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Eco-Friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari at Tshukudu Bush lodge

3-Day Eco-Friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari at Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Two male lions near Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Price From : ZAR 21990.00 (Per Person Sharing) Currency Converter

3-Day Eco-friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari

Embark on an unforgettable Eco-friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari, where adventure meets sustainability in a malaria-free paradise. Experience a Big 5 Safari at this exclusive, secluded bush location deep in the Pilanesberg malaria-free Game Reserve

There are few large cities in the world that can boast nature’s Big 5 spectacle in the wild, on their doorsteps. Dramatically positioned within the remains of an ancient volcano, it is home to lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo and all the other iconic species, cheetah, hippo, giraffe, and zebra to name a few

To add to its allure for the city-weary business traveler and couples craving the serenity of the bush and wide-open skies, there is the luxurious Tshukudu Bush Lodge, to recharge for the next big challenge! Tshukudu which means “Place of the Rhino” is one of those rare game lodges where perfection is a reality.  This is one of the best places in Africa to view rhino.

With only 6 luxury chalets and 4 suites, Tshukudu offers a romantic and intimate experience at the foot of the Pilanesberg mountains, with expansive views of the Savannah Plains below.

The separate chalets are structured of natural environmentally friendly materials blending into the landscape and distributed around the hillside to catch the natural airflows. This together with the thatched roofs and cool wood stone floors make the use of power-hungry air-conditioning unnecessary. The chalets are reached by a series of stone-stepped walkways leading from the reception and dining area, giving a blending with a natural ambiance.

Relax in your open-plan lounge and watch the iconic animals of Africa wander lazily through the bush, towards the waterhole located below the lodge.  At night, after dinner, take a short walk back to your private chalet and watch the stars traverse the African sky.  Tshukudu is unique and memorable, in every aspect.

Tshukudu’s cuisine is not only out of Africa; it’s out of this world. Each dish is prepared to 5-star standards. A full English brunch prepared to perfection at the end of an early morning game drive; high tea with a savoury and sweet selection; sundowners under African skies; a splendid selection of wine provides the ultimate accompaniment to your six-course dinner.

We can depart early and this will enable you to stop on the way at places like the Elephant Sanctuary, Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Cradle of Humankind, (extra time charge and entrance fee may apply). We can do a similar stop on the return to Johannesburg leg at the end of your safari but in the afternoon.

Doing this safari from Cape Town.

The Pilanesberg is the easiest and most cost-effective Big 5 Game Reserve to reach from Cape Town, that is, one which is truly wild, with all of the iconic animals of Africa roaming free in large their thousands. There is no such thing around Cape Town, climatically and territorially it’s just not possible. So you can fly up early on Day 1. and go back late on Day 3. to do this safari.

Arriving to Lanseria Airport ( HLA) is best as it is to the northwest of  Johannesburg on the actual road from there to Pilanesberg. But Johannesburg Airport (JNB) might work too. We can book the most optimal flights for you or advise you, and then you can book them yourself online. There are plenty of flights as it is the busiest air route in Africa but getting the arrival flight as early as possible and the return as late as possible is important. We will meet you off your flight and drop you off to go back to Cape Town or for your onward flight to any other destination.

Prices:

2026 –  1 April 2026  to 31 December 2026 (Please note Tshukudu is busy refurbishing and will be closed from mid January  2026 until 1st April 2026.

Luxury Chalet – ZAR24 240.00 per person sharing, and ZAR39 102.00  for a solo traveler

Tshukudu Suite – ZAR29 605.00 per person sharing, and ZAR49 822.00  for a solo traveler

Child Policy. To preserve its natural setting Tshukudu Lodge is unfenced therefore no children under 12 years are allowed.

Note: The lodge is available from 31 March 2026 only (projected date).

Eco-Friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari at Tshukudu Bush Lodge Eco-Friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari at Tshukudu Bush Lodge Eco-Friendly Pilanesberg Luxury Safari at Tshukudu Bush Lodge

When the category of room at the hotel at which this tour is priced is no longer available for your dates of travel Mmilo Tours will offer you the next best option available at that hotel. If no suitable rooms are available at the advertised hotel we will endeavour to offer options at another hotel as similar as possible.

Itinerary for This Tour

Day 1
Arrive at Johannesburg Airport (Lanseria or OR Tambo), or be ready at your hotel before 10:00 am ( Lanseria 11.00 am). One of Mmilo Tours’ renowned guides will meet, greet and transfer you privately in a touring SUV to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, and the 5 Star ecologically sensitively designed Tshukudu Bush Lodge perched on a hillside deep in the bush.
We can depart as early as 8.00 am and this will enable you to stop on the way at places like the Elephant Sanctuary, Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Cradle of Humankind, (extra time charge and entrance fee may apply).

This incredible wilderness experience is but a 2-hour drive from the concrete jungles of Johannesburg and Pretoria.You will be at leisure until the late afternoon, with time to anticipate your first exciting game drive which is preceded by “high tea” with other guests.

