Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Sun City, North West Province

Star rating

The hotel

You’ll feel like you have Pilanesberg National Park all to yourself when you stay at Tshukudu Bush Lodge. The only lodge in the reserve, it has just ten chalets and suites, and sits secluded at the foot of the Pilanesberg mountains, letting you gaze down over vast plains and a wildlife-enticing waterhole. The "Big Five" aren’t the only ones with a water feature here – your Tshukudu Suite has a private plunge pool and the lodge features a stunning rock pool. Adding a unique personal touch, the lodge’s Field Guides don’t just take you on game-drives, they also share local legends as you dine together at a boma out in the African bush.

Amenities

  • Honeymoon
  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Situated on a hill slope, in the malaria free Pilanesberg National Park, only a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Johannesburg.

Hotel information

6 luxury chalets and 4 luxury suites, all individually decorated, and all with a fully-stocked mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and safe. There are no radios, telephones or TVs.

Luxury Chalets offer a private balcony overlooking the savannah/waterhole, open plan lounge and bedroom with 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

All Inclusive: all meals including high tea, selected local beverages, and twice daily game-drives.

Spacious Tshukudu Suites offer a lounge area that leads to a deck with a private plunge pool. Suites also have crystal chandeliers, separate indoor and outdoor shower,

Dining Room & Lounge where breakfast is served and a 5-course dinner menu. Bush boma dinners. Rock plunge pool with bar service. The Deck with 80 degree views of the Pilanesberg. Bush walks. Twice daily game-drives. Bird watching. Complimentary WiFi access.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: children under 11 years are not permitted at Tshukudu Bush Lodge.

Please note: there are 132 steps to the lodge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (345)
  • Very good (24)
  • Average (10)
  • Poor (2)
  • Terrible (3)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating JANN RICK is simply the best!

Aug 26, 2025 STACEY R

I'm a UK travel agent (also specialising in safari's) and after visiting almost 20 different lodges across Africa this one will always be one of my favourites, mainly down to our guide Jann-Rick. The beautiful rustic lodge is peaceful and quiet, with amazing views of the landscape. The rooms are wonderful and have everything you need for the… Read more
I'm a UK travel agent (also specialising in safari's) and after visiting almost 20 different lodges across Africa this one will always be one of my favourites, mainly down to our guide Jann-Rick. The beautiful rustic lodge is peaceful and quiet, with amazing views of the landscape. The rooms are wonderful and have everything you need for the stay. The food is out of this world, very talented chefs indeed who deliver a taste explosion at every meal. All staff throughout are friendly and welcoming and will help with anything you need. But, the standout for this place is field guide... Jann Rick. He is one of a kind, and his passion and knowledge for the wildlife is mesmerising, you cant help being in awe of all he knows. The sightings we've had with JR are some of the best, often being the only car there to witness a special moment. I've been to Tshukudu 4 times now, and already plan another visit for next year. I've sent various guests and will continue to send them to this gem of a place, but mainly to experience guiding at its best from Jann Rick. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxe in the wild

Aug 20, 2025 itumeleng2025

Tshukudu Bush Lodge is a stunning jewel nestled in the wild of the Pilanesberg Reserve. Truly unique in every sense, it offers a remarkable blend of luxury and nature. Guests are treated to generous, delicious meals that satisfy the soul, yet the adventure continues with the challenge of climbing the 132-step incline, ensuring you burn those… Read more
Tshukudu Bush Lodge is a stunning jewel nestled in the wild of the Pilanesberg Reserve. Truly unique in every sense, it offers a remarkable blend of luxury and nature. Guests are treated to generous, delicious meals that satisfy the soul, yet the adventure continues with the challenge of climbing the 132-step incline, ensuring you burn those calories quickly. The lodge's breathtaking setting, combined with its warm hospitality and distinctive charm, makes it an unforgettable destination for those seeking a genuine bush experience with a touch of indulgence. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 1000% recommend

Aug 10, 2025 Declan K

I stayed at the lodge with my wife recently. We were absolutely blown away by the location, facilities and expert guide JR. The location really makes you feel like you have the entire park to yourself and it is breathtaking to see the wildlife appear below your balcony. The staff could not do more to help and even though there are several steps,… Read more
I stayed at the lodge with my wife recently. We were absolutely blown away by the location, facilities and expert guide JR. The location really makes you feel like you have the entire park to yourself and it is breathtaking to see the wildlife appear below your balcony. The staff could not do more to help and even though there are several steps, we were always met at the top with a drink and warm welcome. The game drives were outstanding, with expert guidance, stories and lovely touches such as hot water bottles and blankets (definitely needed in the cold weather). The food was outstanding and we were really surprised and impressed to see the menu vary so much each day. We can’t wait to come back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Safari Experience

Jul 31, 2025 normanmurray629 Union, Kentucky

Driving out to the middle of the reserve and being able to look out the balcony and see hippos and giraffes was an unforgettable experience. All the staff is great and the meals. I will forever remember this trip and the experience as a whole.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Sad to leave and can't wait to return

Jun 24, 2025 KTandCP London, United Kingdom

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… Read more
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!). Read less