Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsTshukudu Game Lodge offers a remarkable experience for those seeking an adventure combined with comfort amidst the captivating wildlife of South Africa. The lodge's prime location near Hoedspruit in a private sector of the Kruger Park allows guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and witness grand sightings of elephants, impalas, zebras, and giraffes, providing an unmatched safari experience. The serene surroundings, paired with cozy and clean accommodations, make for a rejuvenating escape enhanced by skilled rangers and available spa services.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional service offered by the lodge's staff, noted for their friendliness, attentiveness, and commitment to ensuring a memorable stay. This service, coupled with delightful culinary experiences, particularly commendable breakfasts and dinners, contributes to the inviting atmosphere. The breakfast is hailed as amazing with fresh options ready to order, while the romantic dinner setting at the boma resonates deeply with visitors, despite some minor criticisms regarding food consistency.
Accommodations receive mixed reviews regarding decor; while rooms are praised for their spaciousness and cleanliness, some appear outdated with minor maintenance issues that need addressing. Despite these shortcomings, most visitors appreciate the neatness and warm ambiance cultivated by the staff. The pool area is another standout feature of the lodge, offering a pristine and scenic retreat that guests find perfect for relaxation, complemented by the staff's helpfulness.
Connectivity remains a challenge, with WiFi service better near common areas than in rooms, but the stunning setting and richness of local wildlife compensate for any digital shortcomings. Bedding generally receives positive feedback for comfort and cleanliness, although there are occasional mentions of firmness.
Overall, Tshukudu Game Lodge provides a fulfilling blend of adventure, luxury, and tranquility, making it a desirable choice for travelers seeking to explore the heart of South Africa's wilderness. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Tshukudu Game Lodge, part of the Tshukudu Game Reserve, is involved in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programs. The lodge operates with a focus on minimizing its ecological impact through sustainable practices. It actively contributes to the protection and well-being of the animals within its reserve.
Lodge for Honeymoon
Located in the Tshukudu Game Reserve, this lodge offers an immersive wildlife experience. The lodge provides a romantic and adventurous escape with opportunities for game drives and bush walks.
Accessible Lodge
Rooms 11 and 12 are specially designed with a wheelchair ramp and supportive handles in the bathroom, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
Romantic Lodge
Lodge with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Lodge with Parking
Lodge with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Double RoomThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a safe deposit box. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe RoomThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Family RoomThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
CottageThe private pool is the standout feature of this bungalow. This air-conditioned bungalow comes with 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower. Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a tea and coffee maker and a toaster in the fully equipped kitchen. The bungalow also includes a barbecue. The bungalow is furnished with a desk and a seating area and features a minibar and a dining area. The unit has 5 beds.
Deluxe StudioThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The double room's kitchenette is available for cooking and storing food. The double room is fitted with a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a safe deposit box. The unit has 1 bed.
Economy Double RoomThe studio features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The studio's kitchenette is available for cooking and storing food. The studio has a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a safe deposit box. The unit has 1 bed.
TentThe suite offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The suite provides a seating area and a wardrobe. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Tshukudu Game Lodge is nestled in a pristine location just outside of Hoedspruit, offering an exceptional experience for those eager to witness the mesmerizing wildlife of South Africa. Positioned right in the heart of the area, guests frequently spot elephants, impalas, zebras, and giraffes, creating an unforgettable sight. The lodge is situated in a large, private sector of the Kruger Park, providing an ideal setting for a first safari adventure before exploring the more extensive park. Enveloped by breathtaking surroundings, the lodge seamlessly harmonizes with the wonderful nature that envelops it, making it a refreshing escape.
Guests praise the lodge for its idyllic placement, with excellent opportunities for animal watching right from the doorstep. Captivating landscapes and a peaceful environment make for a truly relaxing stay. Visitors appreciate the clean and cozy accommodations, enhanced by knowledgeable and experienced rangers during game drives. For those seeking further relaxation, revitalizing massages in the lodge's spa add a touch of luxury. While the lodge is located a bit further from the gate, the journey there is thrilling and well worth it for the serenity and wildlife encounters that await. The inviting pool area and proximity to town make Tshukudu Game Lodge a seamless blend of adventure and comfort in the heart of the South African jungle.
Breakfast
Nestled within the lush surroundings of Tshukudu Game Lodge, breakfast emerges as a highlight for guests seeking a satisfying start to their day. Frequently described as amazing and excellent, it seems to captivate visitors with its delicious flavors and well-prepared dishes. Many guests commend the breakfast for being the best they’ve ever had, with egg dishes freshly crafted to order.
The breakfast buffet, while offering limited options, maintains high standards, offering a filling experience and sometimes providing perfect photo opportunities by the bird feeding stations under the trees. Despite occasional mentions of minor setbacks, such as burnt bacon or unmet expectations, service remains top-notch, contributing to an overall positive dining experience.
For those who appreciate variety in their morning meals, there is plenty of choice available that meets dietary needs – ensuring an adequate and good quality breakfast every time. While some guests found the menu to be merely okay, the combination of friendly staff and punctual service helps maintain a consistently high standard that often exceeds expectations.
Overall, Tshukudu Game Lodge offers a breakfast experience that many guests find memorable and satisfying, leaving them ready to explore the wonders of the surrounding wilderness.
Dinner
The dining experience at Tshukudu Game Lodge receives predominantly positive feedback from guests, highlighting the delightful food and memorable atmosphere. Many guests rave about the delicious dinners, often describing them as fantastic and amazing. The dining experience, especially at the boma, is often considered exceptional, offering a romantic ambiance with an open fire that adds to the charm of the evening.