Then, set off on your first sunset safari in an open-sided game drive vehicle, carrying max six passengers with your skilled and experienced game ranger. The rangers share their intimate knowledge of animals and plants.

After your game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner. Each dish is prepared to 5 star standards.

Porter takes luggage as there are 132 steps to lodge reception.

Accommodation at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, High Tea, Evening Game Drive, Dinner, and local beverages included
Day 2

Depart for a morning game drive at dawn break, in pursuit of the Big 5 and the other magnificent wild creatures. Coffee and muffins are served en route. A full English brunch prepared to perfection at the end of an early morning game drive.

Relax in your open plan lounge/veranda and watch the iconic animals of Africa wander lazily through the bush, towards the waterhole located below the lodge. Thereafter, have a swim, sunbathe at the poolside or just dip languidly into your private plunge pool (luxury suites only). High tea is a savory and sweet selection served before your afternoon game drive. Sundowners are served under the open African sky at an idyllic location where you can alight and stretch your legs.

Tshukudu is unique and memorable, in every aspect. Tshukudu’s cuisine is not only out of Africa; it’s out of this world; a splendid selection of South African wines provides the ultimate accompaniment to your six-course dinner.

Accommodation at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, Morning & Evening Game Drive, Breakfast, High-Tea, Dinner and local beverages included.
Day 3

Greet the dawn in the wild again, as you depart on your dawn safari with your trusty game ranger, returning for breakfast. You will be met again by your Mmilo Tours guide and taken privately back to the airport or your Johannesburg/Pretoria hotel.

The route is through some of South Africa’s most interesting and scenic landscapes. Time allowing your guide will take you through these. Stops can also be made on the way to the Pilanesberg or on the way back at attractions such as the Cheetah Centre, Elephant Sanctuary, Chameleon Market (Africa’s biggest craft market), Sun City and Cradle of Humankind.

Tshukudu Lodge “Place of the Rhino” in the Pilanesberg is nestled on an isolated rocky outcrop in the heart of a 55 000 hectares, malaria-free, wildlife paradise.

Cottages are equipped with everything you could possibly need. Slate floors and the thatched roof keep you cool in the hottest weather, and wood-burning fires and hot water bottles keep you warm during those cold winter nights.

Morning Game Drive, Breakfast, and local beverages included.
Tour Notes
Included in Price:
  • 2 Nights accommodation in Tshukudu Bush Lodge
  • All meals and drinks mentioned in Itinerary and underlined
  • Game Drives mentioned in Itinerary
  • Transport in Air-Conditioned vehicles
  • Private Transfers from airports/ hotels, and back in air-conditioned 4×4 high seated closed vehicles
  • Entrance Fees to Pilanesberg Game Reserve mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of a professional tour guide to transfer you to Tshukudu Bush Lodge and back to an airport in Johannesburg, alternatively to your hotel, provided that is no more than a radius of 40 km from Johannesburg International Airport (OR Tambo)
  • 15% Value added tax, where applicable.
Costs Excluded:
  • All passport and Visa fees excluded
  • Travel and Medical Insurance excluded
  • All Optional Activities excluded
Very Important:
The latest time for departure from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg is between 9:30 and 10:00. This is in order to complete the required checking in arrangements at Bakubung reception office at the entrance to the reserve. To guard the privacy of its guests, Tshukudu Lodge only allows their own staff to complete the transfers to/from the lodge deeper inside the reserve. So your guide hands you over to them at this point.
The lodge has been positioned to show off its spectacular surrounding landscape to best advantage. So, it is a 132 step walk from your chalet/suite situated on a rise to the dining room. You need to be in reasonable health and do remember to bring along your comfortable walking shoes.
You have a choice between a luxury suite and a luxury chalet, subject to availability at the time of booking and payment.
CHECK IN:

Our guide will transfer you from Johannesburg to Bakubung Lodge. Meet at Bakubung Lodge by 13h30 for registration, and the transfer to Tshukudu Lodge leaves at 14h00. ONLY ONE SCHEDULED TRANSFER PER DAY. Please note that no private vehicles are allowed at Tshukudu Lodge as Tshukudu is situated in the Pilanesberg National Park, 20 minutes drive from Bakubung Lodge. Private vehicles are parked in secured parking at Bakubung Lodge. Late arrivals must be advised so that alternative transport can be arranged, but note that you will miss the high Tea & evening game drive.

CHECK OUT:
Approximately 11h00. Guests will be transported back to Bakubung Lodge for check out. Our guide will meet you at Bakubung Bush Lodge for your transfer back to Johannesburg.

 Important:
All our tours and packages are subject to availability at the time of booking and payment.

Accommodation for this Tour

Tshukudu Bush Lodge Pilanesberg

Tshukudu which means “Place of the Rhino” is one of those rare game lodges where perfection is a reality.  Indeed this is one of the best places in Africa to view rhino. With only 6 luxury chalets and 4 suites, Tshukudu offers a romantic and intimate experience at the foot of the Pilanesberg mountains, with expansive views of the Savannah Plains below.

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