Shepherds Tree Game Reserve

I don’t even know how to start this review other than WOW! I came here with my best friend and our 2 dads as part of a once in a lifetime safari experience and shepherds tree game lodge more than exceeded my expectations! I had done plenty of research into this place before booking and after a few emails back and forth they said the had the 2 bedroom private villa available for the days I was looking for, this consisted of 2 double/twin bedrooms, 2 private bathrooms, a living room, private pool, outside sunbathing/dining area and a private fire pit. We arrived there after a 3 hour transfer and were greeted by Nombulela with hot towels and a lovely personalised welcome and arrival drink. After checking in she showed us to the dining room for lunch before it ended, we were seated swiftly and given menus and wine recommendations which we gladly took note of. Whilst at lunch we were approached by our tour guide who introduced herself for our stay as Mingo, she asked what drink we would like on our game drive and told us where to meet her and at what time. After lunch we were again greeted by Nombulela then have us a tour of the whole complex and explained everything we needed to know during our stay such as meal times and game drives etc. she got us a buggy to our room and we were transported to our stunning villa which are bags had already been dropped at. The private villa and pool was absolutely stunning! The rooms were able to be made up as either doubles or twins and both rooms had a private bathroom with outside shower and joined together by a living room which led onto the private outside area, pool and fire pit. I will say the outside shower in the moonlight in the nighttime was such a surreal experience looking out into the national park! The whole complex was so well kept and ALL the staff were pleasant and went above and beyond for us whenever we needed anything. It is truly the most stunning place I’ve ever stayed at and I’ve travelled to a lot of hotels around the world. The food on offer is out of this world and a different menu was created each day so we never had the same thing twice. For all three meals of the day it was a la carte and there was something for everyone in our group. Drinks were an additional charge but the staff were trained enough to recommend different wines for different dishes which we took them up on a few times. We were served by Simba and also Mkay who were two members of staff who stood out particularly well for us and made our dining experience all the more personalised. We also noted Mike who I believe was the restaurant manager and he took a great interest in our day and was overall very attentive while we were in the restaurant. On the final evening we spent we had commented on the chefs cooking and she came out to thank us for stopping by and for our kind worlds which I thought was a lovely touch as I’m sure she was very busy. We had done a safari a few days before coming to shepherds tree at a D

I have organised groups of people from all over the world to come to Shepherds Tree Lodge for an immersive writing experience that doubles up with an African Safari. I am so proud to host my event here. I have done it 3 times now over the past number of years and my guests are blown away with everything! Some well traveled folks that know a thing or two. A lot goes into the pre-organisation to get alignment. My reputation is at stake, and I honestly couldn't be prouder. To all the management and staff at Shepherds Tree. I Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are one of the reasons I am proud to be South African. .. Oh, and the conference facility is fantastic! Aagg. Everything is.

I might be a bit biased as I used to be connected to the lodge in the past but seeing it bloom now made us very happy with it. We have no reasons to complain about any of the departments at all. We were very well looked after and had a very pleasant stay. The lodge and the grounds are well groomed and maintained. The location is one of the best attributes of it. Cigar Bar has great views and the dining/conferencing area is lovely as well. The lodge does not have a big sprawling watering hole ( it has one though) but is really beautifully appointed and the concession area is really great. The interiors are tastefully decorated, the food and presentation are very good. The pool area is very nice and small pools at certain rooms are a nice addition. I would recommend spring/summer visit as storms are spectacular over the Pilanesberg and the Lodge has good spots to observe those while staying safe. The spa is lovely and even has it’s own nice range of products and even kids massage! The lodge also employs a shuttle van when needed. The internet is also good. In general I can recommend it with no doubt. Our guide Sibu was great but I am sure all guides will be to your satisfaction. Oupa looked after us in all our special needs and reception staff were all attentive and helpful. One can see that Tumi - the Manager genuinely cares about the establishment and does his best to make it great and memorable for guests as well as a good place for it’s staff.

Absolute luxury in the heart of the Pilanesberg. My family and I spent 4 memorable days at this fabulous game lodge in December, and I cannot rate it highly enough. The staff made us all feel so welcome and special. The rooms were beautiful, and we loved the outdoor shower - spectacular. Then the dining OMG - the meals were absolutely delicious, and presented like you would expect in high end fine dining restaurants. From EmKay, the best food and beverage manager I’ve met in recent years, who was so attentive with customers and his team, to chef Rebecca, and the likes of Piet and Simba serving the customers - world class service and fantastic experience. Then to the main reason for our trip, the safari experience. We were so lucky to have Piet as our ranger for 6 brilliant game drives. Piet is so experienced, and made sure our game spotting experience was a memorable one. We saw everything except buffalo, and Piet made sure we got really close to lion, rhino, hippo (out of water) giraffe, and many more. Such a kind, considerate, and knowledge man, who was clearly respected by all his peers in the Pilanesberg. He was never one to watch the clock, but rather to ensure we had a memorable game drive each time - as such we always overran the 3 hour drive time, which we loved - thank you Piet for ensuring such a memorable trip for my family and I. Overall Our stay at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge far exceeded our expectations, and would highly recommend visiting this fabulous lodge.

We had an experience of a lifetime thanks to our incredible game ranger Martin. Martin was so knowledgeable and passionate about the bush and all of its animals big and small. The sightings we saw were some of the best sightings we have ever experienced in any game reserve and we have made memories for a lifetime. Martin, thank you!!! We will definitely be back. All of the hotel staff were amazing and special thanks to Katlego and Tshepo for making our holiday extra special. You guys are awesome.

Great venue, professional and friendly staff. Food was good but maybe not at the same level. The water was incredibly expensive. Our guide Sibu was friendly and knowledgeable and the Safari impressive - consider though it was our first and only so far. Overall amazing experience.