Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Sun City, North West Province

Star 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
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1001)
  • Very good (115)
  • Average (47)
  • Poor (15)
  • Terrible (19)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional !!

Jul 14, 2025 Iandenno England, United Kingdom

What an experience! This hotel and what it offers is quality! I had been in contact with the front office prior to my arrival and found they were super responsive and very helpful…. (Katlego and the team impressive), such a manner merely set the tone because as soon as you arrive the entire staff are so welcoming, they cannot do enough for you!… Read more
What an experience! This hotel and what it offers is quality! I had been in contact with the front office prior to my arrival and found they were super responsive and very helpful…. (Katlego and the team impressive), such a manner merely set the tone because as soon as you arrive the entire staff are so welcoming, they cannot do enough for you! Check in is at 2pm but if you arrive early you can chill before a golf buggy takes you to the accommodation where your luggage is already in the room. We stayed in a standard room but it’s like a King Deluxe room with private balcony, outside shower and a very comfortable giant bed. Treated to a surprise rose petals on the bed and lit candles after our first safari thanks to the friendly Nondumiso who also arranged the intimate dining experience in the cellar. Certainly recommend that where Thami provided a high level of service. The food throughout seems constant but is the equivalent of high dining and the selection is varied. Light snacks before the 6.30am safari, breakfast on your return, lunch at 1pm, followed by high tea at 3 then dinner from 6.30pm on your return. The Safari drives are superb, we had Johannes, full of fun and knowledgeable… saw all of the big 5 plus a cheetah although be warned …WRAP UP VERY WARM for the early morning drive!! (If from the UK that includes a hat, gloves and scarf in July) Even then, nice little touches such as a blanket and hot water bottle are provided with snacks halfway round. Each drive is a new experience each time. There isn’t one member of staff who won’t acknowledge you, you are made to feel very special in an environment that is exclusive but full of warmth and charm created by the outstanding people who work here. Their entire staff has been like our entire stay ….exceptional. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful Lodge with wonderful staff

Jul 8, 2025 thomlinklater

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… Read more
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 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Shepherd’s Tree Was Everything We Hoped For and More

Jul 6, 2025 Mercedez 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… Read more
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. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic stay with the best staff and facilities.

Jul 1, 2025 jasonv715 Johannesburg, 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.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Remarkable Experience

Jun 25, 2025 Kismet2323 Detroit, 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.