Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Domestic Rates
1 Jan to 31 Dec 2024	Single	Double
Luxury Chalet -Per room per night - FI	R8 890	R13 092
Tshukudu Suite -Per room per night - FI	R13 690	R17 890
1 Jan to 31 Dec 2025	Single	Double
Luxury Chalet -Per room per night - FI	R9 490	R13 690
Tshukudu Suite -Per room per night - FI	R14 290	R18 490

Terms & Conditions

• Luxury Chalet - Each custom designed chalet offers a romantic sunken bath, an open plan lounge and bedroom, a fireplace and private balcony.
• Tshukudu Suite - Each spacious custom designed suite has all of Tshukudu’s finest touches as standard, including the crystal chandeliers and rock craft fireplace. Luxurious baths overlooking the plains remain an integral feature of the bathroom and romantic experience. The Tshukudu Suites also include a
private plunge pool on their secluded decks, and outdoor shower and twin vanities.
• Minimum two night stay over weekends (Friday & Saturday).
• Check in at Bakubung by 13h30 daily; please note there is one scheduled transfer to Tshukudu per day.
• No children under the age of 12 years permitted at the lodge.
• Please note that there are 132 steps to lodge.
• For the full Tshukudu bush experience there are no radios, televisions or telephones. Cell phone reception is very limited.
• Rates include transfers between Bakubung and Tshukudu, accommodation, welcome drinks on arrival, high tea, two game drives, five-course dinner, brunch and all local beverages.
• Five-course meals are prepared for guests in the dining room or bush dinner (weather permitting).

Bush Walks
Each day guests are offered the opportunity to experience our Nature Reserve on foot. Bush Walks provide a unique opportunity for nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the amazing African wildlife up close. Each bush walk is led by a highly qualified, enthusiastic, Game Guide ensuring guests safely experience this unique experience.

Depending on their age, young children will join in open game drive vehicles for safety reasons. Guests will kick-start the day with steaming hot coffee and homemade rusks, before venturing out at around 6:30 am. At around 8:00 am guest return to sit down to a sumptuous breakfast buffet.

Game Drives
Our highly skilled Game Guides will accompany guests in the morning and early evening in open 4x4 game drive vehicles. Their extensive knowledge and training ensures that your game experience will be unforgettable, exciting and informative. This private reserve is known for its close encounters with a vast variety of game including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). In addition, all game drives on the reserve coordinate their game viewing activities which ensure the best of sightings. Halfway through the early evening game drive there's a stop for sundowners and snacks, before returning to the lodge at around 7:00 pm, with enough time to freshen up before sitting down to a buffet dinner served in the open air boma (weather permitting).

Activity time table will vary in summer and winter months.

Bird Watching

Avid bird watchers will not be disappointed when visiting the Pilanesberg. The park is home to almost 360 species of birds which can be enjoyed all year round, although the best time for viewing is from November to April when the migrant species have returned. The variety of habitats available to these birds range from grasslands, rocky outcrops, woodlands, and dams which is why the variety of species is so vast.

Swimming

Just a short walk from the main deck, down the cobbled pathways of the lodge, will bring you to the swimming pool, a place of refuge from the hot African sun. Encircled with reed walls to maintain privacy and adorned with umbrellas and loungers to recline on, this space offers guests the perfect retreat to take a dip in the cool, clear water or soak up the sun while enjoying a good book. Refreshments and snacks can be offered poolside too, ensuring you have a truly lazy afternoon to just enjoy yourself.

Bush Dinners

One of the most charming dining experiences Tshukudu has on offer is a short trip into the African bush where our guests can immerse themselves in nature while dining under the stars. With the fireplace as your centerpiece, expect to be served a starter of warm soup, followed by a traditional South African braai (barbeque) buffet, plated dessert, and an assorted cheeseboard to conclude.

As the meal comes to an end and the moon makes its way across the near-midnight sky, allow our rangers to entertain you for a little longer as they share an assortment of authentic African stories, fables and legends. This is a truly unforgettable experience and not to be missed. Group bookings essential.

