We stayed here for three nights of a three week honeymoon. Although we did not know the rating of the lodge beforehand, I understood it to be good, the lodge far exceeded any expectation beyond that of a 5* stay.

Physically, the lodge itself is exceptional but it was the attitude of the staff that makes this place a real jewel in Africa if not the World. It presents itself luxuriously in a formal style yet being very laid back at the same time making for a very relaxing experience.

The Safaris are long trips and are well catered for. The morning would start at about 6, finish at about 12, followed by lunch, then another Safari at about 2 and being back by 7'ish. The Safaris are totally random as to where you go and what you can see so no two are ever the same. They can be quite tiring and by the third day I was quite happy just to sit on the Veranda (or lay in my bath) watching the Zebras wander down the hill to the local watering hole.

When it comes to evening dining do not expect to dine quietly in a corner on your own. Evening dinner is a first class affair that involves all guests and Safari guides dining at one table. Thankfully its not black tie, in fact you could wear shorts and t-shirt if that is what makes you comfortable. Prior to the meal one of the guides, Doug, will introduce the chosen wines with a detailed history and likewise the chef, Greg, does the same with the menu. During the meal you will hear Safari tales to keep you enthralled whilst you fine dine.

At the end of the meal every one retires to the veranda or open fire to talk about the Safari that day or just about anything you like. The drinks bar is totally free and is made up of top brand names and is very well stocked. The staff cannot do enough for you.

Those evenings will honestly stay with me for a long time as indeed the whole stay. It goes to show that it's the people that make your stay a memorable one.

I'm a seasoned traveller, but having returned from 6 glorious nights at Tshukudu, I now have a new favourite place on earth!
Tshukudu is like staying at the home of a close friend. Because there's only 6 cabins, a full house means 14 guests...and 20 odd staff! From Andre (the managing director) to the brilliant game rangers (we were lucky enough to spend our time with Doug)..even the head chef Greg.... by the end of our trip we knew each of them personally, having dined with them or enjoyed their late night story-telling around the open air braai. These guys are so passionate about their lodge, and that passion rubs off on the guests...hence the reason so many return! The little details made all the difference- from the unlimited mini bar, to the little bottles of amarula and handtied poems on our pillows every night! The game walks and drives were spectacular. Tshukudu is set in the Pilanesberg, which has the advantage of being malaria free and small enough so that you'll have a good chance of seeing the big 7. But nothing can compare to the night I came back from my game drive to find my cabin lit by a roaring fire and candlelight, a private 7 course dinner for 2, a rose petal strewn bubble bath, champagne and 100 red roses. I didn't think that my boyfriend of 6 years was a romantic...boy was I wrong! The team at Tshukudu went above and beyond the call of duty when Barry told them he wanted to propose... and I will never ever forget it.
Tshukudu is quite unlike anywhere you will ever stay...you'll leave feeling like part of the family. I hear they're going to be buidling a honeymoon chalet (although how they'll improve on perfection, I have no idea!). So no guesses where I'll be going on my honeymoon then!

This place is heaven on earth -spent a great 3 days and nights with wonderful food hosts and accomodation. would love to go back sometime although the 5 am game drives are a bit early after the fabulous evenings .