LUXURY, SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

The lodge offers four luxurious and spacious thatched-chalets with an open-plan living and entertainment area. Each accommodating two adults and the option of snooza’s (fold up mattresses) for younger children, all accommodating up to ten guests in total (additional children on request – terms apply).

The luxury, thatched chalets have been carefully designed and positioned to maximise the spectacular views of the Pilanesberg mountains and the surrounding wildlife.

The luxurious en-suite bathrooms leave little to be desired with his and hers basins, a double shower and beautiful stone bath. And, for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in nature, there is also an outdoor shower to be enjoyed, in tandem with the sights and sounds of the wild. Each chalet also offers a tea and coffee station, bar fridge and lockable safe.

EXCLUSIVE-USE

The main entertainment area is spacious and consists of a fully-fitted modern kitchen with a fridge and freezer. Boasting an automatic coffee machine, microwave and ice machine in the kitchen area, you can enjoy all of the conveniences of home-living without having to compete with other guests for the use of these facilities.

An eight-seater dining room forms the heart of the dining area, while the casual lounge lends itself to kicking-back and channel flicking – so now you can go on safari and get the score in the same weekend! The formal lounge is an area where you can relax and read, or head to the bar area for a few drinks. There are both wine and beverage fridges available for you to utilize on a self-stock basis.

The boma and braai area joins onto a large thatched lapa which offers casual seating and a large dining table for alfresco dining. If you’re not up for the afternoon game drive, spend your time lounging around the pool with a good book, or take a stroll to the thatched viewing-hide a few meters away. The lodge is surrounded by an electrified fence to keep you safe from the Big 5 animals that are regularly spotted in the area.

Take to the crystal-clear, blue water of the pool after a game drive, before enjoying an evening of stargazing, sipping drinks around the fire, and listening to the sounds of the African bush at night.

While Thutlwa Safari Lodge is available exclusively – guests can rest assured that a member of staff is on the premises 24 hours a day. The lodge is serviced daily for our guests’ convenience

Note: There is cell-phone coverage at the lodge, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi in the main area.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

The freedom that comes with booking an exclusive-use lodge means you get to enjoy the entire space without being concerned about other guests and how your holiday may impact them. By choosing Thutlwa Safari Lodge you get to choose your safari times and durations, as well as who accompanies you on your drive, with small children to join at parents’ discretion. If you’d prefer to stay at the lodge with your toddler or young child while others head out, the following items are available to you on request: High chair, baby monitor, plastic dishes and cutlery, sleeping cot.

SELF-CATERING

Thutlwa Safari Lodge is fully-equipped to cater for groups and families looking to get away, safari-style. While the Lodge is fully serviced daily, you are invited to make full use of the facilities on offer on a self-catering basis. Shop in advance or do some last-minute provision shopping at the nearby convenience store.

MALARIA-FREE AREA

If you’re looking to travel with young children or babies, the Black Rhino Game Reserve (as well as the greater Pilanesberg area) is a safe option as it’s one of the few Big 5 bushland areas deemed malaria-free.

FACILITIES

Accommodation

Each of the 4 luxury 80sqm standalone chalets all has the following:

King size / twin beds
Air conditioning
En-suite bathroom (bath and shower)
Complimentary bathroom amenities
Outside shower
Luxurious cotton linen
Bath & Swimming towels
Outside patio with seating facilities
Bar fridge
Tea/Coffee making facility with a Nespresso machine
Complimentary Tea/Coffee
Electronic safe
Hairdryer

      
   Thutlwa Safari Lodge
   42 Tripadvisor reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Hester marais 
 2023-06-18
 
 
  A combination of awesome lodge luxury, flexibility that suites your hours on game drives and 2 great hosts.
Its the first time we decided to use a self catering lodge. I was a bit skeptical but Thutlwa is a beautiful luxurious, well looked after lodge. The 4 rooms are situated around the main lodge area, none of them far. They are all exactly the same rooms. Extremely spacious and newly redecorated. The lodge area is massive. Big kitchen area with dining room. 2 lounge areas and a great bar with bar fridges you can use and even blocks and other kids toys. Outside is a splash pool and lapa area with a biggggg table and chairs and a outside lounge area. The boma area is awesome. You can sit and enjoy being in the bush in a safe, warm and comfortable space. The best are the hosts Vicky and Dian. They are friendly and welcoming. We felt so at home. We visited the lodge with friends, our 2 young adult boys, their girls and our grand daughter of 4 years. They lodge was perfect for all of us. There is also a wood fired warm tub, which was great to spend the afternoon in. Dian is also the game ranger and very knowledgeable about the veld, animals, the birds and plants. He was very entertaining with our 4 year old granddaughter and kept her interested all the time. We loved the flexibility the lodge offered where you can schedule your game drives the way that suites you. We did brunches and dinner around the fire in the boma area, with no rush to be at a dining table according to lodge hours. Thank you Vicky and Dian, we loved every minute of it and will for sure be back at Thutlwa!
  
