Ivory Tree Lodge

Sun City, South Africa

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

  • Bar
  • Safari
  • 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, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, covered patio, en-suite bathroom and outside shower. Standard Rooms are decorated with African décor and have 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

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

Luxury Suites with a lounge area, fireplace and 1 king-size 4-poster bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

2 lounge areas. Multi-tiered inside and outside dining areas. Cocktail bar. Large swimming pool. Spa*. Archery.

* 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
  • 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 (751)
  • Very good (253)
  • Average (89)
  • Poor (18)
  • Terrible (17)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great game lodge

Nov 11, 2019 Erwin M Pretoria, South Africa

My company booked this lodge on short notice for one day, and I had the fortune of taking 2 of our overseas business partners to this hotel to experience the South African wildlife. The rooms are well appointed and the meals are great. Bar service is not so good. We enjoyed the dinner in the boma. On the morning game drive we saw a leopard, which… Read more
My company booked this lodge on short notice for one day, and I had the fortune of taking 2 of our overseas business partners to this hotel to experience the South African wildlife. The rooms are well appointed and the meals are great. Bar service is not so good. We enjoyed the dinner in the boma. On the morning game drive we saw a leopard, which was a great experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Thoroughly Disapointed

Nov 11, 2019 JasonJVR Pretoria, South Africa

Our family frequents your establishment, and oh how the mighty have fallen. This was my wife's third visit and my second (My sister and husband come out at least twice a year, my mother at least once). On arrival met by Boxer - fantastic and friendly. At check in the concierge gave us a map...we asked if our room was to the left or right (Said he… Read more
Our family frequents your establishment, and oh how the mighty have fallen. This was my wife's third visit and my second (My sister and husband come out at least twice a year, my mother at least once). On arrival met by Boxer - fantastic and friendly. At check in the concierge gave us a map...we asked if our room was to the left or right (Said he was new and unsure checked the map with us - forgivable). Sat down for lunch on the terrace, plates were not cleared during lunch, fetched two of the three drinks we had from the pool bar as the waiter was not to be seen, Bella from behind the bar saved the day and started looking after us, bar-lady did not know the difference between brandy and whiskey. Ashtray was not changed once during the entire lunch even when we dished up and ate(When we left the ashtray had total of 5 butts inside). Went up to the room (Room is lovely - no complaints). Phoned down to the bar (As mini bar was not stocked), ordered two drinks, only one arrived. Went on game drive, Valbert, very knowledgeable but not very friendly and voices his negativity about our government/ruling North West government to much for liking to the tourists that were with us. At one point he also shouted to the van we should not say "Stop, Stop" if something is spotted as he has been doing this a long time and will get us the best we view he can (The foreigners were excited and he really put a damper on the experience). At dinner through all three courses we dished up, we were not attended to by a waiter or even offered a drink, not once (Couldn't even get water). We left the Boma in huff, and decided to get drink at the pool bar then (It was closed). Went through to the main bar, no body was there. Eventually Jerry the Manager on Duty came and got drinks for us. We voiced our concerns about the entire trip and he was very apologetic and looked after us for the rest of the evening (Even brought me a cake for my birthday). The next morning, Valber was in a much better mood and the breakast was and service was top notch. Would I go back to Pilanesberg..yes but would only use Ivory tree again, only if Black Rhino, Shepards Tree and Kwa- Maritane are fully booked. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing hotel

Oct 30, 2019 Philip D Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Went as part of a tour group with Saga, staying for 2 nights. It is a 3 and half coach ride from Joberg, so quite a journey, but worth it when you get here. Accomodation was great, with your individual chalet, complete with outdoor shower. Food was very good, including some bush meat, second night was a braai(bbq). We had 4 game drives, these were… Read more
Went as part of a tour group with Saga, staying for 2 nights. It is a 3 and half coach ride from Joberg, so quite a journey, but worth it when you get here. Accomodation was great, with your individual chalet, complete with outdoor shower. Food was very good, including some bush meat, second night was a braai(bbq). We had 4 game drives, these were great and well organised (if you can get over the 5.30am starts). Saw lots of wildlife, lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and may others. Our ranger Werner was excellent. Would love to return, as our stay was not long enough to enjoy all other activities available. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Family visit

Oct 27, 2019 JohnRapula

Excellent time, excellent staff, excellent welcome, excellent food fantastic stay, disappointed by reception ladies,turned down at spa at the last minute,overall we enjoyed every minute of our stay,we definitely will recommend anyone,my kids already asked me book again, really a must,Joyce Mfatshe
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very disappointing end to a delightful visit

Oct 25, 2019 Reuven2

I am gonig to highlight the negatives because this is what people want to know , right ? I stayed for 2 nights beginning October 2019 , full board. 1. The Standard room was very dated in furnishings and has an outdoor shower , risk of wild animals like monkeys jumping overhead . 2. There was no TV in the room , none of the standard rooms have… Read more
I am gonig to highlight the negatives because this is what people want to know , right ? I stayed for 2 nights beginning October 2019 , full board. 1. The Standard room was very dated in furnishings and has an outdoor shower , risk of wild animals like monkeys jumping overhead . 2. There was no TV in the room , none of the standard rooms have TV I was told . 3. The food was just satisfactory , the menu choice was too extensive but could have been superb if the focus was on fewer dishes. Too much choice. 4. I left my wallet inadvertently on the table and it was interferred with by house keeping and my credit card details were stolen and an attempt made to defraud my bank account . I reported this to the managment immediately and the Travel Agent but 3 weeks later I have had no outcome . I was expecting some form of sweetener compensation eg a free spa pass on my next visit . Thankfully the bank were too clever for the crooks. 5. A redeeming factor was the fantastic game drives which we did twice a day . The ranger was very well informed and we had about 5 sightings of lions and lion kill. Read less