Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
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About the Hotel
Marvel at the grandeur of wide open plains. Savor the flavors of African cuisine. Ponder the magnificent silence of the bush around a blazing evening fire. This is a typical day at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, in Pilanesberg National Park just a few hours north of Johannesburg. This Legacy Hotels & Resorts International affiliates, whose name means "place of the rhino," features six luxury cottages and an individual private balcony ideal for potential sightings of over hundreds of bird and animal speciesâ€"including the Big Five.
Location
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park, , South Africa
Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
2000
Nearest Airport: HLA
Features and Amenities
Reviews for Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Sad to leave and can't wait to return
It was our first time in South Africa and we stayed here for 9 nights. Location was excellent and our suite (with plunge pool on deck) which was decorated beautifully (as were all areas in the lodge). Beds was 'Queen' size and very comfortable (as were pillows). We also had an open fire which was lit for us whilst we had dinner. The views were amazing and we could also watch the game below and at the watering hole from the deck. We were supplied with ponchos, blankets and hot matter bottles for the morning games drives and these were also available for the afternoon (normally needed after Sundowner stop) The quality of the food was exceptional, healthy and tasty and catered for all tastes (husband is pescatarian), nobody could go hungry: Before the morning game drive - hot drinks and fruit. Mid drive stop - hot drinks and cake. After game drive - continental breakfast followed by cooked a la carte. Before afternoon drive - high tea – savouries, cheese and crackers, cake. Sundowner, Mid drive stop – drink of choice (ours were bubbles) and snacks. Evening meal - a 5 course a la carte dinner (6 if you could also manage cheese). The staff (too many to name) were exceptionally professional and friendly and after 9 days like family. Service was above and beyond - nothing was too much trouble for any of them including the manager who found me an out of publication book 'Saving Africa's Wildlife' to buy. We loved: Sitting and chatting with the other guests at the single dining table during breakfast and dinner – much more personal than when staying at a hotel Getting to see all ‘Big Game 5’ with our wonderful and knowledgeable guides Having a maximum of 6 on the game drives allowing everyone a window seat. Not so great were the 132 steps but we definitely felt fitter and what was awaiting at the top was definitely worth it. Would rate higher if I could and can't wait to return (but during the summer season!).
KTandCP - London, United Kingdom
Fantastic stay
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.
davegannon1
Beautiful Bush Lodge in heart of Pilanesberg NP
Beautiful location with individual villas perched on the hillside - all with decks overlooking the grasslands. Enjoyed watching animals wonder about.
kskae483430
ABSOLUTE HEAVEN ON EARTH
My husband and I "disappeared" into the Pilansberg for two nights in May 2025 - Tshukudu was our obvious choice, after hearing so much about the Lodge. Lucky for us, the Lodge wasn't full and we were upgraded to a Presidential unit, which included a heated plunge pool - whatever time we spent in the unit, a good chunk of it was spent in the pool, watching wildlife visit the watering hole. The food is exceptional, but not in that "I'm too stuffed" kind of way. Meals were well-balanced, tasty and ... dare I say it ... healthy. There really is a lot of food on offer - from a well-curated High Tea at 15:30, just before your afternoon game drive, dinner (5 course) and late breakfast (after the morning game drive). Units are really comfortable - the outside shower is another winner! The +100 stairs to the dining and bar area may sound really daunting, but it isn't. It felt like a whole other experience and by the second day, we were both making the climb easily. An unforgetable experience. JR was our game driver - lexceptional and we were lucky enough to have witness a cheetah, amongst the other usual fare.
Devi S - Johannesburg, South Africa
An African Gem
My wife and i have been on numerous safaris in Southern Africa and this lodge and experience is hard to beat. Rated as four stars but accommodation and service were definitely five star. The only lodge actually in the national park and as you approach it the accommodation looks spectacular on a rocky hill top. There are over a hundred steps to the lodge but the exercise is made worthwhile by the stunning view out over a plain that stretches for miles. Upgrading to an executive room was well worth the small extra cost as it boasts a sizeable decking and a plunge pool where you can spend your time catching the sun and spotting game from your lounger. With only 12 rooms this is a quiet lodge and all the staff were wonderful. The game rangers are knowledgeable and make each drive an experience. The only slight downside is that being a national park in which the public can drive their own vehicles there can be an occasional short traffic jam when one of the big five is spotted. We highly recommend this lodge. It is a comfortable three hour drive from Johannesburg and only twenty minutes, but a million miles in class, from Sun City. Andre and his team are magnificent and helped create some magical memories.
Gavin L
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