 
       
   Vacation57225525923 
 2023-05-08
 
 
  Special time!
What a very special time we had with our family and friends at Thutlwa last week! Huge thank you to Vickie and Dian and their great staff for looking after us all so well. And Dian's knowledge about everything we encountered in the bush was quite incredible. In particular, his birding skills are top notch! We've been to Thutlwa a number of times already, but this one was the best trip of all! We're already looking forward to the next one.
  
 
       
   Lucy Cunnama 
 2023-05-04
 
 
  What a gem!
What an incredible long weekend we had at Thutlwa! Between the hide, swimming pool and hot tub, all our children were entertained, leaving the adults to relax. The layout and considered space means that a large group of friends can share meals, but also have time to yourself. The highlight was the personalised twice daily game drives were we were able to range as far into the park as we liked, with sightings such as cheetah cubs. Managers Dian and his wife, Vickie held us in their care, treating our children with kindness and sharing their intimate knowledge of the area. I would highly recommend Thutlwa for your next holiday!
  
 
       
   Pioneer49427730497 
 2023-05-02
 
 
  Memorable
We had an absolutely wonderful four nights at Thutlwa Lodge. The accommodation was comfortable and clean overlooking the bush and at night the starry sky. The staff were friendly and efficient. Vickie and Dian were great hosts. We had awesome game drives with Dian where we saw elephants, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe and many others. The pool, Kolkol and sand pit provided hours of fun for the kids. We had a magical experience one afternoon when a male bull elephant came to the watering hole at the private hide. Thank you for such a memorable stay!
  
 
       
   Daniel C 
 2023-05-02
 
 
  An Absolute Treat!
We travelled with three other families with kids and couldn't have asked for a better holiday. The lodge is spacious with each chalet having its own private space and then a large communal kitchen, lounge and bar with everything you could need. Plenty of space for the children to run around and play, as well as a pool, and even Lego and other toys and a fully equipped sandpit! The private waterhole and hide is magic and was regularly visited by both us and a variety of animals. The staff were friendly, helpful and almost invisible! We hardly had to lift a finger. Dian, our guide, was hilarious as well as knowledgeable and experienced and was amazing with the kids answering all of their questions.
  
 
       
   Sam Pearson 
 2023-05-02
 
 
  Best of Pilansberg
We spent 4 nights at Thutlwa and had a fantastic time! The facilities are fabulous, rooms are large and comfortable, pool and hot-tub a dream, the rangers knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile, the staff were magical. I'd highly recommend Thutlwa to anyone.
  
 
       
   Alex-and-Diann 
 2023-04-25
 
 
  Highly recommended
The lodge and facilities are outstanding. Thank you to the owner of the lodge who has created an exceptional place and has spared no expense in ensuring the comfort of guests. Housekeeping staff do a wonderful job of making sure that everything is pristine without being seen. Thank you to Eddie, our ranger, who has made our holiday an unforgettable experience. Every member of our family wished that we could have stayed longer. Thutlwa Lodge was the perfect place for us.
  
 
       
   mackieguk 
 2023-04-18
 
 
  Family Holiday
Eddie and the team were just fantastic and all 6 of us would 100% recommend Thutlwa. The lodging is superb, the friendliness of all the staff and the passion for excellence in service they all showed was brilliant.
  
 
       
   TRodoplu 
 2023-03-03
 
 
  Highly Recommend.
very well look after lodge with friendly staff. Rooms where clean we really enjoyed our stay. hot tub is a treat in the bush nights... Cameras and hide by the watering hole also added to the expereince.
  
 
       
   pppp007 
 2023-02-02
 
 
  Dreams come through with these guys .
From the moment we arrived at the lodge we were blown away, my partner felt like a celebrity . Vicky gave us the warmest of welcomes. Your made to feel at home instantly. The layout for the main house in the middle of the lodges is so spacious . Now as for the lodges , wow ,wow,wow ,that’s all i can say, your gonna love it with your partner. We had a braai every evening which was set up by Vicky,had drinks here at the bar.everything was perfect. Memories were being made. DIAN, what can i say, i speak on behalf of all of us ,this guy is one the most impressive guys iv ever met. His attention to detail is noting short of brilliant. He gave us the most memorable experience. I had no expectations going into this safari ,however he managed to call it so well on our drives. We seen THE BIG FIVE. Tk you Dian. I will always remember this till the day i die. You’ve given us a wonderful memory and your perseverance always paid off. The guy is unique .To the owners, you guys are so lucky to have a magic couple looking after your lodges, you’ve got the best in the Business . Amazing couple and to the rest of the team tk you for your warmth and smiles. Dreams do come through with this team Paul & Michelle