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 1193 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (997)
Very good (115)
Average (47)
Poor (15)
Terrible (19)
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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Just perfect
Jun 6, 2025LourdesdaisyAscot, United Kingdom
Words cannot describe how much we loved staying at Shepherds Tree Lodge. Not just because the rooms (we had a villa) are well designed and very comfortable. Not just because we saw so much amazing wildlife because of guide Peter. Not just because the food is exceptional. Mainly because the staff are incredible, they think of everything before…
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Words cannot describe how much we loved staying at Shepherds Tree Lodge. Not just because the rooms (we had a villa) are well designed and very comfortable. Not just because we saw so much amazing wildlife because of guide Peter. Not just because the food is exceptional. Mainly because the staff are incredible, they think of everything before you thought you needed something. They are always checking you are happy but most of all they are lovely people.
Thank you to you all.
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Stunning
May 27, 2025Paul SGodalming, United Kingdom
Amazing staff, food and location / special mention to our Game Driver and Goiti ( not sure if I spelt her name correct) This truly amazing place to stay and especially rooms 31/32 in my opion the villa. And the Game drivers were spectacular/ earlier wake up call 5 am, coffee and pastry 5.30 and set off 6 - 9 wrap up warm it’s cold !!! But the…
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Amazing staff, food and location / special mention to our Game Driver and Goiti ( not sure if I spelt her name correct) This truly amazing place to stay and especially rooms 31/32 in my opion the villa. And the Game drivers were spectacular/ earlier wake up call 5 am, coffee and pastry 5.30 and set off 6 - 9 wrap up warm it’s cold !!! But the best time. And then repeat in the afternoon 4-7. Final word has to be to our Guide ( Amazing)
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Nothing but good things to say🙂
May 17, 2025tshegofatsemeself19Gaborone, Botswana
Percent location! Serene views. Very close to suncity. Responsive online.
Very friendly staff. 100% recommend.
Worth every penny!!!
May 12, 2025Fabs78AJohannesburg, South Africa
If you are looking for a top class game lodge.This is the place you have been looking for.Shepherds Tree is nothing short of amazing.Well deserved 5 star rated lodge!!!
Great stay at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge