Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Imagine lying back in a soothing bubble bath with a sweeping view of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, where over 80 species of animal roam the savannah. Imagine no more. Built high on a rocky outcrop, Tshukudu Bush Lodge has been designed to offer you a perfectly indulgent bush getaway …

Overlooking its own waterhole, set in rolling plains that abound with flora and fauna, Tshukudu Lodge allows the visitor a special glimpse of Africa as she was: untouched, unspoilt, unforgettable … Tshukudu Lodge, “Place of the Rhino” in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, offers 6 luxury cottages and 2 cabins nestled on an isolated rocky outcrop in the heart of a 55 000 hectare, malaria free, wildlife paradise …

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Each of Tshukudu’s luxury cottages are equipped with everything you could possible need from walking sticks to bubble bath. You will find a safety deposit box, mini bar, hairdryers, books and magazines as well as a tea and coffee facility. Slate floors and the thatched roof keep you cool in the hottest weather, and wood burning fires and hot water bottles keep you warm during cold winter nights.

To keep the pressures of the outside world remote, you won’t find radios, television or telephones. Cell phone signal is very limited. Here the only sound is the wind whispering through the grass, perhaps the distinctive call of a lion, or a jackal’s plaintive wail. The sunken bath in the luxury cottages has its own private view of the waterhole. What a way to relax and forget the pressures of the city life and to soak in the sights and the sounds of the African bush.

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Tshukudu’s cuisine is not only out of Africa, it’s out of this world. Each dish is lovingly prepared to 5 star standards. A full English brunch prepared to perfection at the end of an early morning game drive; high tea with a savory and sweet selection; sundowners under African skies; a splendid selection of wine provides the ultimate accompaniment to your five course dinner.

A game drive or walk is a must. Our rangers share their intimate knowledge of animals and plants, answering questions and pointing out the wonders of the wild kingdom. Still, there are times when you might just like to take it easy, view the game as it visits the waterhole from the privacy of your own balcony or from the comfort of the Nest area. Or just relax in the sun around the sheltered rock pool.

Special Offer:
Celebrate the end of 2009 by enjoying all that Tshukudu Lodge has to offer at a special discounted rate – From R3400.00 per person sharing all inclusive (5 star luxury accommodation, dining, wildlife activities and more … valid unitil 31 December 2009). See their rates and specials or book a stay at Tshukudu Lodge Rates & Specials.

Useful Links:
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg Accommodation
South Africa Game Reserves

Useful Links:
The Palace at the Lost City
Sun City Hotels
Sun City Accommodation

King of Madikwe Game Reserve and family …

Click on the thumbnails to view the gallery …

Useful Links:
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Accommodation
South Africa Accommodation

The Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa has the distinction of being one of the few game reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area. Madikwe consists of vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands and bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. The area is dotted with huge rocky hills or inselbergs (ecological description). The entire Madikwe reserve has been enclosed in a 150 km perimeter fence which has been electrified to prevent the escape of elephants and the larger predators.

Madikwe is a “Big Five” game reserve situated 90 km north of Zeerust. Covering some 60 000 hectare, it is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.

The reserve at Madikwe is divided into two main areas. The area north of the Molatedi Dam is fenced and stocked with all the historically indigenous wild animals ­ including elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo. As part of future developments for the park, the dam area will be fenced separately and stocked with smaller, non dangerous animals, thus allowing free movement of tourists and maximum utilisation of the dam.

The reintroduction of game began early in 1991, shortly before the perimeter fence had been completed. Operation Phoenix, as the reintroduction programme is called, is the largest game translocation exercise in the world. More than 8 000 animals of 28 species have so far been released into the reserve, including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, Cape hunting dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelope and herbivores. Leopard already occurred in the reserve.

Useful Links:
For more information please see:
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve Accommodation
North West Province Game Reserves

Elephant Back Safaris

The North West Province is the playground of Gauteng, an outdoor adventure waiting to happen. So close to Gauteng it is virtually on its doorstep, it is regarded as outdoors country with a climate to match, and often described in terms of its flatness, smattering of trees and grasslands – it’s the natural habitat of the black and white rhino.

