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 1196 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (1000)
Very good (115)
Average (47)
Poor (15)
Terrible (19)
Wonderful Lodge with wonderful staff
Jul 8, 2025thomlinklater
In my experience, this is by far the best Bush Lodge, not only in the Pilansberg but in South Africa. The Lodge itself is classy with oppulant finishes without being pretentious. The warmth and friendliness of the staff make this my home from home and every trip leaves me wishing I had booked for longer. The food and menu cannot go without…
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In my experience, this is by far the best Bush Lodge, not only in the Pilansberg but in South Africa. The Lodge itself is classy with oppulant finishes without being pretentious. The warmth and friendliness of the staff make this my home from home and every trip leaves me wishing I had booked for longer. The food and menu cannot go without mention. Expect a delicious culinary adventure on your trip as the Chefs are incredible and from Vegans to Carnivores you won't be disappointed.Thanks Sam, you and your team are amazing
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Shepherd’s Tree Was Everything We Hoped For and More
Jul 6, 2025Mercedez F
We had the most incredible stay at Shepherd’s Tree. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for. Every part of the experience was thoughtful and well-executed.
The safaris were beyond amazing. Our guide, Hellen, was absolutely fantastic — knowledgeable, warm, and somehow always knew where to go. We had such memorable…
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We had the most incredible stay at Shepherd’s Tree. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for. Every part of the experience was thoughtful and well-executed.
The safaris were beyond amazing. Our guide, Hellen, was absolutely fantastic — knowledgeable, warm, and somehow always knew where to go. We had such memorable sightings: a herd of elephants up close, two lion sisters with a male lion nearby, giraffes, a hyena, jackals, tons of hippos, buffalo, black and white rhinos, blue wildebeest, zebras, and so many antelope species I lost count. We also really appreciated the cozy touches — the blankets and heating pads on the morning drives were a total game changer.
After the evening game drives, we loved coming back and relaxing in our heated private pool. It was the perfect way to wind down, especially under the stars with a drink in hand.
The food was excellent — every meal was delicious and beautifully presented, and there were always snacks available, so you’re never really hungry. The drinks were great too, and the service all around was warm and professional.
Room service was honestly the best we’ve ever experienced. They came by multiple times a day, and one night we came back to find towel swans and rose petals after dinner — such a sweet surprise. The shuttles from the rooms to reception were always fast, and everyone at the front desk was so kind.
Even the gift shop was a highlight! They had beautiful artwork made by local villagers — highly recommend leaving extra room in your suitcase for that.
Shepherd’s Tree made this trip unforgettable. The people, the setting, the service — everything came together perfectly. We already can’t wait to come back.
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Fantastic stay with the best staff and facilities.
Jul 1, 2025jasonv715Johannesburg, South Africa
My family, of four, had an amazing time at Shepherds Tree Game Lodge. The staff, food, accommodation and game drives were absolutely spectacular.
Remarkable Experience
Jun 25, 2025Kismet2323Detroit, Michigan
This is a brilliant property in an idyllic setting. All aspects of the place are of excellent quality - the comfort of the facilities, the staff, the food - everything.
Great stay at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
Jun 10, 2025JonnekedeRijck
The location and staff is amazing! Rooms are beautifull and the service is of high quality. The Boma diner was an amazing experience. The game drives in the national parc are the best. Our ranger was Doreen and she is the happiest person, even in the cold and really early morning. She spotted all the animals we came across, even an leopard…
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The location and staff is amazing! Rooms are beautifull and the service is of high quality. The Boma diner was an amazing experience. The game drives in the national parc are the best. Our ranger was Doreen and she is the happiest person, even in the cold and really early morning. She spotted all the animals we came across, even an leopard chilling in the grass, and she learned us a lot about the nature in the park. Thanks to all staff this will be a memorable stay. Tip: bring warm clothes when you are there during winter time.
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Wonderful Lodge with wonderful staff