terms and conditions

  1. Payment Policy
    • A 50% deposit is required within 48 hours of booking confirmation.
    • The remaining balance must be settled no later than 6 weeks prior to the scheduled arrival.
    • Failure to adhere to these payment deadlines may result in the booking being subject to availability or cancellation.

  1. Methods of Payment
    • Payments can be made securely via the following online link or by bank transfer:
      • Online Payment: Secure Payment Link
      • Bank Transfer:
        Account Name: GTD RESORTS TSHUKUDU (PTY) LTD
        Bank: First National Bank, Melrose Arch
        Account Number: 62917266307
        Branch Code: 210554
        Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
        Reference: {Booking Number}
    • Bookings may be subject to availability if payment is not received within the specified timeframe, and alternative arrangements may be required. Failure to make payment may result in the cancellation of the booking.

  1. Cancellation Policy
    • All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
      • 56–42 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total booking amount will be forfeited.
      • 41–1 day prior to arrival: 100% of the total booking amount will be forfeited.
      • No-show: 100% of the total booking amount will be forfeited.

  1. Modification Policy
    • Changes to the length of stay or reservation dates may result in a rate adjustment.
    • Modifications are allowed up to 6 weeks before check-in, subject to availability and rate changes.
    • Changes made less than 6 weeks before check-in may incur additional fees or surcharges.

  1. Check-in & Check-out
    • Check-in: 14:00 – 20:00
    • Check-out: 07:00 – 11:00
    • If you are arriving after 20:00, the security guard will hold your keys and facilitate your check-in.
    • Guests must provide an estimated arrival time and notify us of any significant changes.
    • A valid photo ID and the credit card used for payment must be presented upon check-in.
    • Full payment must be received prior to check-in.

  1. General Terms & Conditions
    • Unacceptable noise levels after 21:00 will result in eviction. Quiet hours are from 20:00 to 07:00 to ensure the comfort of all guests.
    • Group bookings, gatherings, and events must be pre-approved by management before check-in.
    • The maximum occupancy for each unit must be adhered to. Sharing or moving furniture, cutlery, or crockery between rooms is prohibited.
    • A refundable breakage deposit may be required upon check-in.
    • Lodge rules must be followed at all times. Management reserves the right to evict any guest who fails to comply.
    • The lodge reserves the right to allocate a similar unit in place of the booked one.
    • All guests must sign an indemnity and registration form upon arrival.
    • Rates are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and include 15% VAT. Bank charges may apply for foreign transfers.
    • All extra charges (e.g., minibar, laundry, telephone calls, beverages) must be settled upon departure via debit or credit card.
    • Guests are advised to secure comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses, loss of belongings, and cancellations.
    • All group bookings, gatherings, and events must be pre-arranged and approved by the lodge before check-in.
    • No overcrowding or sharing of food, beverages, or utensils is allowed between units.
    • No pets of any kind are allowed at the lodge. Failure to comply will result in removal and a penalty fee.
    • The lodge reserves the right to allocate a different unit of the same layout.

  1. Damages, Theft & Liability
    • Guests are responsible for any damage or theft of property. Charges for repairs or replacements may apply.
    • The lodge is not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings.
    • Unruly behaviour will result in immediate eviction and forfeiture of the full reservation amount.
    • Smoking is strictly prohibited within the lodge.

  1. Inclusions & Exclusions
    • Included: Dependent on the rate booked. Please confirm with your booking agent.
    • Excluded: Additional food and beverages, transfers, telephone calls, laundry, personal expenses, levies, and activities, unless otherwise specified.

  1. Additional Charges
    • A conservation levy of R50 per person per stay is payable at the lodge, for 2025 stays. Future rates to be confirmed. *Subject to change.

  1. Child Policy
  • Lodge Rooms:
    • Children 0-5 years: Stay free when sharing with parents. Children in this age category are not allowed on game drives.
    • Children 6-12 years: 50% of adult sharing rate per child.
    • Children 13-17 years: Adult sharing rates apply.

  1. Occupancy Limits & Rules
    • Each unit is designed to accommodate a specific number of guests for comfort. Please refer to the maximum occupancy for each unit type.
    • If the number of guests exceeds the unit’s maximum capacity, additional units must be booked.

  1. Group Gatherings
    • For multiple unit bookings, gatherings must not exceed the maximum occupancy per unit.
    • A designated venue must be pre-booked for group meals or social events.

