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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (926)
  • Very good (111)
  • Average (47)
  • Poor (14)
  • Terrible (17)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful..

Apr 14, 2024 Flyinglarks Wollongong, Australia

We had a wonderful time at Shepherd's Tree. The accommodation is beautiful. The staff are attentive and responsive to any request. The twice daily safari trips were great. Our guide Megan went out of her way to ensure we saw as many animals as possible, including the very elusive leopard. We will definately return to Shepherd's Tree if we visit SA… Read more
We had a wonderful time at Shepherd's Tree. The accommodation is beautiful. The staff are attentive and responsive to any request. The twice daily safari trips were great. Our guide Megan went out of her way to ensure we saw as many animals as possible, including the very elusive leopard. We will definately return to Shepherd's Tree if we visit SA again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Birthday celebration done well!

Mar 31, 2024 bayleyvos Pretoria, South Africa

An excellent team! We had a fantastic birthday celebration. We always come back for more! The staff is exceptional at what they do. From the reception to waiting staff to housekeeping - all smiles and friendly banter.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating WOW LODGE EXPERIENCE

Mar 30, 2024 AVASHA N Johannesburg, South Africa

WOW. We’ve had an awesome 3 nights at the Lodge. The Lodge messaged me a few days before arrival, to enquire about dietary needs etc AND THEY LISTENED! It was a short drive from Johannesburg and we arrived at lunchtime. Smooth check in process and everyone was welcomimg and happy. Food was superlative. Great effort to accomodate… Read more
WOW. We’ve had an awesome 3 nights at the Lodge. The Lodge messaged me a few days before arrival, to enquire about dietary needs etc AND THEY LISTENED! It was a short drive from Johannesburg and we arrived at lunchtime. Smooth check in process and everyone was welcomimg and happy. Food was superlative. Great effort to accomodate Vegetarians at EVERY meal, including Game Drives. Yummy curries and other Veg + Vegan options throughout our stay. The catering and serving staff were MUCH BETTER than our experiences at more luxurious lodges. ALL staff were attentive and service-orientated throughout the Lodge. Heavenly massages at the Spa- thank you Khumo and Lorraine! Our guide Megan enhanced our experience, with her knowledge about the Park, and her friendly and thoughtful nature. She is an asset to the Lodge❤️ As a bonus, we got to meet people from around the world, and we were all in agreement about the high standards at Shepherd’s Tree. Looking forward to visiting soon. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful Safari experience

Mar 29, 2024 Amanda M Barbados

Wow what an amazing experience. The lodge is a beautiful retreat with the best staff who always have a smile & bend over backwards to make your stay perfect. The rangers are so knowledgable. Our ranger was Answer & he was a top guy. So knowledgable and had such a gentle manner we loved our 6 game drives & saw all the big 5 & more and Answer… Read more
Wow what an amazing experience. The lodge is a beautiful retreat with the best staff who always have a smile & bend over backwards to make your stay perfect. The rangers are so knowledgable. Our ranger was Answer & he was a top guy. So knowledgable and had such a gentle manner we loved our 6 game drives & saw all the big 5 & more and Answer endeavoured to make sure we were happy at all times & taking our safety as a priority. The food was absolutely excellent with a lovely variety to choose from. William looked after us and had a great manner with everyone as were the other male staff including Offency who were so gracious. Maria & the other ladies were also wonderful. It was a faultless experience. Our rooms were stunning & luxurious & very comfortable. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing

Mar 26, 2024 802hayleyd

We stayed at shepherds tree for one night and it was amazing. All staff are so friendly and can’t do enough for you Game drive was great. We had Piet and he did his best to find the animals for us. He was so knowledge and he was an amazing guide. We saw lots of animals except the leopard. The food was amazing and so much to eat through out the… Read more
We stayed at shepherds tree for one night and it was amazing. All staff are so friendly and can’t do enough for you Game drive was great. We had Piet and he did his best to find the animals for us. He was so knowledge and he was an amazing guide. We saw lots of animals except the leopard. The food was amazing and so much to eat through out the day. Rooms were lovely and liked the outdoor shower I would highly recommend this place and would definitely come back. Read less