Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Nearby golf courses

The two golf courses at Sun City Resort provide for unforgettable and challenging rounds of golf.  The 18 hole championship Gary Player Golf Course is home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge in which golf players from around the world compete.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

The Hot Air Balloon Safaris are offered every morning, depending on the weather and number of passengers. Guest are collected at their hotel or game lodge and are taken to the park to meet with the balloon crew.

The flight is approximately an hour in duration and on landing sparkling wine is served.  A leisurely game drive is then taken through the park to a game lodge where breakfast is available, after which guest are returned to their hotel/game lodge.

• Duration: 1hr flight, +/- 4 hrs in total
• Booking is essential
• A minimum number of guests are required to conduct a flight

Flights are early in the morning and you will need to allow some 4 hours for the full activity which includes the following:

• Early morning collection from your hotel by safari vehicle
• The launch of the balloon from the centre of Pilanesberg National Park
• An hour drifting serenely over the Park
• A sparkling wine celebration on landing, a time-honoured tradition in ballooning
• Full English breakfast at a Game Lodge
• A First Flight certificate signed by your Pilot
• Return transfer to your hotel/game lodge

Terms and Conditions: Hot Air Balloon Safaris

• 1-hour flight: Minimum 8 passengers / Maximum 60 pax (1-hour flight)
• 30-minute flight: Minimum 20 / Maximum 120 pax (a ½ hour flight)
• Children under the age of 12 can unfortunately not participate
• Subject to availability of balloons
• Full prepayment is required before the trip takes place

Bird watching

The bird life diversity in the Pilanesberg National Park, North West province, is fantastic. Whilst some birds are migrants, many are permanent inhabitants. Their food sources vary with some eating carrion or live prey, while others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms.

Pilanesberg National Park is one of the best places for bird watching in South Africa. Over 350 species have been recorded in this national park located in the North West province and a birder could record up to 100 species in winter and plenty more in summer including both migrant and permanent species.

The transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter Lowveld region in this region of South Africa brings with it a unique mix of birds with Red-eyed Bulbuls cohabiting with Black-eyed Bulbuls. Many other such fascinating habitations are visible throughout the game reserve but it isn't limited to only bird species but also to other animals and plants.

Safari Drives & Walks

The Tshukudu Bush Lodge conducts guided game drives twice a day, one in the early morning and one late in the afternoon. Walking safaris are also available upon request in the guidance of professional trackers.

The malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park is administered by the North West Parks and Tourism Board and is with its 55 000 hectares the fourth largest national park in the country.

The crater of a long extinct volcano dominates the Pilanesberg National Park.  The crater is a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. It's rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.  Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys, and thickets.

Besides the 'Big Five' visitors also have the opportunity to encounter the nocturnal brown hyena, cheetah, hippo, crocodile and even sable. The Pilanesberg mountains offer guests sightings of a wide diversity of animal and plant life including 360 species of birds, the Big Five and almost every type of animal found in Southern Africa.

The Pilanesberg National Park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone.

Springbok, brown hyena, the red eyed bulbul, and camel thorn trees usually home in arid areas are found cohabiting with moist-area-limited impala, black eyed bulbul and Cape chestnut trees.  Wildlife includes lions, elephants, white and black rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles.

The bird life diversity in the Pilanesberg National Park is outstanding. While some birds are migrants, many are permanent inhabitants. Their food sources vary with some eating carrion or live prey while others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms.

Daily safari programme

• Arrive at the Bakubung Bush Lodge for check-in & Welcome Drink at 1h30 pm / 13h30
• Transfer to the Tshukudu Bush Lodge
• High Tea
• Afternoon Game Drive
• Pre-Dinner Drinks
• 5 Course Dinner
• Nest morning: Wake Up Call
• Tea / Coffee & Rusks
• Early Morning Game Drive
• Brunch
• if check out: depart Tshukudu Lodge at 11h00 am

Swimming

The rock plunge pool of the Tshukudu Bush Lodge is beautifully located on top of the hill and provides a relaxing retreat surrounded by Africa's untamed bushveld.