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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (890)
  • Very good (110)
  • Average (46)
  • Poor (14)
  • Terrible (17)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable experience

Dec 5, 2023 Karina K Houston, Texas

It was experience from another world! Very friendly, super delicious, beautiful room, fantastic view, great guides. And the animals - I fell in love forever! would love to come back and will recommend to all my friends!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I don’t understand how anyone can rate this lodge 5*

Nov 28, 2023 GrendidaRamjee Johannesburg, South Africa

From the old dilapidated room to the horrible food. How does one rate shepherd tree 5*, the only saving grace is the staff who are awesome and the rangers are wonderful. Everything else is 1*. Major renovation are needed. The toilet was moving while sitting on it, the shower handle came off while showering. The carpet is so dirty my jeans were… Read more
From the old dilapidated room to the horrible food. How does one rate shepherd tree 5*, the only saving grace is the staff who are awesome and the rangers are wonderful. Everything else is 1*. Major renovation are needed. The toilet was moving while sitting on it, the shower handle came off while showering. The carpet is so dirty my jeans were dirty on my knees if I knelt to do something. Who has carpet in 2023??? They are unhygienic. So disappointed Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A solid experience

Nov 23, 2023 jrobertse1 Pretoria, South Africa

A great time to spend with the wife, the staff go out there way to do extra. Food is beyond great and lots, most can't eat everything. 3 days allowed our Game Driver who made sure we got to see and go everywhere.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Superb bushveld escape

Nov 19, 2023 sclayd135321

Excellent location , service excellent , food outstanding . Game viewing great and staff knowledgeable and friendly . Private and luxury accommodation.our faintly had a wonderful stay This lodge is highly recommended
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great, relaxing, luxurious Bush get away

Nov 3, 2023 danaabr

We had an excellent trip. The staff were so accommodating and helpful, nothing was too much. Food was excellent. Worth noting that if you have accessibility concerns, are older, or have difficulty navigating stairs, it may be harder to access the lodge because there are lots of stairs almost everywhere, but staff were very helpful to over come… Read more
We had an excellent trip. The staff were so accommodating and helpful, nothing was too much. Food was excellent. Worth noting that if you have accessibility concerns, are older, or have difficulty navigating stairs, it may be harder to access the lodge because there are lots of stairs almost everywhere, but staff were very helpful to over come this as much as they could. Would highly recommend! Read less