about some of the incredible animals in the park, past & present. Highly recommend!

Tshukudu Bush Lodge is a stunning jewel nestled in the wild of the Pilanesberg Reserve. Truly unique in every sense, it offers a remarkable blend of luxury and nature. Guests are treated to generous, delicious meals that satisfy the soul, yet the adventure continues with the challenge of climbing the 132-step incline, ensuring you burn those calories quickly. The lodge's breathtaking setting, combined with its warm hospitality and distinctive charm, makes it an unforgettable destination for those seeking a genuine bush experience with a touch of indulgence.

I stayed at the lodge with my wife recently. We were absolutely blown away by the location, facilities and expert guide JR. The location really makes you feel like you have the entire park to yourself and it is breathtaking to see the wildlife appear below your balcony. The staff could not do more to help and even though there are several steps, we were always met at the top with a drink and warm welcome. The game drives were outstanding, with expert guidance, stories and lovely touches such as hot water bottles and blankets (definitely needed in the cold weather). The food was outstanding and we were really surprised and impressed to see the menu vary so much each day. We can’t wait to come back!

We stayed for 10 days at the lodge as we wanted a full on Safari experience and it didn’t disappoint.We were greeted by all the staff who were friendly and welcoming after a 12 hour flight.The 132 steps up to the top weren’t as bad as we thought although we were out of breathe but recovered quickly.Our cases were delivered to our room which was lovely,clean and full of little touchs.We arrived around 2.30pm and a high tea was served at three,so quick freshen up lovely high tea (loads of food and choice)and plenty choice of drinks then off we went on our 1st game drive.Our guide Jafari asked us our expectations and we were happy to just see the animals (Animals will do what they want to do) over the 10 days we got to know Jafari and he was an excellent guide,patient and respectful to the magnificent animals.He looked after us throughout our stay on all the game drives and joined us for dinner.we had Sundowner drinks in the evening and nibbles and Coffee with Amarulla in the morning there was also plenty of choice of teas,coffee,hot chocolate and muffins.The 5 course meal in evening beat us and we requested it to be reduced to three which they accommodated for us.The chefs Johnny,Elvis and Sam gave us great food.Our room was perfect overlooking the waterhole and by the time we got back from the game drive in the morning housekeeping had been.This lodge is in a perfect location,so quiet and peaceful.As we went in May the morning drives were cold,not so much the temperature but more the wind factor so would recommend taking thermal ,hats and gloves.We would highly recommend this lodge as it has everything to offer and it exceeded our expectations.

Beautiful location with individual villas perched on the hillside - all with decks overlooking the grasslands. Enjoyed watching animals wonder about.