Which of the many private game reserves to visit in the Kruger area is always a difficult choice, but one stood head and shoulders above the water.
Close Encounters - There is a family run game reserve near Kruger, that people return to time and again, as they are always sure of a homely welcome and some orphan animals to pet. Walk with elephants and cuddle lions cubs at Tshukudu Game Lodge.
Our Tour:
Tshukudu Game Lodge near Hoedspruit, has no river running through it and no major dams so it survived the floods and welcomed stranded guests from surrounding lodges. Ala and Lolly Sussens receive you into their family like a long lost friend. Orphan animals are treated likewise and there are always a few young animals who demand a cuddle or nibble your toes under the dining table.
The biggest project undertaken at Tshukudu is their rehabilitation programme. Sick, injured or orphaned animals of all shapes and sizes have been nursed back to health and re-introduced to the wild.
Like most private reserves there is no fence around the lodge and visiting lions is a regular occurrence during the night. Their roars are often heard at very close proximity and can turn your sweet dream into a sudden nightmare. Don't worry you are not allowed to wander back to your room alone, but once there it is wise not to take an evening stroll.
Day 1.
We meet and greet you at JHB International Arrivals and depart immediately for Mpumalanga and HoedSpruit situated just next to the Kruger National Park.
We arrive at in the afternoon just in time to freshen up and depart for a game drive on open jeeps.
Savannah, above, the fully grown cheetah still tries her luck, sneaking around and looking for an open door so she too can enjoy the soft beds.
Lunch is served on the Veranda in true Safari Style.
Then you can enjoy the pool or rest up till afternoon coffee and cake followed by a sundowner game drive.
Your evening meals are enjoyed under the stars around the boma fire. One can enjoy excellent African cuisine prepared by the chefs. The boma area provides the perfect place for all to catch up the days events while enjoying your meal.
Day 2.
Up with a wake up call for you're early morning coffee and a bush walk with an armed ranger, a leopard, a lion and an Elephant Family.
Its not often you find the Big 4 all at once on foot at a waterhole on a morning walk, but here ninth tranquillity of Tsukudu it seemed normal.
Some of these animals delight guests on the morning walk. It is no small task, keeping step with an elephant or to watch out for a young lions shenanigans. The experience is unparalleled and brings back guests for more year after year.
Back at the ranch for a great Traditional SA breakfast with all the trimmings.
The Lodge can accommodate up to 30 people in 14 rooms. All rooms allow you enjoy a view of the beautiful Drakensburg mountain range from the privacy of your own veranda. Each room has en-suite bathrooms ensuring the best facilities and comfort is right at your fingertips.
During a full day, game drives take guests for close up views of the lion breeding camps and in search of the big Five. In between the game drives and walks, guests can enjoy a hearty luncheon on the veranda and later lounge around a welcoming, cool swimming pool.
Guests luxuriate at the swimming pool on a hot blistering day or enjoy the expansive view from the veranda. An inviting cup of tea beckons, a delicious slice of sweet surprise and then they are whisked away in search of the elusive Big Five.
Snacks at sunset set the mood and then everyone crowded into the lounge. The video had surpassed all our expectations and captured a glimpse of the day to day run of Tshukudu.
Day3.
We follow the same ritual today.
The lodge, the animals and the people have become part of the lives or our returning guests. With each visit they experience more and enjoy, more than ever before, the ambience of this Family run game lodge.
The face
of Tshukudu is a wide grin at the gate, warthog trotting
heading across the dirt road and giraffe gracefully flowing back
into the thick bush.
The heart of Tshukudu is the warmth of the Sussens
family, the care for everyone's needs and the love of
the animals that make Tshukudu such a haven.
The original farmhouse has recently been renovated. The veranda has been expanded to incorporate the wonderful Natal Mahogany in the front, and it boasts a stunning view of the Drakensburg mountain range.
21
years going on 22 years since the start of Tshukudu, it
has the same charm it had all those years ago. Life goes on but
time still stands at Tshukudu.
The accommodation still sleeps 30 guests and each room is
decorated to give them an individual style.
Developed from a devastatingly run down cattle farm to a flourishing
5000-hectare game reserve, who could have foretold this
success story. Many a time the family felt the pressure and the
despair but their perseverance paid off.
Mandla (power), as she was later named suffered a neck and
head injury and the newborn seemed to stand little chance of
survival.
Then the warm heart of Tshukudu gave the leopard a chance
as with so many other animals and another success story can
now be told.
Mandla has recovered and energetically bounce around with her
adopted friend, a small powdery grey cat. So come join us to 'Reach
out and touch'.
Day4.
Africa's nights replace the moving living visual canvas of hot sunny days with tranquil strains of Africa's night orchestra. Tshukudu will leave its hallmark on the rest of your life.
We departed after a great breakfast for Exiter and the most exhilarating experience of our lives - JESSICSA THE TAME HIPPO.
Then we continue the scenic Panorama Route of the Mpumalanga escarpment. We see Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyderivier Canyon,
God's Window, Lunch in Graskop, and the mining town of Pilgrims Rest, Long Tom Pass.
Back via JHB to the Airport in Gauteng for your flight @ TBA.
Meals: Breakfast Incl.
Lunch: Excl
Included: Private tour in a luxury mini bus with air/con; all transfers, all entrance fees; guides & trackers; walks; night drives; Chalets or bush huts, or luxury tents; suppers, lunch, teas, coffees, bed and breakfast.
Excluded: gratuities; items of personal nature; all alcoholic beverages
Rates:
Min 2 passengers: R 8550.00 per person sharing
4-6 passengers: R 6560.00 per person sharing
8- 14 passengers: R 5860.00 per person sharing
We offer specialist language safaris in German, Spanish, Italian and
Portuguese.
