Ivory Tree Lodge

Pilanesberg, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

This lodge is unique for so many reasons that you’ll begin to forget which one you like the best. For starters, it’s located within one of the world’s largest extinct volcanic complexes and is surrounded by numerous African native animals including: springbok, cheetah, rhino, elephant and lion. The Ivory Tree Lodge has also been upgraded to fully represent contemporary luxury without detracting from the natural environment. A large swimming pool and guest areas are designed to provide relaxation and relief for groups and individuals. Meal times can be enjoyed inside or outside and you’ll be amazed at the fine dining options. Two lounge areas and two bars, one of which serves cocktails, provide the perfect evening location from where to reflect on your day’s adventures in the bush. If you’re looking for further activities, other than a ‘Big Five’ safari, then why not try getting involved with something cultural including interactive drumming sessions.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Pilanesberg National Park is located in North West Province, South Africa, to the west of Pretoria and on the outskirts of Sun City. The lodge is set within a gigantic extinct volcanic crater within the Pilanesburg Game Reserve. Transfer time from Johannesburg Airport: approximately 3 hours.

Hotel information

67 rooms and suites boasting indoor and outdoor comfort with earthy colour tones that complement the natural surroundings. All with air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, covered patio, toiletries, hair dryer, en-suite bathroom and outside shower. 

Standard Suites are decorated with African décor and have either 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

Full Board includes: all meals, coffees, snacks, 2 game drives per day and entrance fees.

Luxury Suites feature 1 king-size four poster bed, separate lounge with fireplace and flat screen TV, an an outdoor seating area with a private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Family Suites consisting of a main suite with 1 king-size bed, second bedroom with twin beds, an outdoor shower and indoor bath, and a separate family lounge with TV and fireplace that opens up onto an outdoor area with a private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years).

Executive Suites offer additional amenities such as a Nespresso machine and flat screen TV, as well as 1 king-size bed and private patio with plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

On-site dining facilities serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar. Boma and bush dinners are available*. Swimming pool. Amani Spa*. Reception and curio shop. 2 guided game drives daily. Archery* and Air gun shooting*. Quad biking*. Interactive drumming sessions.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: mandatory conservation levy of R115 per guest per stay applies, payable locally.

Rating summary

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

  • Excellent (1026)
  • Very good (308)
  • Average (98)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (29)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent Memories

Jul 24, 2024 debmerritt173 Murrumbateman, Australia

If I could I would give it 10🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Staying at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge was an unforgettable experience. The lodge was breathtaking, all staff were amazing, specially our exceptional game driver, Ilse. From the moment we set off, it was evident she was not just knowledgeable but truly passionate about sharing her love for animals… Read more
If I could I would give it 10🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Staying at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge was an unforgettable experience. The lodge was breathtaking, all staff were amazing, specially our exceptional game driver, Ilse. From the moment we set off, it was evident she was not just knowledgeable but truly passionate about sharing her love for animals and all things nature. Her explanations were insightful, her enthusiasm contagious, and her dedication ensuring we had the best experience possible was unmatched. Ilse created memories that will last a lifetime. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and cannot recommend it more. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Experience!

Jul 22, 2024 NicRowley Worsley, United Kingdom

Our trip to Ivory Tree was a 2 location holiday to celebrate my 50th birthday, going on to Mauritius. It was our first time on safari and the hotel did not disappoint. From the moment we checked in, the welcome was amazing, by being greeted at the door while drums played to our last night when a surprise farewell dinner was arranged for myself… Read more
Our trip to Ivory Tree was a 2 location holiday to celebrate my 50th birthday, going on to Mauritius. It was our first time on safari and the hotel did not disappoint. From the moment we checked in, the welcome was amazing, by being greeted at the door while drums played to our last night when a surprise farewell dinner was arranged for myself and my husband outside by candlelight which even included a complimentary bottle of wine. Our Ranger TK was superb and we had some amazing sightings while on the drives. The food was unbelievable throughout the day and the Boma events were thoroughly entertaining. Overall the whole experience was amazing, with the staff and food being second to none. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Romantic Bush Getaway

Jul 13, 2024 KvV25 Pretoria, South Africa

Ivory Tree Lodge goes above & beyond on service and facilities. From the moment we arrived to the morning of our departure, we were spoilt rotten! The food, the room, the extra magic touches because it was our anniversary, and the spa were all amazing.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing experience from start to finish.

Jul 11, 2024 lucymiskimmon Coventry, United Kingdom

Absolutely amazing place, would highly recommend!! The lodge rooms are perfectly clean, spacious and finished to a high standard. Although the whole place is stunning, the star of the show has to be the great staff! They are so polite, helpful and enthusiastic, they really make you feel at home. Our safari driver Kelvin has to be mentioned, if… Read more
Absolutely amazing place, would highly recommend!! The lodge rooms are perfectly clean, spacious and finished to a high standard. Although the whole place is stunning, the star of the show has to be the great staff! They are so polite, helpful and enthusiastic, they really make you feel at home. Our safari driver Kelvin has to be mentioned, if you are going, I would recommend you asking for him to be your safari driver. What an experience!! His enthusiasm for the job is a joy to be around, we did 8 drives with him and each one as fun and insightful as the first. We will 100% visit the lodge again and be requesting Kelvin as our driver. Thank you!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Safari Lodge to go to

Jul 11, 2024 Alan C Limerick, Ireland

Superb is an understatement. We flew in by chopper to be met by an amazing team of people who can not enough to make you feel like a valued guest. The bar makes amazing cocktails and the restaurant is really superb. Thata was our server and she expertly took us through their exceptional fine dining menu. Overall, we were struck by how cozy it… Read more
Superb is an understatement. We flew in by chopper to be met by an amazing team of people who can not enough to make you feel like a valued guest. The bar makes amazing cocktails and the restaurant is really superb. Thata was our server and she expertly took us through their exceptional fine dining menu. Overall, we were struck by how cozy it is and how unlike a tourist trap it felt. We were driven to our lodge which was just fantastic and immediately started to regret that we had not booked a longer stay. Our Light into Darkness safari drive was one of those experiences you never forget. Clifford was our driver and knows how to get to see what he knew we would appreciate. At one point, we were in the middle of a group of 21 Elephants - truly unforgettable. The bar afterwards was great and the sleep was a perfect set up for our Darkness into Light morning safari. Again, Clifford got us around the park to see wonderful aspects of the wildlife we went to see. Read less