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 1168 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (975)
Very good (113)
Average (47)
Poor (15)
Terrible (18)
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Jan 20, 2025tiffisjeJohannesburg, South Africa
We went to Shepherds Tree game lodge for our 11 year wedding anniversary and what an amazing experience. Every person that we interacted with was friendly and made us feel so welcome. The food was amazing, every single meal we had was above expectations. The game drives were fantastic and interactive and we had such a fun game ranger! The… Read more
We went to Shepherds Tree game lodge for our 11 year wedding anniversary and what an amazing experience. Every person that we interacted with was friendly and made us feel so welcome. The food was amazing, every single meal we had was above expectations. The game drives were fantastic and interactive and we had such a fun game ranger! The team asked if we were celebrating a special occasion and went out of their way to make our anniversary an amazing experience. We highly recommend Shepherds tree and cannot wait to go back. Read less
World class lodge with top level service, incredible fine dining, and spectacular game viewing - thanks for the memories
Jan 14, 2025Andrew BWarriewood, Australia
Absolute luxury in the heart of the Pilanesberg. My family and I spent 4 memorable days at this fabulous game lodge in December, and I cannot rate it highly enough. The staff made us all feel so welcome and special. The rooms were beautiful, and we loved the outdoor shower - spectacular. Then the dining OMG - the meals were absolutely delicious,… Read more
Absolute luxury in the heart of the Pilanesberg. My family and I spent 4 memorable days at this fabulous game lodge in December, and I cannot rate it highly enough. The staff made us all feel so welcome and special. The rooms were beautiful, and we loved the outdoor shower - spectacular. Then the dining OMG - the meals were absolutely delicious, and presented like you would expect in high end fine dining restaurants. From EmKay, the best food and beverage manager I’ve met in recent years, who was so attentive with customers and his team, to chef Rebecca, and the likes of Piet and Simba serving the customers - world class service and fantastic experience. Then to the main reason for our trip, the safari experience. We were so lucky to have Piet as our ranger for 6 brilliant game drives. Piet is so experienced, and made sure our game spotting experience was a memorable one. We saw everything except buffalo, and Piet made sure we got really close to lion, rhino, hippo (out of water) giraffe, and many more. Such a kind, considerate, and knowledge man, who was clearly respected by all his peers in the Pilanesberg. He was never one to watch the clock, but rather to ensure we had a memorable game drive each time - as such we always overran the 3 hour drive time, which we loved - thank you Piet for ensuring such a memorable trip for my family and I. Overall Our stay at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge far exceeded our expectations, and would highly recommend visiting this fabulous lodge. Read less
Perfect Bush Break
Jan 13, 2025jbloom578081
Shepards Tree is a wonderful choice for a bush break close to JHB. With absolutely fantastic game viewing and really beautiful accommodation.
EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!!
Jan 11, 2025Companion62564877780
We had an experience of a lifetime thanks to our incredible game ranger Martin. Martin was so knowledgeable and passionate about the bush and all of its animals big and small. The sightings we saw were some of the best sightings we have ever experienced in any game reserve and we have made memories for a lifetime. Martin, thank you!!! We will… Read more
We had an experience of a lifetime thanks to our incredible game ranger Martin. Martin was so knowledgeable and passionate about the bush and all of its animals big and small. The sightings we saw were some of the best sightings we have ever experienced in any game reserve and we have made memories for a lifetime. Martin, thank you!!! We will definitely be back. All of the hotel staff were amazing and special thanks to Katlego and Tshepo for making our holiday extra special. You guys are awesome. Read less
Great experience
Jan 11, 2025AlessandroSveziaStockholm, Sweden
Great venue, professional and friendly staff. Food was good but maybe not at the same level. The water was incredibly expensive. Our guide Sibu was friendly and knowledgeable and the Safari impressive - consider though it was our first and only so far. Overall amazing experience.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