But the stars of the province are undoubtedly the Magaliesberg and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which boasts lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo. And there are also dams, rivers, cliff faces and plenty of sunshine just awaiting discovery.

Hartbeespoort Dam alone is one of the major reasons Gautengers leave their province every weekend to while away time on its shores in a myriad of water sports, or head off for the weekend to the Madikwe Game Reserve for a taste of the Limpopo closer to home, without the fear of malaria. Bordered by Botswana to the north, the North West is brimming with outdoor activities that include hiking trails, mountain biking trails, white water rafting, abseiling, fishing and any other type of ‘to do’ you can think of under the sun.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg:
Whilst this doesn’t call for much overt exersion, a breathtaking ascent and float over the beautiful Magaliesberg nonetheless does get the blood pumping, particularly if you’re on the flight at sunrise followed by champagne and a full English breakfast.

The North West in particular has some of the most perfect climatic conditions for the flight, as wind is one of the major reasons flights are cancelled, and why the Cape is not really the place for hot air balloons! But it is the inspiring aerial views and the incredible sensation of floating that make this such a winner!

Contact: Click here to view Hot Air Ballooning in the North West Province for various operators.

Tree Top Canopy Tour

Magaliesberg tree-top canopy tour:
This will get the blood pumping. Swing from tree to tree, or rather from platform to platform, in amongs the cliffs and rock faces of the Ysterhout Kloof in the Magaliesberg just behind the Sparkling Waters Hotel.

Eleven platforms have been rigged against the cliffs and joined by long steel cables, along which you get to zigzag – something like a ‘foefie’ slide.

The thrill is unbeatable, and the environment particularly beautiful.

Contact:
Magaliesberg Canopy Tour on +27 (0)14 535-0150.

Elephant-back Safari

Ride on the back of elephants in the Pilanesberg:
Seated high on the back of the ‘king of the beasts’ whilst exploring the Pilanesberg is one of the most exciting and original ways to see the game reserve. Most of these beautiful beasts are orphans saved from the fate of life in zoos or circuses around the world.

It’s a magic experience at sunrise, mid-morning or sunset, or hey, if you want to you can walk with the entire herd on your own, budget providing!

Contact: +27 (0)83 382-5905 or +27 (0)14 552-5020.

Horse riding trails at Sun City:
Not all of Sun City is manicured and built up, a great deal of it is dense, rugged bushveld and for this reason meadering through its indigenous forests on horse back is a wonderful way to see small game and experience the bush first hand. Riding on horse back through the African landscape is seriously getting back to nature.

Contact: Gametrackers BOP on +27 (0)14 552-5020.

Para-sailing

Paragliding at Hartbeespoort Dam:
One of the better known sites close to Johannesburg from which to paraglide or hanglide, is Hartbeespoort Dam. The site is easy to get to – there is a cableway, so getting up the 350 metre high ridge is not difficult – and the views from here across the dam are fantastic.

North West is paragliding heaven, even if it is considered an ‘extreme’ sport – but for those who experience anxiety or vertigo, one can always opt for a tandem flight the first time around, just to get a feel for it.

This part of the world, particularly in summer, has huge thermals and cross-country flights are very popular, provided you remain within the ceiling of 720 metres above take-off as this is the controlled air space of Oliver Thambo.

Scuba diving in Brits

Go scuba diving in Brits:
Do the unexpected and go scuba diving with indigenous freshwater fish at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains.

One of the least anticipated action activities for the North West, nonetheless you can swim just below these beautiful mountains whilst taking part in recreational diving. It’s fun for the whole family and caters for both inexperienced and experienced divers.

Contact: Miracle Waters Scuba Resort on +27 (0)12 252-2142.

