At Bushscapes we always welcome the opening of any new lodges located in the Black Rhino/Pilanesberg reserves, as lodges here are inevitably hugely in demand from our customers given the hugely convenient quick access from Gauteng. And when we heard about the opening of the new Tsholo Safari Lodge we were doubly excited, as it offers a greater number of rooms than many of its neighbours in the Black Rhino reserve, whilst still retaining the intimate feel of a genuine game lodge as opposed to some of the larger “bush hotels” found elsewhere in the Pilanesberg. We say “new”, but in fact Tsholo has been built largely on the old bones of some existing self-catering camps in Black Rhino reserve. That said, some stunning and very contemporary new public areas have now been added, whilst the previous rooms have also been massively upgraded and modernized! The result is one of the most exciting new additions to the range of upmarket lodge options in the area!

Tsholo has 14 suites in all, set around the outer edges of the lodge and linked to the main areas by walkways lined with tamboti trees. There are eight Luxury Suites, four roomier Kubu Suites, the Kubu House honeymoon suite and a Two-Bedroom Villa. The newly renovated rooms boast very attractive, contemporary styling and décor, and each has its own private patio as well as air-conditioning. What we particularly love, though, are the luxurious new bathrooms with their stand-alone baths and indoor and outdoor showers, not to mention the double vanities.

Interestingly the Kubu complex (the four Kubu Suites and the Honeymoon Suite) can also be booked exclusively by a small group, complete with their own pool and lounge area and even the option of a private chef.

The new public areas though, are where Tsholo’s contemporary makeover really shows. One of the real pleasures here is a drink on the rooftop Upper Deck Bar, complete with mini fire-pits scattered around to add ambience (and warmth!), whilst enjoying the views out over the surrounding mountains of the Pilanesberg. There are three elevated viewing decks as well, one large and two smaller, overlooking small waterholes, so you can always find a quiet corner to relax with a drink and watch the animals come down to the water. Add two swimming pools and there is plenty of room to spread out between activities.

One of the major selling points is the lovely new Amani Spa, set in the tamboti forest canopy with sweeping views over the northern Pilanesberg hills. With three treatment rooms it is sure to be a big guest attraction going forward. Alongside it, the new Wellness Centre has a sauna and cold-plunge baths, and there is a gym and a running trail for anyone keen to stay active.

Tsholo also has a superb new conference and events venue, with a full glass façade looking out into the forest, three screens, high-speed internet and flexible layouts, plus a smaller Library Breakaway room. That makes it an excellent option for Gauteng-based corporates wanting a conveniently located bush breakaway for management meetings!

Meals are served in a restaurant that opens fully onto the deck in summer and gathers around a large fireplace in winter, with seasonal à la carte menus for all three meals created in-house by the lodge’s own chefs, and a South African wine cellar to match. For atmospheric dinners under the stars there is the gorgeous new boma, where grilled and slow-cooked dishes are served around the fire by lantern light. Guests already rate the food highly, and the staff get just as much praise, from bubbles on arrival to warm blankets at turn-down.

Tsholo lies in the Black Rhino reserve, a private reserve on the north-western edge of the Pilanesberg with no fences between it and the main park, and the area is malaria free which is always a plus point. Game drives head out early in the morning and late in the afternoon across a landscape of volcanic hills, rocky outcrops and open plains. The rangers are already a real strength, including being trained to conduct walking safaris (at extra cost) which usually take the place of the morning game drive.

Tsholo is a hugely welcome addition to the range of lodge options in the Pilanesberg area and we’ve little doubt that it will be extremely popular with couples (especially Spa lovers!), families as well as corporates in search of a bush venue for a meeting or executive retreat!