Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Tshukudu Bush Lodge, located on a hill slope in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, offers great game viewing without even leaving the lodge. Tshukudu is one of those exceptional game lodges where perfection is a given. Tshukudu offers a romantic and intimate experience at the foot of the Pilanesberg mountains, with expansive views of the plains below, with only 6 luxury chalets and 4 luxury suites. Relax in your open-plan lounge while watching the game meander through the bush towards the waterhole below the lodge.
Tshukudu Bush Lodge guarantees an exclusive experience with its individually decorated chalets. Experienced game rangers guarantee frequent sightings of the Big 5. Tshukudu’s organic design blends in with the surroundings, and the luxury game lodge experience is complemented by African-inspired cuisine.
Tsukudu translates as “rhino habitat.” The Big Five are frequently spotted from this luxury lodge. The lodge’s small, intimate size is ideal for guests seeking peace and quiet in nature.
High tea and meals are served on the deck with a view of the plain, and there is a waterhole at the bottom of the hill. Following a delectable high tea, guests embark on a 4-hour guided game drive.
The cuisine is heavily influenced by Africa and is prepared to five-star standards. In addition, a superb selection of wines is the ideal complement to your meticulously prepared meal. Sit beneath the African sky beside a blazing fire at night and listen to the distant roar of lions.
Guests must climb 132 steps to reach the Tshukudu cottages, so unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible. Please keep in mind that children under the age of 12 are not allowed at the lodge.
The lodge is only three hours’ drive away from South Africa’s largest city (Johannesburg) and Sun City is 7,4 kilometres away.
Accommodation
Tshukudu Lodge’s six free-standing luxury chalets are individually decorated with attention to detail. Leather sofas and crystal chandeliers add a luxurious touch, while a double bed and a sunken bathtub ensure comfort and relaxation.
Tshukudu Bush Lodge expanded and improved in 2015, adding four new Luxury Suites, bringing the total number of suites and chalets to ten. The lodge can now sleep a total of 20 people in luxury and comfort. Crystal chandeliers and a rock craft fireplace are included in each of the new suites. A new private plunge pool on the secluded deck overlooking the stunning surrounding plains is also included.
Luxury chalets have the following amenities:
- Double bed
- Each designed chalet offers an en suite bathroom with a romantic statement bath
- Open plan lounge and bedroom
- A fireplace and private balcony
LUXURY suites are spacious, custom-designed and have the following amenities:
- King size bed
- A crystal chandelier and crafted rock fireplace
- A luxurious bath overlooking the plains remains an integral feature of the bathroom and caters for a truly romantic or relaxing experience
- The new suites also include a private plunge pool on their secluded decks, an outdoor shower and twin vanities
Other standard amenities include an open plan lounge with fireplace, fully-stocked mini-bar, bird books, magazines, as well as plug points, hair dryer, tea/coffee making facilities, a safety deposit box and a balcony overlooking the savannah and waterhole.
The new suites include all of Tshukudu’s finest touches, such as crystal chandeliers and a rock craft fireplace in each chalet. Luxurious baths with views of the plains continue to be an important part of the bathroom and romantic experience. Consists of one king size extra length bed, a spacious lounge leading to a deck with its own private plunge pool, a bathroom with a free standing bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers, a minibar, a safety deposit box, hair dryers, and a tea and pod coffee machine.
Facilities
Tshukudu’s cuisine is excellent. Enjoy five-course meals on the patio or in the dining room, paired with an impressive wine list. The patio has a view of the surrounding plains and a waterhole where animals come to drink.
Other facilities include:
- Rock plunge pool
- Restaurant and bar
- Patio overlooking waterhole
- Medical service on call
- Wi- Fi
Leisure facilities like a bar on the premises, a pool, curio shop, laundry service, safe and parking are available.
Game drives are offered in open game drive vehicles with refreshments served and the option of a speciality braai is available.
Medical services are on call.
