Guest User
January 27, 2024
Having gone with no expectations, we had an absolutely outstanding experience staying here. At the end of our 2 night stay, I was overwhelmed by just how amazing the safari had been. I’ve written a lengthy review, but the key outstanding features and benefits of the Tshukudu bush lodge are 2 x 4 hour game drives per night stay All inclusive food and drinks, local produce extremely well cooked Only lodge within the park boundary, so less driving to get to the ‘action’ and a head start on other game drive trucks Small 9 seater truck, we saw much larger trucks from other lodges Adult only Small and intimate lodge with excellent personal service Jafari was an incredibly knowledgeable guide, as well as being enthusiastic and friendly - he really made the game drives special We arrived at lunchtime and had ‘afternoon tea’ at around 3.30pm. We’re British, the afternoon tea was nothing like we’re used to! We had kebabs, mini quiche, salads, bread, cake, fruit. And though we have no dietary requirements, one of the other guests was dairy free and vegetarian, and she was very happy with the meals she was served. Then the first of the evening game drives with Jafari as our guide. Jafari is so knowledgable about the animals and the park, he had an amazing ability to spot the animals, stopping so we could get photographs and use the binoculars. We took our own binoculars, but the lodge provided us with a rucksack and binoculars. Driving along we would see elephants, rhinos, giraffes, kudu, impala, etc just a wandering around at side of the road, wandering around the trees and in the fields. At times they were so close to the truck we could almost touch them. We witnessed the most beautiful sunset over the water from the bird Hyde. Part way through the drive was a stop where Jafari served us a pre-ordered drink from the bar and some snacks. Returning back to the lodge, we enjoyed dinner sat around the fire pit - 5 course meal with a choice of main course. The food was outstanding, well cooked, beautifully served, and totally delicious. There was an open bar with a range of wines, beers and spirits It was an early morning start - 4.30 up and we departed reception at 5am. Coffee/Tea was available in the room, and also at reception. There were plenty of large warm blankets in the truck which were very welcome in the chilly early morning before the sun rose. With the lodge being inside the park, we had a head start on most of the other game drive trucks and with Jafari as our knowledgable guide we saw the lioness’s resting in the field before running across the field chasing the zebras and then jumping around playfully when they reunited. However, the most spectacular event was watching the cheetahs come out from the rocks, prowl around and ultimately we watched the cheetah chase an impala, ultimately an unsuccessful chase, and then the cheetahs walked back a d lay in the the middle of the road in front of our truck. The morning 4 hour drive was broken wi