Other Activities in the Surrounding Area

Apart from the bush walk and the 4x4 safari game drives offered by Tshukudu Game Lodge, the following additional activities and attractions are available in the Hoedspruit area of Limpopo:Blyde River Dam boat cruises

• Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
• Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (Kapama)
• Elephant back safaris (Camp Jabulani)
• Kinyonga Reptile Park
• Mafunyani African Village
• Giant Baobab
• Jessica the Hippo
• Horse riding at African Dream horse safaris
• White water rafting (Seasonal)
• Micro light flips
• Panoramic Route (Three Rondavels, God's Window and Pilgrims Rest)
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Kruger National Park
• Various local Restaurants and Pubs

Conferences

The intimate conference facility can accommodate 30 delegates. It comes fully equipped with all the usual necessities. Our conference centre has the following standard equipment:

• Projector
• Pull Down screen
• White board
• Flipchart

The Lodge
Surrounded by over 3800 hectares of undisturbed BIG 5 Game Reserve and the famous Drakensberg Mountains Tshukudu Game Lodge provides a relaxed home away from home. Welcome drinks are served in the open plan reception- and lounge area on arrival and our free Wi-Fi service is available to all stay-over guests should you wish to connect with family and friends back home.

African Dining
Buffet style breakfasts and light lunches are served on the thatched veranda and showcase South African dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. Evening buffet dinners are often enjoyed seated around a roaring fire in the African Boma, under the stars. Traditional venison dishes also feature on this authentic South African menu.

Luxury Chalet
One queen size bed, fireplace, sunken bath, shower over bath, fully-stocked mini-bar, tea/caffe making facilities, standard amenities and a balcony overlooking the savannah and waterhole.

Luxury Suite
One extra length king size bed, open plan lounge with fireplace, fully-stocked mini-bar, tea/coffe making facilities, standard amenities, luxurious bath overlooking the plains, twin vanities, private plunge pool, secluded decks and outdoor shower.

Rock Plunge Pool

Nestled in the centre of  the lodge is an intimate and quiet plunge pool with umbrellas, pool towels and barman on standby.

Main Deck

Weather permitting, breakfast is served on the deck, overlooking the waterhole. Dinners are served in the dining room.

Bush Boma

Amidst the quiet hills, about 2km from the Lodge lies our enchanting boma. Here, guests are seated around the fire, where they can enjoy dinner under the African night sky.

Dining Room

Tshukudu's cuisine has a strong African influence and is prepared to fiwe-star standards. A splendid selection of wines provides the perfect accompaniment to your meal.  At night, sit beside the blazing fire, enjoy the African sky and listen for the distant roar of lions.

Curio Shop
Not your regular curio shop, you will find original treasures that have been gathered from all corners of the African continent as well as functional items such as hats, caps, beanies and T-shirts as well as postcards, toiletries, international plugs and various small trinkets that will remind you of your African Safari.

General Information
Keep clothing colours as neutral and as light as possible, so you blend in better with the surrounding environment. Khaki, beige, brown and green are generally best, as darker and brighter colours attract unwanted mosquitoes and insects.
During certain times of the year malaria may be more prevalent in certain areas and we therefore suggest a mosquito repellent like Peaceful Sleep or something similar. Alternatively contact your local GP regarding the necessity of malaria prophylaxis.
A pair of comfortable walking shoes for bush walks or when off the game drive vehicle.
Meals are informal, so smart attire is not required.
Please pack a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight and binoculars.
Electricity at Tshukudu is a 220-volt alternating current system. Wall plug units take a round two-prong European plug. It is advisable to bring the necessary converter or adapter from your home country, should you need to charge cameras or laptops. Alternatively, international adaptors are available for purchase in the Curio Shop.
Remember to pack your camera as well as a video camera, along with all the necessary plugs, chargers and memory cards needed.
There is a Wi-Fi hotspot in the general public area of the veranda, reception and swimming pool. All units are also equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Cellular phones work in most areas of South Africa and also in certain areas within the reserve, although it is not permitted to take cellular phones on game drive vehicles as they are considered an intrusion
All our units are supplied with amenities such as soap, shower gel and shampoo. You may, however, wish to bring your favourite toiletries with you.
The lodge offers a laundry service at a nominal additional rate.