There are also conference facilities for 12 delegates, with equipment available:
- Slide projector
- Portable screen (2m x 2m)
- Overhead projector
- Flip-chart
Activities
Tshukudu Bush Lodge is located in the famous Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Game viewing in Pilanesberg is extremely rewarding, with the Big 5 and all of Southern Africa’s other big game species. Game drives, game walks, or simply watching the plains from the lodge will provide you with amazing animal sightings.
The following are top ten things to do in Pilanesberg:
Guided safaris are available at all Pilanesberg lodges and resorts in the morning and afternoon.
Guided bush walks are very exciting because they give you a completely new perspective on nature. You might come face to face with a rhino or a buffalo, but these walks are more about the details that you might overlook while driving around the park.
Picnic on the hills – There are five picnic areas throughout the park. Three of them are excellent because they are located on hills and provide spectacular views of the plains or lake below. The first is the Fish Eagle picnic area, which overlooks the Mankwe Dam, and the other two are on Baile Drive. All picnic areas are fenced and have braai (barbeque) facilities, water, shade, and toilets.
The Pilanesberg have several bird hides where you can get some great photos – the hides that face west have good photographic lighting in the mornings (Rathlogo and Mankwe), and the hides that face east are great in the afternoons (Mankwe, Ruighoek and Malatse). All of the hides are secure and have toilets.
Another exciting adventure is hot air ballooning! The balloon takes off before the sun rises from Mankwe Dam, and you spend an hour floating above the Pilanesberg. This is an excellent opportunity to photograph Africa’s “super-seven” (the big five plus cheetah and wild dogs) from the air, and when you land, the table is set for a delicious champagne breakfast in the veld!
Sun City – This well-known resort is part of the Pilanesberg crater complex and offers a wide range of entertainment options, including restaurants, the Valley of Waves water park, a cinema, health spa, golf course, live shows, casino, a variety of sports ranging from tennis to quad-biking, and, of course, daily guided game drives into the Pilanesberg game reserve.
There is a walk-in aviary at the Manyane complex and another at Sun City. This is an excellent opportunity to photograph bird species such as kingfishers without the use of a long lens.
Pay a visit to the Kwa Maritane Hide. The latest wildlife sightings from Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park are available here.
Note that there is no cell phone signal or television.
Rates
The quoted rates for Tshukudu Bush Lodge include the following:
- Accommodation
- Five-course fine dining each night
- Brunch
- High tea every day
- Early morning tea/coffee
- Daily game drives
- Transfers between Bakubung and Tshukudu Game Lodge
- Local beverages
The quoted rate excludes the following:
- Imported beverages
- Gratuities for staff
- Gratuities for guides
- Personal and medical insurance
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted at Tshukudu Bush Lodge and children age 12 and over are charged as adults.
The minimum stay required is 2 nights over weekends (Friday, Saturday) and 1 night midweek (Sunday to Thursday).
Rates are Fully Inclusive and quoted per night
Best Available rates are applicable during holidays and peak seasons.
FAQ
- Are game Drives included in the price for Tshukudu Bush Lodge?
Yes, daily game drives are included in the price you pay for accommodation at Tshukudu Bush Lodge.
- Can you see the Big 5 during a visit to Tshukudu Bush Lodge?
Yes, you can see the Big 5 during a visit to the lodge, since it is situated in the Pilanesberg National Park, a Big 5 reserve. You may even be able to see the game meander through the bush towards the waterhole below the lodge.
- Is Tshukudu Bush Lodge easily accessible?
Yes, Tshukudu Bush Lodge is only three hours’ drive away from South Africa’s largest city (Johannesburg) and Sun City is 7,4 kilometres away.
- Is Tshukudu Bush Lodge wheelchair accessible?
Guests must climb 132 steps to reach the Tshukudu cottages, so unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.
- What is the minimum stay policy at Tshukudu Bush Lodge?
The minimum stay policy requires a two night stay over weekends and one night in midweek.
- Is Tshukudu Bush Lodge child-friendly?
No, Children under the age of 12 are not permitted at Tshukudu Bush Lodge and children aged 12 and over are charged as adults.
- Are there other activities than game drives to keep guests entertained?
Yes, several other activities including walking safaris, game drives, boma dinners, quad riding, as well as archery classes, and hot air balloon rides, to name but a few.