Tshukudu Game Lodge

Tshukudu Game Lodge

Newsletter 2009

This has been a very exciting and emotional year for the lodge and all its human and animal ‘family members’. There are babies all over!

Another baby elephant was born to Becky early in the year. The excitement was incredible and the little creature was the centre of attention.

Sadly we only enjoyed this little one for a few weeks – we believe that it may have been bumped by the adult males and was not strong enough to survive.

It was a turbulent evening in March when Savannah finally became a mother. She had four cubs in the wild; Chris Sussens spotted one of the cubs quite a distance away from her. He reacted quickly by calling the lodge for assistance, as he knew that the lions were close by.

Excited guests saw the beautiful creatures and then Savannah and her cubs were given a ‘lift’ back to the lodge in the bakkie.

The runt of the litter was hand raised by Chris and Vicky and has turned out to be the strongest of the four cubs.

There were also babies in Ian and Sylvia’s household – the caracal surprised them with offspring in June. The mother is very relaxed and allows her babies to be seen close up.

The little ones have other ideas and are hissing furiously.

And now later in the year Sylvia’s wildcat has had some feisty kittens too.

Ross and Sandy are proud to announce the birth of their son Cameron on

6 July 2009.



He is a pure bundle of joy!

For those who met Diane in the office, she joined us for a short time only. With family commitments and many plans, she has decided to further her skills in writing and photography. We wish her the best of luck! And we congratulate her on her engagement to Con in October on her birthday!

Subsequently Wendy joined us, while Sandy was on maternity leave, and she is now working in the office with Patrick and Marietha. Hope you feel at home!

The Sussens family has got a whole team in Tshukudu now, with Patrick in Reception, David joined the rangers and Richard is part of the maintenance team.

Our ranger team includes Mike, Shadrack, David, Reece and recently Jaco joined as a trainee ranger.

A trip to the Indaba trade exhibition in Durban was on the cards again this year and this time Patrick joined Ross for the trip.  Each year the stand boasts a different design and true to form it was once again comfortable, welcoming and well visited. 

Ala & Lolly are well and are especially excited to see all the newcomers;  to top it all off the fantastic rains have once again turned their home into a green paradise.



Savannahs cubs have grown beautifully. We are very honoured to enjoy such playful and gentle natured creatures. Ntombi has her mother’s  casual dignity and displays her herself on the reception counter with grace.

Late but very welcome rain fell gently and steadily during a spate of cool days. Each drop sends such relief to the very dry bush.

Late but very welcome rain fell gently and steadily during a spate of cool days. Each drop sends such relief to the very dry bush.

It is not every night that you have to beware of a leopard in the camp. Buffalo roaming near your room or a stray porcupine are one thing but a leopard visiting definitely caused a stir.

Last year we were pleased to report on a generous donation we received from special friends, Nik and Angie Barratt, and once again they have offered their kind support.      

And so the year draws to a close and we are gearing up for 2010!

Each year we enjoy the returning faces and of course new ones as they become part of our family.  

We thank you all for your support and friendship over the years and hope that Tshukudu still lives up to your memories and improves on them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

June 25^th

The latest additions that have taken us by surprise this year are three baby Caracal. Have a look at the first images.