General Information

• Keep clothing colours as neutral and as light as possible, so you blend in better with the surrounding environment. Khaki, beige, brown and green are generally best, as darker and brighter colours attract unwanted mosquitoes and insects.
• During certain times of the year malaria may be more prevalent in certain areas and we therefore suggest a mosquito repellent like Peaceful Sleep or something similar. Alternatively contact your local GP regarding the necessity of malaria prophylaxis.
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes for bush walks or when off the game drive vehicle.
• Meals are informal, so smart attire is not required.
• Please pack a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight and binoculars.
• Electricity at Tshukudu is a 220-volt alternating current system. Wall plug units take a round two-prong European plug. It is advisable to bring the necessary converter or adapter from your home country, should you need to charge cameras or laptops. Alternatively, international adaptors are available at the Reception Desk.
• Remember to pack your camera as well as a video camera, along with all the necessary plugs, chargers and memory cards needed.
• There is a Wi-Fi hotspot in the general public area of the veranda and reception.
• Cellular phones work in most areas of South Africa and also in certain areas within the reserve, although it is not permitted to take cellular phones on game drive vehicles as they are considered an intrusion
• All our units are supplied with amenities such as soap, shower gel and shampoo. You may, however, wish to bring your favourite toiletries with you.
• The lodge offers a laundry service at a nominal additional rate.

When you visit Tshukudu, we ask that you leave all the trappings of city life behind - including your car. Guest vehicles can be parked in protected parking bay at Bakubung Bush Lodge.

From there, you can entrust everything to us:

• Transfers between Pilanesberg Airport and Tshukudu can be arranged at a charge.
• One daily transfer from Bakubung at 13h30. High tea served on arrival.

Directions from Fourways, Sandton

• Travel north along William Nicol Drive to the four-way intersection with Witkoppen Road.
• Turn left into Witkoppen road towards Lanseria/Roodepoort.
• Turn right at the intersection with Hans Strijdom Extension on the road towards Broederstroom and Lanseria.
• Cross over the Muldersdrift/Diepsloot Road and continue with the R512 towards Broederstroom and Lanseria.
• Cross the bridge over the R28 Krugersdorp/Pretoria highway, pass the Lanseria turnoff and continue straight ahead.
• At the T-junction turn left on the R512 to Magaliesberg.
• Continue on this road until you see the Sun City signboard on your left. Turn right on the R512 to Brits and cross the bridge over Hartebeespoort Dam.
• At the T-junction turn right on the R512 to Brits. Follow directional signs.
• Continue to the four-way stop and turn left on the R512/27 for Brits/Rustenburg.
• Pass the first Brits turnoff. At the signpost R27 Rustenburg/Brits turn right.
• On the bridge turn left towards Rustenburg.
• Continue till you get to the slipway to the left. Take the slipway and continue on the new N4 highway.
• A signboard on the left side of the road indicates Pilanesberg to the left on route 91. Exit left off the highway. At the T-junction turn right and continue on this road to Sun City.
• Pass the Kwa Maritane signboard and Sun Village and turn right at the Bakubung and Tshukudu signpost.
• Follow the road and it will lead you to the Bakubung Gate.
• At Bakubung Reception, ask for Tshukudu Office.
• The transfer to Tshukudu is at 14h00 from Bakubung.

Directions from Centurion, Pretoria

• Take the N1 North towards Polokwane.
• Take the N4 Rustenberg Split (toll-road)
• Follow the road straight, a signboard on the left side of the road indicates Pilanesberg to the left on route 91. Exit left off the highway. At the T-junction turn right and continue on this road to Sun City.
• Pass the Kwa Maritane signboard and Sun Village and turn right at the Bakubung and Tshukudu signpost.
• Follow the road and it will lead you to the Bakubung Gate.
• At Bakubung Reception, ask for Tshukudu Office.
• The transfer to Tshukudu is at 14h00 from Bakubung.

