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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.
Based on 1147 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (956)
Very good (111)
Average (47)
Poor (15)
Terrible (18)
Proceed with caution, buy and AirTag for luggage
Oct 12, 2024252tomyDallas, Texas
Dreadful visit. Staff stole belongings and did nothing about it. Police also didn’t provide any evidence of the investigation which infers an inside job. I would avoid staying here, although a beautiful location.
If you have any reservations, please call the safari tourist board of South Africa before booking. We have since discovered this is a…
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Dreadful visit. Staff stole belongings and did nothing about it. Police also didn’t provide any evidence of the investigation which infers an inside job. I would avoid staying here, although a beautiful location.
If you have any reservations, please call the safari tourist board of South Africa before booking. We have since discovered this is a weekly occurrence at this hotel but they manage to have poor reviews removed from Tripadvisor
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EVERYONE just loved EVERYTHING
Oct 10, 2024Dreamer31640329604
I have organised groups of people from all over the world to come to Shepherds Tree Lodge for an immersive writing experience that doubles up with an African Safari. I am so proud to host my event here. I have done it 3 times now over the past number of years and my guests are blown away with everything! Some well traveled folks that know a thing…
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I have organised groups of people from all over the world to come to Shepherds Tree Lodge for an immersive writing experience that doubles up with an African Safari. I am so proud to host my event here. I have done it 3 times now over the past number of years and my guests are blown away with everything! Some well traveled folks that know a thing or two.
A lot goes into the pre-organisation to get alignment. My reputation is at stake, and I honestly couldn't be prouder. To all the management and staff at Shepherds Tree. I Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are one of the reasons I am proud to be South African.
.. Oh, and the conference facility is fantastic! Aagg. Everything is.
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Excellent Safari Conference
Oct 6, 2024PriorhlLondon, United Kingdom
I stayed at Sherherd’s Tree Game Lodge for the Screenwriters Safari. It was an incredible experience blending learning sessions in your fabulous conference room along with an incredible safari experience. Fantastic WiFi for the work and beautiful rooms and excellent food for our down time. Game drives in safari vehicles had knowledgable guides and…
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I stayed at Sherherd’s Tree Game Lodge for the Screenwriters Safari. It was an incredible experience blending learning sessions in your fabulous conference room along with an incredible safari experience. Fantastic WiFi for the work and beautiful rooms and excellent food for our down time. Game drives in safari vehicles had knowledgable guides and we also enjoyed a bush walk.
Eggs on greens breakfast was a real favourite with our group.
We loved it when the elephants and baboons came to the watering hole by the bar.
All the staff were incredible - amazing service all round.
A wonderful stay, thank you!
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Best place ever!
Oct 4, 2024pfiles64Fairfield, Alabama
I had a wonderful time at Shepherds Lodge. The staff were friendly, accommodating, and went out of their way to be helpful. When I first opened the door to my room I was like oooh my. I loved the outdoor shower, tub, and balcony. Peter was our safari guide and he was great. We saw elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lions mating, and so much…
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I had a wonderful time at Shepherds Lodge. The staff were friendly, accommodating, and went out of their way to be helpful. When I first opened the door to my room I was like oooh my. I loved the outdoor shower, tub, and balcony. Peter was our safari guide and he was great. We saw elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lions mating, and so much more. If you are looking for a bucket list experience then this lodge is for you.
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Exceptional Experience at Shepherd's Tree!
Oct 3, 2024DansjiToronto, Canada
We stayed as part of a writer's retreat for six days and had a fabulous time. Game drives twice a day with very knowledgeable guides. We even took a bush walk with skilled rangers and always felt safe. The guides were clearly focused on our safety as well as the animals. It was a busy time in the park as it was Heritage week and school was out,…
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We stayed as part of a writer's retreat for six days and had a fabulous time. Game drives twice a day with very knowledgeable guides. We even took a bush walk with skilled rangers and always felt safe. The guides were clearly focused on our safety as well as the animals. It was a busy time in the park as it was Heritage week and school was out, so plenty of trucks but our guide did his best to make shure we weren't crammed in crowded areas. The rooms are exquisite - ours had a plunge pool and the food was delicious with so many options for every meal and a wide array of beverages. Staff were very friendly, proactive and keen to make sure you have what you need. Many people required custom food orders which never seemed to be a problem. Highly recommend this place if you are looking to spoil yourself for a few days.
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Proceed with caution, buy and AirTag for luggage
