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 1204 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (1009)
Very good (115)
Average (47)
Poor (15)
Terrible (19)
Exceptional accomodations in a breathtaking National Park
Aug 8, 2025Tessa C
Exceptional accomodations and culinary experience! My daughter and I visited for 4 nights and loved every minute. 2 game drives a day with expert guides and caring staff! A huge thanks to Peter, Doreen and Sam.
What an awesome WOW experience.....
Aug 2, 2025Trip15731872754
From the moment we arrived to the to moment we left( with a very heavy heart, because we wanted to stay longer), everything was an experience, the Welcome WOW, the FOOD WOW WOW WOW, the GAME DRIVES WOW, the SPA WOW....
An OVERALL WOW WOW WOW Experience...
The most exciting experience ever.
Jul 29, 2025MarjorieCampbellCamberley
From the moment we arrived to when we left it was an amazing break. We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and we were upgraded to the best suite of rooms with our own pool was unbelievable. The food was superb and so were the staff.
Three out of six drives we had the truck to ourselves as the other people didn’t come. Martin our ranger…
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From the moment we arrived to when we left it was an amazing break. We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and we were upgraded to the best suite of rooms with our own pool was unbelievable. The food was superb and so were the staff.
Three out of six drives we had the truck to ourselves as the other people didn’t come. Martin our ranger was brilliant and made our safari so interesting and we managed to see four out of the big five, the one missing was the leopard. We were very very lucky to see a male lion, two females and three cubs after a kill as apparently there are only thirty one tagged lions in the reserve.
Everything was spot on even down to blankets and hot water bottles for morning and late afternoon drives, as it can get quite cold as we found out when it was -1 and ground frost in the mornings.
The ranger had piping hot chocolate, coffee, tea and snacks mid way through the drive for a break as well as a proper toilets in the middle of nowhere. Layers of clothes are a must.
It was a memorable holiday, which we will treasure for years to come.
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THE BEST STAFF IN THE WORLD
Jul 26, 2025alissonluispereiraCuritiba, PR
I have never been treated so well!! The people are amazing. The hotel is better than it seems on internet
Exceptional service
Jul 21, 2025darrenvethGauteng, South Africa
Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you to some amazing people. Prenisha, the lodge manager, your excellent customer service and professionalism really stood out. Dineo and Kokesto in the dining hall area, you both made the experience enjoyable. Gomolemo at reception, your exceptional service didn’t go unnoticed, and to…
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Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you to some amazing people. Prenisha, the lodge manager, your excellent customer service and professionalism really stood out. Dineo and Kokesto in the dining hall area, you both made the experience enjoyable. Gomolemo at reception, your exceptional service didn’t go unnoticed, and to the entire front reception team, thank you as well. Piet, the game ranger, you gave us an incredible experience with your knowledge of wildlife and nature — you’re truly an amazing person and great ranger. Last but not least, Katlego at the quads, your friendly and grateful attitude made everything even better. Thanks again to all of you! From Darren Naidoo and Sashni Moodley
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