Useful Links:
For more adventure activities visit our section on Things to Do in the North West Province. There is plenty to do that will get the adrenaline pumping including kloofing, mountaineering, scenic flights … and lots more. To book u=your accommodation in the North browse the options at Accommodation in North West Province. Save money by dealing direct with accommodation providers – no service fees, no commission.

The 55 000 hectare Pilanesberg park opened in 1979 in one of the largest game resettlement projects in the history of South Africa, and possibly the most expensive as commercial farmers gave over land to be restocked with wildlife. Operation Genesis saw virtually 6 000 animals from other parks moved to this beautiful terrain, which serves as a transition between Kalahari and Lowveld, or Bushveld, and includes both types of vegetation, making it an ideal game reserve.

There is a wide variety of landscapes that easily support a diversity of game and rare and endangered species such as wild dog, black rhino, roan, sable, buffalo and tsessebe. There are also healthy populations of lion – originally from the Etosha National Park in Namibia – leopard, hippo, giraffe, zebra, hyena and elephant. Bird watching, although it takes a back seat for most visitors who come to see the larger mammals, is a joy with over 300 recorded species in the park.

Some 200 kilometres of dirt road kept in good condition serve the park well. There are cleverly appointed picnic areas, numerous game hides, walk-in aviaries, safari drives, safe hiking trails, and the Pilanesberg International Airport, just outside Sun City, makes getting here easy.

Useful Links

For more destination information please see
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg Accommodation
Pilanesberg Day Trips

Hot Air Balloons

The North West Province is close to the urban sprawl of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Unlike those bustling cities, much of the North West Province is devoted to agriculture and to mining, but opportunities and destinations for tourists also abound.

On a grand, commercial scale, there is the Sun City and Lost City complex. A manufactured entertainment and hotel complex, it offers gambling, the artificial beach of the wave park, horse riding, and two famous and excellent golf courses, in addition to fine dining, spa treatments and more. In fact, an entire holiday could be spent at this entertainment hub without getting bored.

Less commercial are the small towns, such as Groot Marico, home to the late great South African author Herman Charles Bosman. The town has become somewhat of a tribute to this great man, with opportunities to visit the bar his stories were set in, or sample the fiery Mampoer that featured in his prose. The Eye of Marico is a spring which is also worth a visit in the town.

At the top of the North West Province bordering on Mozambique is the Madikwe Game Reserve, home to a proliferation of animals including the African wild dog and the Big Five Game drives are a popular choice here and there are many accommodation options in the area.

The Pilanesberg Nature Reserve on the other hand, is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, and while game viewing and bird watching are certainly also on the cards here, it’s the hot air balloon rides over the reserve that are a major draw cards, and with good reason. Not only is this a unique experience, it offers a completely different way to experience Africa’s wildlife.

Hartbeespoort Dam

Closer to Johannesburg, you will find the Magaliesberg mountains. A well-developed tourist attraction, the area boasts horse trails, coffee and craft shops, cheese factories and other local delicacies, and guesthouses. Also in the Magaliesburg area, if you are looking for something a little different, you will find both the Elephant Sanctuary, home to six rescued elephants and the De Wildt Cheetah Centre. A crocodile park is also located nearby, allowing you to view crocs up close and personal.

Another big attraction in this area is the Hartebeespoort Dam, known to locals affectionately as “Harties.” Here you can enjoy water sports, bird watching, hiking or sample the cuisine in one of the many local restaurants, offering everything from traditional “boerekos” to pancakes. Alternatively, simply pack a picnic basket, round up the family, and spend a day lounging on the shore.

If you are looking for a destination that offers rural tranquility, while still being close to the excitement of a large city, should the desire to sample some of the nightlife arise, the North West Province may be just the destination for you.

Useful Links:
For further information and holiday resources, please visit:

• North West Province Tourist Attractions
• Things To Do in North West Province
• North West Province Accommodation
• North West Province Hotels

Hartbeespoort Dam

Surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg mountain range, Hartbeespoort is situated in the North West Province of South Africa. The village of Hartbeespoort is situated along the shores of the well known Hartbeespoort Dam. This spectacular dam is a popular destination for weekend getaways or day trips.

