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 (939)
  • Very good (111)
  • Average (47)
  • Poor (15)
  • Terrible (17)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Splendour in the Bush

Jul 26, 2024 NDP77 Pretoria, South Africa

I visit Shepherds Tree 2 to 3 times a year and each time I arrive I am amazed at the wonderful people who work at the lodge, always friendly, always smiling, nothing is too much of a task for them. they're absolutely amazing. The food is fantastic, and the rooms are clean and have everything you need for comfort, it's home away from home. thank… Read more
I visit Shepherds Tree 2 to 3 times a year and each time I arrive I am amazed at the wonderful people who work at the lodge, always friendly, always smiling, nothing is too much of a task for them. they're absolutely amazing. The food is fantastic, and the rooms are clean and have everything you need for comfort, it's home away from home. thank you to everyone who made our stay such a lovely experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Would give 6 stars if possible

Jul 22, 2024 nicolaib787 Köln, Germany

We spent 3 nights here and had with no doubt our best time on holidays ever! Not only our ranger Sizwe gave his best and made possible to see the Big Five, the whole crew from the Lodge gave us the feeling to be part of a small family. They were so caring, always with a smile and a really great service. Another highlight was the delicious food,… Read more
We spent 3 nights here and had with no doubt our best time on holidays ever! Not only our ranger Sizwe gave his best and made possible to see the Big Five, the whole crew from the Lodge gave us the feeling to be part of a small family. They were so caring, always with a smile and a really great service. Another highlight was the delicious food, always on point and high regional quality. We had a perfect time here and highly recommend this Lodge to everyone. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nearly perfect …..

Jul 22, 2024 Soniacraft

The lodge was recommended to us and it did not disappoint. I emailed prior about accommodation location preference, due to my daughter not always joining us for dinner, and they accommodated this. Sizwe was our ranger and he was super friendly and knowledgeable. We saw a leopard, honey badger, both types of hyenas, lion, elephants, giraffes,… Read more
The lodge was recommended to us and it did not disappoint. I emailed prior about accommodation location preference, due to my daughter not always joining us for dinner, and they accommodated this. Sizwe was our ranger and he was super friendly and knowledgeable. We saw a leopard, honey badger, both types of hyenas, lion, elephants, giraffes, rhino, hippo etc etc. We also saw lots of baby animals. The views on the drives at sunrise and sunset are stunning. The food was great with a different choice each day and Amos in the restaurant was helpful and always on hand. The boma dinner was a wonderful experience, ( Wed & Sat). The two negatives; - On the first night we were woken up at 4am by the solar heater thingy. Not what you need after travelling and getting up at 5am for a game drive. Maintenance came in during the day and they said they fixed it however we didn’t risk it again and instead had blankets on our beds instead of turning the heating on at night. - The main pool, although a gorgeous view and a great spot for elephant watching, is not heated. It was so cold we couldn’t even stand in it to get a photo. I would definitely recommend this place for location, animals and staff. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Safari Experience

Jul 16, 2024 AVASHA N Johannesburg, South Africa

Beautiful accommodation Variety of Indian Vegetarian food Knowledgeable and friendly guide- our second time with Megan and she’s the best! Lodge organised memorable Anniversary and Birthday treats- much appreciated!
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.