The service provided by the staff during dinner is generally appreciated, contributing to an enjoyable experience. The chefs are noted for their skillful preparation, ensuring meals are consistently delicious. Breakfasts also receive commendation, complementing the enjoyable dinner experiences.
However, some reviews express disappointment regarding aspects such as the quality of food not meeting expectations for the price paid, or the limited choice with a fixed menu. There are occasional remarks about the food being lukewarm or mediocre, and instances where service issues, such as delays in serving meals, were noted.
While there are mixed reviews concerning consistency and value, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction, with many guests considering the dinner experience to be lovely and on point amidst the picturesque setting of the lodge.
Rooms
Tshukudu Game Lodge presents a mixed experience when it comes to its accommodations. Visitors often praise the spaciousness and overall beauty of the rooms, with mentions of them being clean, modern, and feeling like home. The cottages have also exceeded guest expectations in terms of comfort and aesthetics. Despite these positives, a significant number of reviews highlight areas requiring improvement. Many rooms are noted as being outdated and in need of a revamp, with furniture that feels old-fashioned and bathrooms reminiscent of more basic accommodation like a university hostel. Issues such as a lack of televisions, privacy concerns due to thin walls, and recurring maintenance problems, such as toilets not flushing and showers being unclean, have been reported. Some guests have struggled with odors in certain rooms, notably room 10, and have found the air conditioning inadequate. Furthermore, the absence of a television and the need for upgrades to both bedroom and bathroom décor detract from the overall holiday feel. On the positive side, guests have enjoyed the neatness of the rooms and the friendly staff, which contributes to a generally pleasant and peaceful ambiance despite some shortcomings.
Beds
Tshukudu Game Lodge offers guests a generally positive bedding experience, with many reviews highlighting the comfort of the mattresses. Words like super comfortable and comfy are frequently used to describe the beds, which contribute to restful nights. Guests also noted the cleanliness of the bedding, often paired with high-quality materials that enhance the overall sleeping experience. However, there are occasional mentions of less comfortable beds, with a few guests finding the mattresses too hard and pillows not as satisfactory. Nonetheless, it seems these issues are not the norm, and efforts are made to address them, such as offering room changes for better comfort. Overall, Tshukudu Game Lodge's beds seem to provide a pleasant and restful experience for most of its guests.
Cleanliness
Tshukudu Game Lodge offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness, according to guest reviews. Many guests appreciated the pristine condition of the linen, with crystal white sheets and fresh towels enhancing the overall comfort. The staff frequently stood out for their friendly demeanor and commitment to maintaining cleanliness, creating an overall clean and happy environment for visitors. Guests have particularly mentioned the swimming pool area, describing it as clean with a pleasant view, although an occasional glitch affected its functionality during some stays.
While many guests found their rooms clean and tidy, there were notable exceptions where some felt the standard of cleaning was not sufficiently met. Concerns included dirty shower floors, clogged showerheads, and outdated bathroom tiles that require deep cleaning. In some instances, toilet cleanliness was criticized, indicating a need for more thorough maintenance. Additionally, certain areas of the lodge appeared run-down, affecting the overall pristine image some expect at such facilities.
Despite these drawbacks, positive mentions of cleanliness concerning the cottage accommodations and various facilities were frequent, alongside commendations for the staff’s excellent service. Meanwhile, the lack of room service, network connectivity, and modern amenities such as TV in the bedrooms were noted, indicating room for improvement in both cleanliness and guest experience.
Staff
The reviews for Tshukudu Game Lodge consistently highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, describing them as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Visitors often noted that the staff were not only welcoming but also paid great attention to detail, ensuring guests felt well-cared-for throughout their stay. The dedication of the team to make each visit memorable is frequently praised, with many guests expressing appreciation for the genuinely polite and accommodating nature of the staff.
Guests were particularly impressed by the warmth and hospitality offered by individuals like Roberta and Douglas, who were ready to assist with anything needed. While an overwhelming majority of comments are positive, one guest noted a less welcoming tone from an admin staff member, although this appears to be an exception to the otherwise glowing reviews.
The culinary experience at the lodge is also mentioned positively, with both dinner and breakfast consistently meeting guests’ expectations, contributing to an inviting atmosphere. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a lodge staffed by people who are eager to provide top-tier service and make guests feel special, surrounded by beautiful facilities and delicious food.
Wi-Fi
Traveling to Tshukudu Game Lodge offers an immersive experience in the heart of nature, but potential visitors should be aware of some connectivity challenges regarding WiFi. While guests find the WiFi connection better around the pool and the breakfast area, the service in the rooms tends to be unreliable or altogether non-existent. The lodge's beautiful setting may contribute to these connectivity issues, with WiFi service described as poor or slow at times. It’s important to plan accordingly if staying connected is essential, but rest assured, the stunning landscapes and wildlife may make up for the few shortcomings in digital connectivity.
Pool
Tshukudu Game Lodge boasts a stunning and meticulously maintained pool area that guests have consistently praised. The main pool area is described as beautiful, offering a serene and private space that enhances the overall experience. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness and inviting nature of the pool, highlighting its deep, refreshing waters and captivating views. The surrounding space is neat and thoughtfully organized, making it perfect for relaxation. While there was an isolated mention of a brief issue with the pool during a visit, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Staff at the lodge are applauded for their helpfulness and friendliness, adding to the delightful experience. For many, the pool stands out as a significant highlight of their stay, providing a quiet retreat that truly enriches the visit.
Yes, Tshukudu Game Lodge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Tshukudu Game Lodge.
No, Tshukudu Game Lodge doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Tshukudu Game Lodge.