Ivory Tree Lodge

Sun City, North West Province

Star rating

Standard Suite
Standard Suite
Spa
Standard Suite
Standard Suite
Spa

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

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • 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, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, covered patio, toiletries, hair dryer, en-suite bathroom and outside shower. 

Standard Suites are decorated with African décor and have either 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

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

Luxury Suites feature 1 king-size four poster bed, separate lounge with fireplace and flat screen TV, an an outdoor seating area with a private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Family Suites consisting of a main suite with 1 king-size bed, second bedroom with twin beds, an outdoor shower and indoor bath, and a separate family lounge with TV and fireplace that opens up onto an outdoor area with a private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years).

Executive Suites offer additional amenities such as a Nespresso machine and flat screen TV, as well as 1 king-size bed and private patio with plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

On-site dining facilities serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar. Boma and bush dinners are available*. Swimming pool. Amani Spa*. Reception and curio shop. 2 guided game drives daily. Archery* and Air gun shooting*. Quad biking*. Interactive drumming sessions.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: mandatory conservation levy of R115 per guest per stay applies, payable locally.

Rating summary

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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1133)
  • Very good (313)
  • Average (99)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (30)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful stay

Jul 16, 2025 James B Lucan, Ireland

I couldn't recommend Ivory Tree Game Lodge enough. Everything was perfect from arrival to departure. Jaftha was our game ranger and was so knowledgeable and helpful. All staff were so friendly. Food was excellent with great vegetarian options including at the boma night. My husband isn't very mobile but they were so helpful in getting him… Read more
I couldn't recommend Ivory Tree Game Lodge enough. Everything was perfect from arrival to departure. Jaftha was our game ranger and was so knowledgeable and helpful. All staff were so friendly. Food was excellent with great vegetarian options including at the boma night. My husband isn't very mobile but they were so helpful in getting him to the lodge without any issues. Would recommend a stay without hesitation and will be back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Just fabulous! Thank you Sam

Jul 16, 2025 meddlingmike Bawtry, United Kingdom

As someone with a travel business yet who sadly rarely gets time to travel with his wife for pleasure, my birthday and our 10th anniversary needed something special. We were 100% on the ball choosing this place. The lodge is set in a lovely traditional way, but the rooms are really lovely. The beds are huge, comfortable and the linen exquisite.… Read more
As someone with a travel business yet who sadly rarely gets time to travel with his wife for pleasure, my birthday and our 10th anniversary needed something special. We were 100% on the ball choosing this place. The lodge is set in a lovely traditional way, but the rooms are really lovely. The beds are huge, comfortable and the linen exquisite. The outside shower is hot and powerful, the bath is huge and the plunge pool we had in S2 was lovely. The food is all ala carte, the menu changing every day. The staples like the Safari breakfast were fabulous and my wife loved the smashed avo, but lunch and dinner with such delights as venison carpaccio were small enough to enjoy your 3 courses, twice a day. The wine list is great, some imported stuff and champagne can be pricey but the local fizz, Krone is excellent and i paid circa £18 for a South African Shiraz which was lovely, my wife had a French Chablis at circa £34 a bottle, way less than the uk! Local beer is about £2 a bottle. So, the drives…. You get 2 per day, both lasting 3 hours each approximately with a coffee/toilet break in the middle. My advice is do every single one. The best drive we had was when nobody else turned up as it was too cold that morning and we saw a leopard close up and had him for about 5-6 minutes as the other jeeps homed in and he ran off (photos attached) The early morning drive in July started at 630, back at 930 for breakfast, the afternoon drive 330-630pm, just wrap up warm as the temperature drops to below 0 on the drive. Finally, a huge shoutout to our driver, Sam. Your driver will make or break your experience and as a veteran of about 15 safaris, he’s without doubt the best. Just listen to his advice, dont shout or wave at the animals and you’ll have the best experience. Any questions, please ask!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best honeymoon stay !

Jul 9, 2025 Haley K

Had the most amazing time at Ivory tree! Lee was an amazing ranger and made our experience the best. Food was incredible and so was all the service we received . They pay such close attention to detail and it really shows. Couldn’t recommend this place enough will definitely be coming back with family and friends.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An Incredible Experience

Jul 9, 2025 laurensullivann

Front start to finish, the service has been fantastic and warm. The location and facilities are beautiful and we felt like royalty the whole time. Moreover, words cannot describe the game drive experience, it was truly something spectacular. We loved our driver Vincent, he is a great spotter/driver with lots of knowledge, calm and personable. We… Read more
Front start to finish, the service has been fantastic and warm. The location and facilities are beautiful and we felt like royalty the whole time. Moreover, words cannot describe the game drive experience, it was truly something spectacular. We loved our driver Vincent, he is a great spotter/driver with lots of knowledge, calm and personable. We will go home to Australia and recommend everyone come here!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Ranger Lee made our holiday exceptional

Jun 29, 2025 thewonderyears Sydney, Australia

We had a wonderful stay at Ivory Tree Lodge.. the food and accommodation were excellent but what really made the trip exemplary was the over and above effort that our Ranger Lee Destefanis made to ensure we saw each and every big five... and many animals beyond that. Lee's knowledge is remarkable and integral to knowing where and when to look to… Read more
We had a wonderful stay at Ivory Tree Lodge.. the food and accommodation were excellent but what really made the trip exemplary was the over and above effort that our Ranger Lee Destefanis made to ensure we saw each and every big five... and many animals beyond that. Lee's knowledge is remarkable and integral to knowing where and when to look to see the amazing array of animals in the national park surrounding the lodge... On each of the three days our safari vehicle was the first out and the last to return, given that Lee was determined to ensure we had the best possible holiday and saw the most birds and animals. Read less