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
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (961)
  • Very good (112)
  • Average (47)
  • Poor (15)
  • Terrible (18)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Hear the lions roar from the comfort of your bedroom

Nov 14, 2024 Malcolm H Hobart, Australia

Had a memorable time at Shepherd's Tree. Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Great food and service. Very helpful staff. Some accommodation units needed buggy transport to and fro as they were some distance from the hub. Not a problem for able bodied guests.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect Stay !

Nov 9, 2024 Climber05637659277 Brussels, Belgium

We have booked that resort pretty much randomly as there are so many properties around. We don't regret it. We barely give a 5 as this is excellence and there is always a little something but we have been looking for one thing that was not so good but we couldn't find any. Rooms are clean and beautiful; nice view. You feel in another world; it is… Read more
We have booked that resort pretty much randomly as there are so many properties around. We don't regret it. We barely give a 5 as this is excellence and there is always a little something but we have been looking for one thing that was not so good but we couldn't find any. Rooms are clean and beautiful; nice view. You feel in another world; it is so quiet and peaceful. The food was well above our expectations; the menu changes regularly and everything is good and you can feel it is prepared with heart. The staff is very nice; not just the FD but anybody you can meet on the site. Our ranger (Mindo) was fantastic. She is passionate and know so many things. She will ensure you see all you are looking for and she will take the time needed for that. She will answer all of your questions ! Stop searching and book your stay ! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Brilliant experience.

Nov 4, 2024 Go43846814617 Johannesburg, South Africa

We stayed at the sister lodge (Ivory Tree last year) and this place was excellent. Very clean, extremely friendly and attentive staff. The game drives were well organized and our ranger (Doreen) was very knowledgeable The Spa was also superb.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating perfect place to stay

Nov 4, 2024 gertrudam2021

We have stayed for 8 nights in the Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge and our stay has exceeded our wildest expectations. The resort is so beautiful, the whole staff is exceptionally friendly, the game drives were spectacular (we were so blessed with the head rtnger Sbu!!!) the food deserves a Michelin star (of 2) , the rooms are spacious and luxery.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An unforgettable stay at Shepherd’s An unforgettable stay and South Africa at its best!

Nov 2, 2024 melings2024 Bennebroek, The Netherlands

From start to finish, our stay at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge was simply breathtaking! This place in the heart of the Pilanesberg National Park has everything you could wish for in a luxurious and unforgettable safari experience. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff, who provided exceptional service throughout our stay. The… Read more
From start to finish, our stay at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge was simply breathtaking! This place in the heart of the Pilanesberg National Park has everything you could wish for in a luxurious and unforgettable safari experience. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff, who provided exceptional service throughout our stay. The lodge itself is an oasis of peace and comfort, with beautifully decorated rooms that are both elegant and in complete harmony with nature. The rooms offer sweeping views over the bush, giving you the feeling of being right in the middle of nature – what a view to wake up to! Every game drive was an adventure in itself. Our guide Sbu was extremely professional and had a vast knowledge of the nature and animals. Thanks to his expertise, we saw the Big Five and learned a lot about the environment and the ecosystem of the park. It is clear that the rangers here are passionate about their work, which made every trip a special experience. The food was also fantastic! The chefs know how to spoil their guests with delicious fine-dining dishes that perfectly combine local flavors with international influences. Every meal felt like a culinary surprise, prepared with great care and attention. The atmosphere at Shepherd’s Tree is luxurious, but at the same time relaxed and personal. You really feel seen and cared for here, as if you are part of a family. For those looking for a unique safari experience with a touch of luxury and exclusivity, Shepherd’s Tree is the ideal place. We will definitely come back here and can recommend it to anyone who wants to experience South Africa at its best. In short: highly recommended for an unforgettable stay in South Africa! Read less