The Lodge

Tshukudu Game Lodge near the Kruger National Park combines home comfort with an exciting Big-Five experience; close encounters with orphans and excellent viewing opportunities of the wild animals in their natural habitat. The lodge, the animals and the people have become part part of the lives of our returning guests. With each visit, they experience more and enjoy more than ever before, the ambience of this privately run lodge.Since 1980 the Sussens family has successfully turned a run-down cattle farm into a thriving 5 000 hectare wildlife paradise. The first animal to ever be re-introduced to the ex cattle farm was a rhino hence the Sotho equivalent word Tshukudu.

The Accommodation

28 guests can be accommodated in the individually decorated chalets and rondawels all named after animals that have been raised or rehabilitated at Tshukudu. A special cottage, named after Ed Bailey, a guest and friend of the Sussens family, Ed's cottage has been designed to accommodate wheelchairs. And with the help of another friend, Neville Cohen, the important details of the cottage interior have been adjusted for maximum comfort. A third room is now available with wheelchair access. Each unit is air-conditioned.

The Family

The Sussens family history stretches from across Africa and the European continent, where Alina "Ala" Kuchinska was born in Poland. Ala had a hard life during World War 2 and was later exiled to Zambia. Here she met Alfred "Lolly" Sussens, a professional hunter turned conservationist, and together they made a name for themselves. They were involved in safaris and tourism in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Ala started the famous "Flame Lily Tours" in conjunction with Rhodesian Airlines, and the "Sundowner Cruises" on the Zambezi. Later they made a success of the Chobe River Safari Lodge in Botswana. The former cattle farm, previously owned by President Diedricks demanded hard work and dedication from the whole family. Today their efforts repay them each in their own businesses. Ala runs the lodge and Lolly has earned his retirement. Ian and his Swiss wife, Sylvia, run a bush camp with educational's for school groups as well as self- catering accommodation. Chris & his wife Vicky run a self-catering tented camp.

A Typical Day

The reserve that had started out with no animals turned into a thriving Big-Five game reserve. Animals can be spotted from 4x4 game drive vehicles, on the morning walk before breakfast or during an educational bush walk. Guests of all ages are welcome and we cater for disabilities in three wheelchair friendly cottages. The original farmhouse was restored and later improved with a large thatched terrace where we enjoy breakfast and lunch. Enjoy the birds under a lush Natal Mahogany with a fantastic view of the Drakensberg mountains from the extended veranda. Luxuriate at the swimming pool on a hot blistering day and enjoy the expansive view into the bushveld. An inviting cup of tea beckons, a delicious slice of sweet surprise and then guests are whisked away in search of the elusive Big Five.

Includes:

•  Accommodation 
•  Three meals a day
•  2 Game drives 
•  1 Animal walk per day
•  Bed Levy

Price on Request Due to Varying Seasonal Rates. Kindly e-mail us @ safaris@imagineafrica.co.za.