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 (791)
  • Very good (269)
  • Average (90)
  • Poor (23)
  • Terrible (17)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Mr

Mar 22, 2020 bushlover123

We had a lovely 3 night stay, at this highly recommended Lodge. The 3 buffet meals a day, were to die for. Our room was very comfortable Jan our ranger was very knowledgeable. We will certainly return
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not worth the money, seemed a bit racist

Mar 19, 2020 zarnellec Grand Turk

We stayed one night at the Game Lodge back in January. We arrived that afternoon. The staff was very welcoming and happy to see so many WOMEN, and WOMEN OF COLOR (BLACK) entering their resort. The rooms, however were filled with bugs, and even though there was a mesh cover for the bed, we still managed to wake up with bugs in the bed with us. We… Read more
We stayed one night at the Game Lodge back in January. We arrived that afternoon. The staff was very welcoming and happy to see so many WOMEN, and WOMEN OF COLOR (BLACK) entering their resort. The rooms, however were filled with bugs, and even though there was a mesh cover for the bed, we still managed to wake up with bugs in the bed with us. We also found that the tubs in the bathroom fill and drain very slowly, so it was quit difficult for us to enjoy the bath process. The showers outside are nice, different but a bit scary at night if you’re a paranoid person, and the bugs that gather on the door and around the light doesn’t make it that enjoyable but it was cool. Aside from the bugs, we noticed that staff are trained to serve white/caucasians first. We were a large number of black women attending at that time and while staff seemed more than elated to see persons that resemble them in skin color, we felt that service we received as far as when it came to taking drink order and such in the dining area, we were over looked and not served at all unless they were called. This needs to be changed, immediately. ALL persons should be served and treated equally. We noticed this same treatment with the other races/ethnicities that were there. Something also needs to be done in regards to the monkeys that sneak into the property and chill inside and along side the pool, along the roofs and sneak into the dining area to steal food. Staff should not be have to chasing them away. Overall though my stay was ok but it was nothing special or spectacular about this property and wasn’t worth the $400+ we paid. The spa is beautiful however and the give great massages, Jafari is an excellent safari tour guide, very knowledgeable, and charismatic. We Absolutely loved him. We love to see these things changed here at the Ivory Tree. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Coronavirus mistake

Mar 17, 2020 EugeneP478 Pretoria, South Africa

My family of 5 decided to break away for the weekend . On arrival we noticed the guests where 80% European . This rang alarm bells and we trying to protect our families . Instead of sharing a game vehicle we inquired and decided on taking a vehicle exclusively for my family .price was given at R4500 per trip which we thought was on the high side… Read more
My family of 5 decided to break away for the weekend . On arrival we noticed the guests where 80% European . This rang alarm bells and we trying to protect our families . Instead of sharing a game vehicle we inquired and decided on taking a vehicle exclusively for my family .price was given at R4500 per trip which we thought was on the high side given what’s going on in sa , but we never had the time to Discuss the matter - health comes first . Sunday morning check out the bill came to with no extra cost for the game drive , I questioned it told the receptionist to please check it as we took 2 x exclusive game drives for R4500 each ; she checked and confirmed no extra costs , I though this was great that they realized how’s serious the situation was regarding the Coronavirus and decided to do the right thing (as I had young kids ) , not charge me the additional R4500 per trip as I had already payed for a shared vehicle in my package ( 4 trips in total , Which we only took 2 privately ) , I decided to pay the money over to the staff as tips , just then the the phone rang and they notified me there was a mistake , I had to pay the a extra R9000 for the two trips. I pleaded my case too the manager who put me in touch with the gm of the resort , my case simple . I have paid for 4 x trip in my package ( shared vehicle) due to the Coronavirus out break i had to make a decision not to share a vehicle , surly you can’t just write off the amount in my package for the 4 x game drives and then charge full price for 2x exclusive drives ???!? It’s Maths vehicles takes 10 guests at R4500 = R450 a seat and we paid for 4 trips . I asked for a credit as it was morally right to give it to the staff ( I had already tipped staff ) Gm replied if he does it for me then he has to do it for every one . I was more upset that the resort decided to deal with this situation in this manner while the corona virus out break is in full swing , they don’t seem to care about the spread of this virus , they feel it fine to pack vehicles with diff nationalities. Money money money Final word - not a kid friendly resort as dinner is only served at 20h00 at night (on the late side for younger kids ) The staff are good and try there best 👍pitty management has to spoil it . Stay away from this lodge during the Coronavirus outbreak 😷 , we wish we knew this before our stay !!! ( every guests climbs off the game vehicles and used the small public toilets - very risky when you come to think of it ) Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 9 Months Later Still in Awe

Mar 16, 2020 jimwO5931TG

We stayed here for 2 nights with a mid size group and cannot say enough positive things about our stay. As a very frequent traveler, this stood out for many reasons as a trip of a lifetime. From the time we got there everyone was extremely and genuinely friendly. Food was simple and fresh, well prepared and served with a smile. Great places to… Read more
We stayed here for 2 nights with a mid size group and cannot say enough positive things about our stay. As a very frequent traveler, this stood out for many reasons as a trip of a lifetime. From the time we got there everyone was extremely and genuinely friendly. Food was simple and fresh, well prepared and served with a smile. Great places to unwind after the drives. Most memorable was our guide Desmond, knowledgeable, friendly and caring. We got to see 4 of the Big 5. But even without the sightings the beauty of the land was worth the stay. I almost talked myself from going due to a busy schedule. My wife insisted I join my colleagues and I was lucky I lost the argument!! This was something I will never forget. My sincere thanks top ALL at the Lodge. I will return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bush visit

Mar 16, 2020 iamianemail

Great game drive with knowledgable ranger. Food presented at breakfast and dinner was very good. Fair selection of drinks. Staff extremely helpful and friendly. The accommodation was just acceptable, and views from the room disappointing.