A hilltop hideaway above Pilanesberg

Spend two nights at Tshukudu Bush Lodge, perched on a rocky hillside overlooking Pilanesberg’s ancient volcanic landscape. This three-day escape pairs four guided open-vehicle safaris with time to enjoy the lodge’s views, your suite and the slower rhythm of the bush.

Pilanesberg sits where drier Kalahari habitats meet the greener Lowveld, supporting a varied mix of wildlife. Your ranger explores the reserve in search of elephants, rhinos, lions and other species. The Big Five live here, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Four drives, brunch and afternoon high tea

Arrive after wildlife viewing in the closed transfer vehicle and settle in over high tea before your first afternoon safari. Day 2 includes sunrise and late-afternoon open-vehicle drives, with brunch, leisure time and high tea between them. A final sunrise safari on Day 3 completes four approximately three-hour open-vehicle outings.

Return for brunch before departure wildlife viewing in the closed tour vehicle and the journey back to Johannesburg. Dinner on each lodge night may be served indoors or in the boma, depending on the weather.

Price and included services

US$1,590 per person sharing; US$2,226 for a solo traveller with the standard 40% supplement. Return air-conditioned road transfers, two lodge nights, four open-vehicle safaris, closed-vehicle viewing en route to and from the lodge, two brunches, two high teas, two dinners and game-drive snacks are included.

Beverages, flights, gratuities and personal purchases are excluded. Park entrance and conservation-fee inclusion was not specified in the supplied programme; confirm these arrangements before booking. Accommodation is subject to availability, and collection and safari times are approximate.

Important hillside access and age requirements

Tshukudu welcomes guests aged twelve and older. Reaching the lodge requires climbing 132 steps, so guests need to be comfortable managing hillside access. Contact us before booking if mobility is a concern. Johannesburg or OR Tambo pickup and drop-off are agreed in advance; share your flight details so the return journey can be planned realistically.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Pilanesberg exploration and your hillside arrival

Depart early from your agreed Johannesburg or OR Tambo collection point. Travel towards Pilanesberg and spend time looking for wildlife in the closed transfer vehicle before reaching Tshukudu Bush Lodge around midday.

Enjoy high tea and settle in before an approximately three-hour late-afternoon open-vehicle safari with your ranger. Return for dinner indoors or in the boma, weather permitting.

Overnight: Tshukudu Bush Lodge. Included: High tea and dinner. All timings are approximate.

Day 2 – Sunrise drive, brunch and an evening in the bush

Rise early for an approximately three-hour sunrise safari. Return for brunch and enjoy time by the pool or in your suite.

Afternoon high tea precedes another approximately three-hour open-vehicle drive. Return for dinner at the lodge or outdoor boma, depending on the weather.

Overnight: Tshukudu Bush Lodge. Included: Brunch, high tea and dinner.

Day 3 – Final sunrise safari and return through the reserve

Head out early for your fourth approximately three-hour open-vehicle game drive. Return for brunch, pack and prepare to leave the lodge later in the morning.

Enjoy wildlife viewing from the closed tour vehicle before departing the reserve in the afternoon for Johannesburg. Hotel or airport drop-off is confirmed in advance against your travel plans.

Included meal: Brunch. Safari and transfer times are approximate.