Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Wow, what an amazing holiday! Our second visit to Tshukudu Bush Lodge. Having stayed for 11 nights in 2023 we opted to stay this time for 15 nights and really didn’t want to come home. Staying at Tshukudu is more than a holiday, it is an experience, one that will provide long-lasting memories, as well as hundreds if not thousands of photos. We stayed in a large suite with its own plunge pool on the decking, perfect for relaxing after the early morning game drive. All rooms are tastefully decorated in keeping with their surroundings and are located on the side of a hill looking out over the plain and a watering hole, giving an excellent view of a variety of animals, from the hippo who appeared most days to immerse itself in the water to the ‘dazzle’ of about fifty zebra who appeared one day to eat the fresh new shoots of vegetation in front of the lodge. Because there are only 10 rooms the lodge has a truly intimate and friendly atmosphere. Guests enjoy meals together, usually on one long table, and sit around the firepit with a predinner drink enthusing about what has been seen that day. Perfect for a single traveller wanting to spend time with like-minded people. And so much delicious food, you will not be hungry – a cup of tea or coffee with fruit salad if you wish before the morning game drive, hot drinks (including the indulgent option of a splash of amarula cream liqueur in your coffee or hot chocolate) and muffins half way through the game drive, a hearty breakfast on your return, high tea consisting of fancy savoury and sweet delights which would not be out of place in a top London hotel, sundowner drink (a glass of shiraz was my tipple of choice) and savoury snacks on the afternoon game drive and then a 5 course meal (if you have enough room left for the cheese) in the evening. There is a choice of main course that caters for all tastes. You really feel that the staff do care and they are so accommodating and will make every effort to ensure you have the best time ever. There is such attention to detail, from providing each room with a pair of binoculars and backpack which you can take out on safari, a hot towel on your return from a game drive, to a tablet in your room with an app providing information on the wildlife you may have encountered. A special mention has to be made about our fantastic field guide Jann-Rick, who put up with us for thirty games drives, and deserves a medal. Jann-Rick is so knowledgeable and personable and his enthusiasm is infectious. Using his experience of animal behaviour and demonstrating respect, we often found ourselves positioned with an enviable view. Even at times when the larger animals were being elusive, Jann-Rick would focus on the other somewhat overlooked wonders of Pilanesberg, using his skill and knowledge to detect and show us the beauty of all creatures from a tiny mongoose to a chameleon and telling us about the flora and fauna. To be honest I would have been happy just to sit in the jeep looking at the stunning scenery with a massive grin on my face listening to Jann-Rick’s tales. Thank you everyone. We will definitely be back.

This place is utterly amazing. As our first safari, I seriously doubt it could be beaten. The lodge is set inside the pilanesburg national park, in a private area, so it’s lovely and peaceful. The only visitors, other than residents, are the animals you can see from your balcony. The game drives twice a day, meaning you have the best chance to see the wildlife in the park (we saw all of the big five in one drive!), with knowledgeable guides to show you all the park has two offer. We were lucky to get two different field guides, and their different styles meant we got the best of both worlds. Jafari, our first guide was determined to show us as much as he could in the days he was our guide, and he did not disappoint. His passion and knowledge of the big cats was clear, but he was equally knowledgeable about other animals and birds. Simon was absolutely superb. He could spot animals I struggled to find even using binoculars! He obviously cared a lot about all of the animals and was so informative about their habits. He also told us things about the different birds and plant life; I could have listened to him all day! The rooms were very spacious, comfortable and clean (the housekeeping staff were very friendly), with large balconies and a plunge pool for cooling off. The food was lovely and plentiful; when we were there, there were three chefs, all equally good and the table staff were so friendly and warm (I was very impressed with Simon’s language skills!). I loved that the atmosphere was so comfortable and informal. Although we adhered to the routines guided by the drives (be prepared for early starts) nothing felt rushed or pressured. It was such a relaxing holiday and I can honestly say, I’ve never been sadder to leave a place. I’ve certainly never cried at the thought of coming home before! Tshukudu is a very special place and I very much hope to return.

If you want an immersive experience from dawn to dusk, led by the most knowledgeable and passionate guides, with a touch of luxury between drives then you need look no further! Our guide Jafari really understood the animal behaviour , reading their body language to place us in the best spots to admire them, anticipating what they would do. The twice a day drives were never the same, and although the steps to the lodge were a physical challenge, it’s only twice a day and no rush. The meals were varied and delicious and all service was exceptional, amazing how the staff do everything behind the scenes. Would I go back - absolutely!!

Wow wow wow! The most incredible 5 days at Tshukudu. It is a very special place and would recommend to anyone considering an authentic and special safari experience! The lodge, the staff, the food and of course the game drives were just amazing. Jafari was our exceptional guide; he was so knowledgeable, entertaining and always managed to find a way to get us views of all the best animals! He made the trip so memorable, from start to finish. The food was exceptional, very high standard with such a variety of options every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner; plus snacks on the drives. The intimate but social nature of dinner time was great to discuss all our amazing safari finds! The views from the lodge and the private land itself was just so special. The opportunity to look out from the lodge and see cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, rhino and lions amongst many more from the lodge just made us feel so lucky. We have had the most amazing time, we will be back and will recommend to everyone back at home. Thank you to Tshukudu lodge and of course Jafari for making it a memorable experience.

WOW what a truly amazing place, exceeding all expectations! This fantastic lodge is a truly immersive experience from start to finish! From the minute you are collected at the gate you are surrounded by nature. The lodge staff take care to provide luxury in the wild, the chefs are so creative serving up 5 course treats and the field guides are so knowledgeable about the wildlife , ensuring you get the best possibly experience and if I can say one thing “trust your guide” I cannot thank Jafari enough for making this such a special experience- “ it’s not over til it’s over” on our departure we saw a herd of elephants drinking in the lake and Jafari positioned us perfectly so they literally waved goodbye with their trunks - yes we will be back! Thank you Jafari !!