Just a short walk from the main deck, down the cobbled pathways of the lodge, will bring you to the swimming pool, a place of refuge from the hot African sun. Encircled with reed walls to maintain privacy and adorned with umbrellas and loungers to recline on, this space offers guests the perfect retreat to take a dip in the cool, clear water or soak up the sun while enjoying a good book. Refreshments and snacks can be offered poolside too, ensuring you have a truly lazy afternoon to just enjoy yourself.

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The main deck area boasts some of the best views from the lodge and is a communal gathering point to share a meal, a sundowner or take up a pair of binoculars and watch the game roam freely beyond. The deck consists of a comfortable lounge area, fully stocked bar, firepit and set just behind it, lies the interior dining room for rainy or cool winter evenings.

Tshukudu’s Dining Room and Lounge is set just off the main deck area and is a cozy nook for guests to dine inside on cool or rainy days. Adorned with a hand crafted, solid-wood table with seating for up to 20 guests, this is the perfect place to enjoy meals as a group. Renowned for our exceptional African cuisine, meticulously prepared by our chef, guests can expect an incredible degustation experience starting at breakfast and ending the day with a full five-course dinner.

One of the most charming dining experiences Tshukudu has on offer is a short trip into the African bush where our guests can immerse themselves in nature while dining under the stars. With the fireplace as your centerpiece, expect to be served a starter of warm soup, followed by a traditional South African braai (barbeque) buffet, plated dessert, and an assorted cheeseboard to conclude.

As the meal comes to an end and the moon makes its way across the near-midnight sky, allow our rangers to entertain you for a little longer as they share an assortment of authentic African stories, fables and legends. This is a truly unforgettable experience and not to be missed. Group bookings essential.

Terms and Conditions exclusive to Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Luxury Chalet - Each custom designed chalet offers a romantic sunken bath, an open plan lounge and bedroom, a fireplace and private balcony.

Tshukudu Suite

• Each spacious custom designed suite has all of Tshukudu’s finest touches as standard, including the crystal chandeliers and rock craft fireplace.
• Luxurious baths overlooking the plains remain an integral feature of the bathroom and romantic experience. The Tshukudu Suites also include a private plunge pool on their secluded decks, and outdoor shower and twin vanities.

No children under the age of 12 years permitted at the lodge
Please note that there are 132 steps to lodge.
For the full Tshukudu bush experience there are no radios, televisions or telephones. Cell phone reception is very limited.

Rates include

• Transfers between Bakubung and Tshukudu,
• Luxury accommodation
• All local beverages
•     High tea
•     2 game drives per person per day
•     All meals
•     Five-course dinners
• Five-course meals are prepared for guests in the dining room or bush dinner (weather permitting).

Rates Exclude

• Imported beers and spirits
• Items of a personal nature

Child Policy

• Unfortunately no children under the age of 12 years are allowed at the Lodge.
• Children over 12 will be charged as an adult.

Honeymoon Added ValueOffers

• Sparkling Wine in room on arrival
• Bubble-bath with candles after game drive
• Private dinner with Butler for the evening

Deposit Policy

For all bookings made within 30 days of travel
Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

Check-in is from 13h30 and check-out is by 10h00.

Cancellation Policy

• All cancellations must be in writing.
• If the reservation is cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
• If cancelled 7 days or less prior to arrival a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
• A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.
• Rates quoted in South African Rand are inclusive of VAT @ 15%.

Animals

• Pets are not accepted.

With more than 360 bird species and 7 000 animals, including the notorious big-5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), the Pilanesberg National Park is home to an abundant wildlife population.

This little gem provides for an exceptional venue to host an intimate wedding or corporate getaway. Our staff are trained to work with you from start to finish to ensure that your event is professionally handled in every way.