The Pilanesberg
There are few large cities in the world that can boast nature’s Big 5 spectacle in the wild, on their doorsteps. Experience a Big 5 Safari at this exclusive, secluded bush location deep in the Pilanesberg malaria-free Game Reserve. 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. 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. 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 as 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:
Summer 2024 – 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2024 & 1 September 2023 to 31 December 2023
Luxury Chalet – ZAR21 940.00 per person sharing, and ZAR33 670.00 for a solo traveler
Tshukudu Suite – ZAR27 670.00 per person sharing, and ZAR44 020.00 for a solo traveler
Winter 2024 – 1 May 2024 to 31 August 2024
Luxury Chalet – ZAR20510.00 per person sharing, and ZAR30,790.00 for a solo traveler
Tshukudu Suite – ZAR26230.00 per person sharing, and ZAR42220.00 for a single traveler
Child Policy. To preserve its natural setting Tshukudu Lodge is unfenced therefore no children under 12 years are allowed.