The Harbeespoort Dam was constructed in 1925 and currently boasts a capacity of 205 million cubic metres and its shoreline, when full, is approximately 56km! These awesome characteristics allow for all thrilling watersport adventures to be enjoyed here including parasailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing and so much more.

Hartbeespoort is situated among undulating hills and panoramic views of the dam as well as the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains can be experienced here. The beauty, tranquility and attractions here entice people from all over to enjoy its spectacular terrains.

Other attractions in Hartbeespoort that one can explore include the aquarium, private zoo, a snake park as well as a cable way. The Hartbeespoort Aquarium is one of the largest in Africa and sure to be an unforgettable experience. Also of interest is the Crocodile Ramble, an arts and crafts route with day visitor and overnight facilities.

To explore and witness these spectacular terrains more fully one should take a few drives, hike, enjoy 4×4 adventures, horse riding and for the more adventurous one should definitely go paragliding, hang-gliding or hot air ballooning. For those who enjoy golf, there are 3 excellent golf clubs all situated in exquisite surrounds adding to a enjoyable golfing experience.

This area boasts numerous cultural villages including the Gaabo Motho Cultural Village. Here one can enjoy a truly African experience and shop for numerous cultural goodies. Hartbeespoort is well known as the Place of Beauty and Pleasure and for good reason. Enjoy the tranquility of the hills and valleys as well as the exquisite surrounds.

Useful Links:
For additional destination info see:
Hartbeespoort Dam Accommodation
Hartbeespoort Dam Attractions
South Africa Attractions

Elephant Back Safaris

Pilanesberg Elephant Back Safaris – Half Day morning or afternoon excursions from Sun City: Comfortably nestled at the foothills of the ancient Pilanesberg mountains lies the “Elephant Wallow”, a special place where a unique relationship between nature true “King of the Beasts”, the African Elephant, and man find their lives closely intertwined …

Join Chikwenya, Sharu, Mana, Sapi and Michael for an extraordinary and exhilarating journey along ancient game trails. Seated comfortably on the back of Nature’s true “King of the Beasts”; experience an age-old African tradition whilst silently exploring the majestic Letsatsing Reserve and the secrets of their resident wildlife, unnoticed.

‘The Spirit of these Great Creatures will Never leave you!’

Elephant Back Safaris

Being witness to this mutually enriching and rewarding relationship between man and elephant in a modern day Africa promises to add perspective to each visitor’s perception of the African elephant, and their on-going plight across our African Continent. With Wild Horizons as your experienced hosts, guests are encouraged to get close to these gentle giants and awarded the wonderful opportunity to learn more about them; their lifestyle, fascinating social bonds, intelligence and sometime mysterious behaviour.

Scheduled elephant-back safaris run daily, promising visitors much more than just a game-viewing experience, but a closer insight into the world’s largest mammal, the African Elephant.

» Elephant–Back Safaris: Scheduled trips leave from the Welcome Desk, Sun City. Guests are transferred to the “Elephant Wallow” where they are met by experienced Elephant Guides, who will host them on their safari. This elephant experience takes approximately 3 hours. Light snacks are served on “The Wallow” terrace after the safari. Return transfer is back to the Welcome Centre.

» Elephant Interaction: Guests are transferred to “The Elephant Wallow” from the Welcome Desk, Sun City. Experienced guides will host visitors through and elephant interaction where guests are encouraged to touch, feed, photograph and learn more about these amazing animals. This activity takes approximately 1 hour. Return transfer is back to the Welcome Centre.

» Groups: A variety of packages are offered to larger groups of visitors which may include safaris, or interaction experiences. Set menus for Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners can be arranged on the picturesque “Elephant Wallow” terrace. Click to view or make a booking: Pilanesberg Elephant Back Safaris

Useful Links: Sun City South Africa
View Maps: Sun City Map | Pilanesberg Map
Sun City Hotels | Pilanesberg Hotels | Pilanesberg National Park