4.9 /5
Feefo Widget starFeefo Widget starFeefo Widget starFeefo Widget starFeefo Widget star

Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Overview

Set in an exclusive-use concession area within the celebrated Pilanesberg National Park, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is a stunning safari destination offering romantic, secluded suites for honeymooners as well as fantastic family suites with child-minding services. Encircled by a ring of volcanic hills, the lodge commands magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Like the rest of the Pilanesberg, the lodge is malaria-free, which makes for a carefree wilderness holiday.

Sheperd’s Tree offers a creative menu of activities, including drumming workshops and specialist talks, along with superb game viewing in safari vehicles or on guided nature walks. The savannah grasslands boast both black and white rhino along with majestic sable antelope and buffalo. Elephant move soundlessly in the shade of lush woodland thickets, while lion, cheetah and spotted hyena are commonly seen. Sightings of more rare predators, like leopard and wild dog, are not infrequent. The child-friendly safari programme gives youngsters a safe and fun wilderness experience, while allowing Mum and Dad some grown-up rest and relaxation time.

Located within a three-hour drive from Johannesburg's O R Tambo International Airport and next door to Sun City, Shepherd’s Tree is perfect for travellers wanting to combine the casino, golf course and glossy entertainment of South Africa's premier resort with an authentic Big 5 safari.

Highlights

  • Malaria-free Big 5 game viewing
  • Resident black & white rhino
  • Award-winning Amani Spa
  • Romantic, secluded chalets
  • Game drives & nature walks
  • Stunning infinity pool & cocktail bar
  • Next door to Sun City Resort
  • Family-friendly & kid’s programme

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Guided walks
  • Quad-biking
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Sundowners
An absolute favourite in Pilanesberg National Park, bringing modern designs and luxury to the bush, perfectly suited to both honeymooners and families with young children.
Mariam Ngoyi

Mariam Ngoyi

Africa Safari Expert

Help me plan

Rooms

Standard Room

Commanding breathtaking views of the valley below, elegant furnishings and stylish Afro-chic décor make each of the 13 Family Suites a haven of opulent serenity. Two en suite master bedrooms with king-sized beds along with a shared lounge and patio make these rooms perfect for families and groups of friends. Shepherd Tree's four opulent Executive Suites offer romantic seclusion and lavish finishes -perfect for couples.

Warm, earthy tones and rich textures echo the surrounding African landscape and add to the peaceful ambience of the suites. The unpretentious en suite bathrooms have beautiful oval baths with superb views over the Pilanesberg. The Executive Suites also offer glorious indoor steam rooms and double outdoor showers.

Facilities

From exhilarating game drives in search of the Big 5 to indulgent pampering at the award-winning Amani Spa, Shepherd’s Tree delivers everything you expect from a luxury safari lodge and more.

Designed to blend into the natural environment, the 13 Family Suites and four secluded Executive Suites command captivating views of the valley below. A spectacular rim-flow pool provides a cool respite from the hot African sun, while the comfortable lounge and bar area offer perfectly relaxing vistas and ice cold drinks.

Take sensory satisfaction to a new level at the deluxe spa and wellness centre. The lodge has three treatment rooms with two especially designed for couples. Shepherd’s Tree offers child minding and junior ranger programmes to ensure parents with young children can relax and have a holiday too. Join a drumming workshop or attend a talk from a local wildlife expert – there is something for everyone. For adventurers, quad biking, air-gun shooting and archery may all be enjoyed at Shepherd Tree's sister lodge nearby, while the concierge will arrange transfers and activities at neighbouring Sun City, including golf on the championship course.

Despite offering such a rich list of actvities, this lodge was built for relaxation. Watch Verreaux’s eagles soar high above the rocky terrain as you toast the setting sun in the stylish cocktail bar, or watch an unforgettable Tswana and Zulu traditional dance performed around a blazing fire.

Dining

Delectable Pan-African cuisine is prepared by expert chefs in the lodge’s gourmet restaurant and served indoors or under starry skies by the light of a crackling fire. The outdoor boma is the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap after your meal and share campfire tales with your fellow travellers.

General facilities

  • Bar
  • Beauty or wellness therapist
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Wi-fi available
  • Secure parking

Rates

Select your preferred currency below and view rates over specific seasons.
Country flag for USA USD Up arrow
  • Country flag for South Africa ZAR
  • Country flag for USA USD
  • Country flag for Canada CAD
  • Country flag for Australia AUD
  • Country flag for UK GBP
  • Country flag for Europe EUR
Dates Board Price
2022-05-01 — 2022-09-30 Full Board Plus (Meals & Select Extras) $270
2022-10-01 — 2023-04-30 Full Board Plus (Meals & Select Extras) $315

Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently. Please treat all pricing as a guide only:

  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Listing icon

Traveller Reviews

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
EH

Eileen Hart

"Shepherds Tree Lodge was first class with excellent and very helpful staff in all quarters."
SW

Scott Woodward

I must say this was one of the best experiences and trips we have taken. Shepherds tree, it was amazing. We were pampered and everything was perfect. The game drives were amazing. We got to see 5 lions on the hunt which was great. Our time the day before driving though was also great. We were charged by an elephant and baby, but managed to get vehicle out of the way. Ton’s of fun. I would recommend to anyone your services and look forward to doing it again next year.
Show more down arrow
JF

Jerome Franois-Magnac

"The Shepherds Tree lodge a great choice, rooms superbly modern and staff very welcoming."
ED

Eric Daussaud

"We enjoyed both lodges. The personnel was very welcoming and professional."
TB

Trish Burr

Shepherds Tree lodge was fantastic – the rooms were amazing the food was excellent(too much), game drives great and the service was first class. We really cant find anything to complain about. As a matter of interest Shepherds Tree Lodge & Ivory Tr ee lodge are owned by the same company.
Show more down arrow
DM

David McNamee

The trip was amazing, the hotel is absolutely first class and the safari was great. I would really like to thank the hotel for looking after us, my girlfriend had an accident while there and the staff at the hotel could not have done more to help, es pecially Helaine (one of the safari guides) as it was only here 1st week working there.
Show more down arrow

Why travel with us

  • Independent experts since 1998
  • Our best price promise
  • Full service, flights included
  • Complete financial protection
  • 24/7 on-safari support
Connect with an expert
Listing icon

Nearby Accommodations

That may be of interest
arrow Back to Map