Tshukudu Bush Lodge

We have just left Tshukudu after a 3 night stay (5 night in total if you include our night flights to and from the UK) and were blown away by the experience. We went for my husband’s 40th birthday and I notified the lodge in advance of this. On arrival we were upgraded to a suite with our own plunge pool, which was amazing. We sat in the pool on the veranda and watched elephants every day (amongst other game). The food was incredible and the staff so friendly were attentive. I was never without a drink (they even bring your favourite tipple on drives and you stop for sundowners mid way through the evening drive or coffee/ hot drinks in the morning drive). You can expect A LOT of food and a 5 course dinner each night, with springbok and impala on the menu (chicken and fish were available as alternatives). The game drives were amazing. Our guide, JR, is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and park. We saw all of the big 5, apart from leopards. He was respectful of the animals and did not harass them like some other guides/ vehicles in the National Park. We had a walk by by a pride of 8 lions (they were in touching distance) and an even closer encounter with an elephant. Friends who have been on safari several times before cannot believe the video footage of encounters we had. The Tshukudu vehicles are smaller than others and we only went out with 1-2 other guests so we had a much more intimate experience. I think your guide can make or break your safari experience, and ours truly made it. We were attracted to Tshukudu as Pilansberg is a malaria free area and is only a 2 hour drive from Johannesburg airport, so is suitable for a short safari (we have 2 young children so could not leave them with grandparents for too long). Although we only had 3 nights in Tshukudu, we managed to fit in 6 game drives (each approx 3-4 hours). It feels like we were away for much longer due to the amount we saw. As other people have stated, the stairs are unsuitable for those who are less mobile. However, this was not a problem for us and the views are so worth it. The lodge is not near any others and sometimes when we were driving it felt like we had the park to ourselves. Other times, over the weekend, the park felt busier and you should note that because it is a national park members of the public can drive around within certain times. So if you don’t want to see other vehicles then perhaps you should opt for a private reserve, although this comes with a premium. Overall, the other vehicles didn’t impact on our experience and we had excellent encounters with the animals. Book it, you won’t be disappointed.

Myself and partner have just returned home from what I can only describe as the most amazing holiday I have ever, and I think I will ever go on! Tshukudu bush lodge is somewhere I could only have dreamt of! The staff are amazing! Everyone always has a smile, they know you by name and are always ready and happy to help you with whatever you need! We would often go to the main deck area and staff would know what we’d have to drink before we had a chance to even tell them! The rooms are incredibly and all have amazing views of the plains! We were lucky enough to have an upgrade while we were there! I have to say the chalets are beautiful (this is what we had originally booked) but the suites are quite honestly something else! There’s something truly magical about standing in a heated plunge pool while watching elephants play at the water hole! The food was delicious! I had emailed ahead as my partner tends to get hangry when he doesn’t eat regularly and we were worried how he’d cope with the gap between breakfast and high tea! Now for most people you reach high tea after having breakfast at 9am(ish) and think I’m not sure I’m even hungry yet as you can have to much to eat at breakfast! But high tea was always so delicious I’d always have to eat! Safe to say I have put on some pounds 🙈 but in order to cater for my other halves eating requirements staff would ensure he had snacks to eat through the day between main meals which was amazing! Dinner was brilliant and the food was always cooked beautifully! Again this is a 5 course meal but we never made it to the cheese boards! My other half also doesn’t tend to drink milk so the lodge went out and bought him some oat milk which is what he usually drinks! They were so accommodating! Nothing was too much trouble! The game drives! I honestly can’t explain how magical they are! From the awesome scenery to the animals and the sometimes interchangeable weather they are just spectacular! They are made even better by the game drivers! We stayed for a week and JR was our guide and I cannot even begin to explain how amazing he is! He knows the park inside out and back to front! He can tell you all sorts of information about not only all the animals (quite a few of which he knows by name!) but also the plants, grass, trees and weathers! He really is such an incredible guide and we had such a laugh with him too! We saw all the animals we wanted to see and more but please remember they are wild! The guides can’t click their fingers and make them appear - this is why staying for a longer period of time is so worth it! The one thing we would both massively recommend is if you’re thinking of going for just a couple of nights add a couple more nights on! We were never bored and on every drive we something different! While we were there various people came and went as they stayed for shorter amounts of time than we did but we felt so much more relaxed and happy to go with the flow as we had more time! To con

Excellent service, ammenities and staff. We had 4 nights here and enjoyed the whole experience. We didn’t get to see all the animals however the morning and evening drives were always filled with exploration and excitement. Loved every minute and our guide Humbu was so knowledgeable. Food great rooms fantastic. Only downside about 165 stone steps to the main dining and bar and lounge area. Though once there the view is just amazing.

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.

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

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.

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!

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 wi

Absolutely incredible experience. I can’t recommend this place enough. From the moment we arrived we felt so welcome, all the staff go above and beyond, everyone is so welcoming. The accommodation is amazing, super high quality, clean, comfortable and anything you need they have or can provide. The safari drives are amazing. Our guide Jafari was fantastic, so knowledgeable, fun and knew all the right places to see the animals. Food was fantastic, being a fussy eater I was a little nervous but the variety was great so was always something I could eat. I was nervous about the game drives being too long but they really do fly by, every drive is different and seeing all different animals never gets boring. We did 5 nights, so 10 drives and still weren’t bored. You won’t be disappointed in this place. The drive from Johannesburg airport was about 3 hours but it is 100% worth it.