A hilltop hideaway above the Pilanesberg bush

Leave Johannesburg behind for a two-day safari built around a quieter, elevated lodge setting. Tshukudu Bush Lodge sits against a rocky hillside inside Pilanesberg Game Reserve, with wide views towards a waterhole. Pair one luxury chalet night with sunset and sunrise safaris, plus wildlife viewing from your transfer vehicle along the park journey.

Pilanesberg’s volcanic hills and varied habitats are home to elephants, rhinos, lions and abundant birdlife. Your professional ranger follows the conditions and wildlife activity on each outing; no particular species or waterhole visit is guaranteed.

Private decks and time to unwind

Your luxury chalet offers a secluded place to settle into the bushveld setting. Enjoy the outlook from your viewing deck or relax at the lodge’s shared plunge pool between activities. Chalet features and room allocation are confirmed for your stay; the suite upgrade and its private-pool facilities are not included in this package price. Spa treatments and any other extras are arranged separately.

Sunset and sunrise with your ranger

After an early city pickup, explore Pilanesberg in the closed transfer vehicle before reaching Tshukudu around midday. High tea and time to relax lead into an approximately three-hour late-afternoon drive in an open safari vehicle. Return for dinner at the lodge or outdoor boma when weather permits.

Day 2 begins with an approximately three-hour sunrise safari, followed by brunch and check-out. Continue towards the return transfer, with wildlife viewing along the park route as time allows. The afternoon journey brings you back to Johannesburg from approximately 17:30, subject to traffic.

Price and included services

US$1,120 per person sharing; US$1,568 for a solo traveller with the standard 40% supplement. The price includes return air-conditioned road transfers, one luxury chalet night at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, two open-vehicle safaris, wildlife viewing in the closed transfer vehicle, high tea and dinner on Day 1, brunch on Day 2 and game-drive snacks. All beverages, flights, gratuities, personal purchases and optional extras are excluded. Conservation-fee inclusion was not specified in the supplied programme; confirm this with us before booking.

Access, age and flight connections

Tshukudu welcomes guests aged 12 and above. All eligible guests use the adult rate for this package. Access from the parking area to the main lodge involves approximately 132 steps, so this stay is not suitable for guests unable to manage substantial stair climbing.

Pickup is normally arranged between approximately 05:30 and 07:00 at your Johannesburg hotel or agreed address; OR Tambo collection is available by arrangement. Transfers are shared unless a private option is separately quoted. For departure-day flights, plan domestic departures no earlier than 19:30 and international departures no earlier than 21:00, and confirm the connection with us before buying tickets. All times are approximate.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Johannesburg to Tshukudu: park exploration and sunset safari

Meet your driver at the agreed Johannesburg hotel, address or OR Tambo meeting point, usually around 05:30–07:00. Travel towards Pilanesberg in an air-conditioned vehicle and spend time watching wildlife from the closed transfer vehicle along the park route.

Arrive at Tshukudu around midday, climb the hillside steps and settle into your luxury chalet. Enjoy included high tea, then take a break before an approximately three-hour late-afternoon open-vehicle safari with your ranger.

Return to the lodge for dinner, served indoors or in the boma when conditions permit. Accommodation: Tshukudu Bush Lodge luxury chalet. Included: High tea, dinner and game-drive snacks. All beverages are extra.

Day 2 – Sunrise wildlife, brunch and the Johannesburg return

Rise early for an approximately three-hour open-vehicle game drive. Any pre-drive hot beverages are at your own expense. Return for brunch, pack and check out at the time confirmed by the lodge.

Enjoy final wildlife viewing from the transfer vehicle as the route and schedule allow, then leave the Pilanesberg region during the afternoon. Johannesburg hotel or airport drop-off is expected from approximately 17:30, depending on traffic and your destination.

Confirm any flight connection in advance; allow for domestic departures from 19:30 or international departures from 21:00 at the earliest. Included: Brunch and game-drive snacks. Drinks are excluded and all timings are approximate.