  1. Venue Booking & Associated Costs
    • A venue booking fee may apply depending on the timing, number of guests, and nature of the gathering.
    • Our reservations team will assist with coordinating events, provided they are arranged in advance.

  1. Lodge Intervention
    • The lodge reserves the right to intervene if guests exceed the maximum occupancy or congregate in a single unit.
    • Staff may request the gathering to cease, and guests may be asked to leave if necessary.

  1. Directions to Tshukudu Game Lodge
    • Address: Tshukudu Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo.
    • For the best route, we recommend using Google Maps or Waze.
    • From Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport: View Route
    • From Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: View Route
    • From O.R. Tambo International Airport: View Route

  • Option 2: Domestic Flight
    • For a quicker alterative, you can book a domestic flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Airlines such as South African Airlink operate daily flights between these airports, with a flight duration of approximately 55 minutes. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, Tshukudu Game Lodge is about 18km away. The lodge offers shuttle services, which can/must be arranged prior to your arrival.

  • Option 3: Shuttle Services
    • Several shuttle services offer transportation from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. These services provide comfortable and convenient travel options and can be arranged to drop you off directly at the lodge. We recommend you book in advance and confirm the schedule, and pick-up locations.

  1. General Information
    • Wi-Fi: Available at the lodge and units/rooms.
    • Amenities: Dependent on unit/room type booked; please check with your booking agent.
    • Dress Code: It is advisable to wear natural colours to blend in with the environment, such as khaki, beige, brown, and green, which also help deter mosquitoes.
    • Malaria: During certain times of the year, malaria—transmitted through mosquito bites—may be more prevalent in some areas. We recommend using a mosquito repellent such as Peaceful Sleep or Tabard, which are readily available in town.
    • For additional protection, we advise consulting your local GP regarding the necessity of malaria prophylaxis before your trip.
    • Shoes: Pack comfortable shoes for activities and walking around the lodge.
    • Extras: Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight, and binoculars.
    • Photography: Remember to bring a camera, video camera, and necessary accessories.
    • Cellphones: Cellular signal is limited, and we ask guests to switch phones to silent mode during activities and refrain from answering calls during game drives.
    • Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee. Gratuity: Tipping is at your discretion and can be added to your final account or placed in the gratuity box.
    • Airport Transfers: Available at an additional cost; please inquire with your booking agent.

  1. Game Drive Policy
    • Children 0-5 years are not allowed on game drives. Please speak to your booking agent about child minding services and or private game drive options.
    • Children 6 years and over are automatically included in game drive activities.
    • Guests are not allowed to exit the vehicle unless permitted by the guide or ranger for safety and environmental preservation.
    • All animals are wild and free-roaming with no human interaction.

  1. Payment Security Notice
    • Guests must verify bank account details directly with the lodge/reservations team before making payments to avoid potential fraud.
    • The lodge/reservations team will never notify guests of changes to banking details via email alone.
    • The lodge/reservations team is not liable for losses due to fraudulent transactions.

  1. The Baby Box Project
    • At Tshukudu Game Lodge, we are committed to supporting the rural communities surrounding our incredible wildlife areas. In partnership with Pack for a Purpose, we proudly support The Baby Box Project—an initiative based in Hoedspruit that provides essential support for new mothers at Tintswalo Hospital. Tintswalo Hospital has the highest birth rate in rural Mpumalanga, and many newborns are in urgent need of basic clothing items, while their mothers often lack access to essential sanitary and toiletry products. With limited resources and staffing challenges, the hospital relies on community support to help ensure safe and healthy births. That’s where The Baby Box Project comes in—and where we invite you to make a difference. Through the Pack for a Purpose initiative, we encourage our guests to set aside a small amount of space in their luggage to bring much-needed baby and maternal care items. These essentials are easy to pack and can have a lasting impact on the lives of mothers and their newborns. If you’d like to contribute, you can either assemble a starter pack yourself or bring a few extra items that we can include in the baby boxes for Tintswalo Hospital.

      For a list of needed supplies, please visit our website: https://www.tshukudulodge.co.za/community-projects


      This initiative gives travelers like you a meaningful way to support local communities and leave a positive, lasting impact at your destination.

      By proceeding with a booking, guests acknowledge and agree to the Terms & Conditions outlined above.

      We look forward to providing you with a memorable and enjoyable stay!