Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Pilanesberg, South Africa

Virgin rating

Standard Suite
2-Bedroom Villa
Family Suite
Executive Suite
Executive Suite
Boma
Two Bedroom Villa
Two Bedroom Villa
Standard Suite
2-Bedroom Villa
Family Suite
Executive Suite
Executive Suite
Boma
Two Bedroom Villa
Two Bedroom Villa

The hotel

Delivering a safari experience in a nutshell, this laid-back lodge is ideal for families, first-timers, and those wanting to add a 'Big Five' adventure to a stay in nearby Sun City. Set in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, just a few hours from Jo'burg, you'll get all the game viewing, boma dinners, and photogenic bushveld scenery you'd hope from a safari stay, with the reserve home to the 'Big Five' and two game-drives included each day of your stay. In a malaria-free spot, Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge is the ideal initiation into the great African safari.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

A 2 hour and 30 minute drive from Johannesburg, the lodge overlooks the south-western portion of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Hotel information

Choice of rooms and suites. All with air-conditoning, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar and safe. Standard Suites have a main bedroom with 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, an outdoor shower and also features an en-suite bathroom with a patio overlooking the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Full Board includes: all buffet-style meals and twice daily game-drives.

Executive Suites have a main bedroom with 1 king-size bed, a double outdoor shower, and en-suite with indoor steam shower. Suites also enjoy a lounge area with sleeper sofa and a flat-screen TV that leads out onto a patio overlooking the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, with a private heated pool. Sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child. 

Family Suites consist or two connecting suites that open into a shared lounge with sleeper sofa and flat screen TV, sleeping maximum 6 people.

A private 2-bedroom villa is also available, each bedroom has 1 king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, and outdoor shower. The villa offers a lounge area that leads out onto a patio with a private plunge pool. Sleeping maximum 4 adults. 

Restaurant and outdoor dining venue (boma). Casual lounge and bar area. Rim-flow swimming pool. Amani Spa*. 2 daily game-drives. Bush walks. Specialised talks about the Pilanesberg environment and the African bush. Curio shop.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (935)
  • Very good (111)
  • Average (47)
  • Poor (15)
  • Terrible (17)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful family getaway

Jul 1, 2024 Daydream629977

We had a really great safari escape and amazing time at Shepherd’s Tree. The place was very neat and clean and the staff were super friendly.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating You will NEVER be sorry

Jun 29, 2024 guestgZ2529GW Bela Bela

We have just come back from our 6th visit to Shepherds Tree and it was, as always, just perfect. From the accommodation, to the food, to the spa to the service - everything is out of this world. Dineo and her staff are certainly one in a million. We can not wait to go back again! An absolute gem of a lodge.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional Experience

Jun 13, 2024 JoeStep Austin, Texas

We took our teen aged daughters on their first safari to Pilanesberg NP, and we chose Shepherd's Tree Lodge. The overall experience was extraordinary. Our Ranger, Sizwe was exceptional. Always positive. Always helping our group learn more about the animals and the bush. Answered all of our many questions. On a hunch, one morning he took us to an… Read more
We took our teen aged daughters on their first safari to Pilanesberg NP, and we chose Shepherd's Tree Lodge. The overall experience was extraordinary. Our Ranger, Sizwe was exceptional. Always positive. Always helping our group learn more about the animals and the bush. Answered all of our many questions. On a hunch, one morning he took us to an area of the park far from the lodge, hoping to see a leopard. We didn't stop for many other animals along the way - sure enough, he nailed it. We saw a female hunting impala bulls - ultimately she decided not to pursue and turned back towards us, passing directly in front of our cruiser. Amazing. Everyone there was awesome - always attentive to anything we could need or want. I highly recommend this lodge to all! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic Safari Lodge

Jun 11, 2024 EddieOnTour Waterford, Ireland

This is a beautiful upmarket safari lodge. Our first impression of our room which was a large single building with bedroom, living room and outside decked area with our own private pool. The property was stunning, and we couldn't fault it. The A/C worked well, the internet was extremely good. The safaris were excellent and Megan our guide/ranger… Read more
This is a beautiful upmarket safari lodge. Our first impression of our room which was a large single building with bedroom, living room and outside decked area with our own private pool. The property was stunning, and we couldn't fault it. The A/C worked well, the internet was extremely good. The safaris were excellent and Megan our guide/ranger did the most fantastic job, nothing was too much trouble. All food is included, and it was very good, but we were never able to eat lunch as we were so full from breakfast. This is a 5-star resort/game lodge in every way. We would love to come back again and would definitely say it's the best in the area. After our evening meal they had set up as a surprise a hot bath with candles and flower petals around it and flower petals on our bed with homemade chocolates and a bottle of bubbly by the bath to celebrate our 35th anniversary. How nice to experience such hospitality and commitment to making our stay very very special.!!!!! Definitely worth a visit - highly recommended Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Out of this world amazing!

Jun 7, 2024 natktrips

Can't even begin to describe how incredible our stay was here. Our first time to South Africa, and first time on safari and it didn't disappoint! The lodge itself is stunning, from the main hotel, pool and restaurant to the suites with outdoor showers and private pools with amazing views - we loved it all. Nothing was too much trouble for the… Read more
Can't even begin to describe how incredible our stay was here. Our first time to South Africa, and first time on safari and it didn't disappoint! The lodge itself is stunning, from the main hotel, pool and restaurant to the suites with outdoor showers and private pools with amazing views - we loved it all. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, the food was delicious and they made a mean pina colada :) But the highlight has to be the game drives. The whole experience took my breath away. It's so worth doing safari on a smaller truck, much more intimate and we made really good friends with our fellow guests. The landscape was stunning, the morning coffees and sundowners were amazing! And we were lucky enough to have Mingo as our guide - she was the absolute best! Incredibly passionate, extremely fun and we learnt so much from her. It's no surprise then really that we got to see pretty much every single animal, including the leopard most days of the week we stayed! And plenty of babies in addition. Unbelievable trip, can't wait to come back again and couldn't recommend this place more highly. Read less