The only issue we had was in the process of booking airport transfers to and from Johannesburg Airport. From confirming our booking I tried several times to obtain a cost and confirm our booking to the resort. It took several attempts to get things in place and confirm that the driver would be there and how to identify him. In the end it did work out. However in booking the return transfer to the airport I built in time based on our flight time. However the driver was booked from Johannesburg and was delayed en route, to the extent that after 1 hour no show, we asked for a replacement to be booked . The new driver did his utmost to make up the time but still arrived with only 40mins before flight departure. We just made our flight. A stressful time and a slight blemish on our overall holiday experience at Shepherds Tree Lodge.

Overall our stay was a fantastic experience. The facilities, and especially the staff exceeded our expectations. The standard of our accommodation was excellent.

Stayed in April 2025

Excellent property but what really made it great were the staff. Every employee we met was so friendly and attentive. Thabo was our guide and was excellent.

Stayed in March 2025

Everything was perfect. The lodge is beautiful and elegant, but the best part were the safaris. The staff was friendly and informative, and I felt very safe with them, even among wild animals. We could see lions, zebras, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and a lot of other animals. Highly recommend.

Stayed in March 2025

This was our second visit to this property, the first being September 2024. It was as amazing as the first time we visited. This is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the 5 star treatment. Every meal is a delight and the three course options for lunch and dinner exceed all expectations and tantalize the tastebuds. It is a beautiful place with the game drives thrown in allowing the viewing of the wildlife in the Pilanesberg. Highly recommend a visit to this establishment!

Stayed in March 2025

without torches is a bit difficult to return to lodges when it’s dark and no golf cart available

accommodation / villas excellent- safari guides : excellent & friendly & very well informed

Stayed in March 2025

The location. It’s too far away from the center of the park where most animals are. You drive at least 30-45 minutes to get there with every game drive, and then again back to the lodge.

Beautiful facilities and very friendly staff.

Stayed in March 2025

The super friendly and helpful staff. The comfortable room. The superb food and the relaxing areas.

Stayed in March 2025

The only small downside was a slight disagreement at checkout. After we had already settled the bill and even given an additional 2,000 ZAR in tips, staff approached me while I was relaxing by the pool to request payment for a 45 ZAR mini-fridge charge. It felt unnecessary and a bit out of place considering the generosity of our tipping.

Our stay at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge was absolutely perfect. The lodge is incredibly luxurious, with stunning facilities and an overall high-end feel. The staff went above and beyond to cater to my partner’s celiac disease, preparing completely bespoke gluten-free meals for her, which made the experience even more special. Every detail was taken care of, and the level of service was exceptional.

Stayed in March 2025

We thought dinner could be better, not quite to the standard of the overall service. Similarly the service as the spar did not quite meet the overall service we received.

The game drives were amazing, everyday we had a special sighting from feeding lions to leopard! Our game driver was amazing. The facilities were great. Room spacious and comfortable. The outside shower took the award!! Breakfast and afternoon tea were great. We missed lunch as there was just lots of eating :-).

Stayed in January 2025

Absolutely 💯! The game drives were awesome and the sights we saw were amazing! To be sitting around 12 to 15 feet away from a Cheetah which had just walked down the track infront of us and then standing on a rock by the side of our vehicle was breath taking! Even our ranger was surprised! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the shepherds tree lodge and it's staff! We will never forget the experience there gave us and would love to return one day, THANKYOU.

Stayed in February 2025

Just amazing! From the time we stepped out of our car until we left everything was perfect. The room, food and safaris were amazing but most of all we loved the hospitality!

Stayed in February 2025

Honestly, nothing we didn't like.

Flawless and impeccable service from start to finish. Extremely helpful, polite and well trained staff. Beautiful accommodation in gorgeous setting.

Stayed in February 2025

The food is good, but it’s not 5 star.

It’s a fantastic place!!! We stayed one night in the “luxury suite”. For us it was the perfect amount of time on safari ( 2 x 3.5 hours) but we could’ve stayed another night just to enjoy the facilities and the private pool!

Stayed in February 2025

It was all good.

Everybody is very friendly and forthcoming. The game drives have been fantastic. Food was nice. I must have eaten something though my body didn’t like.

Stayed in February 2025

It was just amazing! I could not compliment it more, i absolutely loved it!

Stayed in February 2025

Not a good kitchen. The food was totally not at the same level as everything else. bit of a mass tourist feel in the restaurant.

Mostly excellent staff, especially the reception and the bar. Good game drives. Very nice and knowledgeable game ranger (Sibou).

Stayed in February 2025

The menu was generally not to my liking sometimes, but that’s just a personal thing.

It was a very comfortable stay. The staff were very attentive and helpful.

Stayed in January 2025

No wine or bottle openers in the rooms.

Staff professionalism, cleanliness and location

Stayed in February 2025

The Shepherd tree game reserve is surely under the best three hotels I have ever been to. The most friendly staff in every area, very experienced and knowledgeable game drive guides and really great food (great choice, fresh, colorful, creative, super delicious). The rooms were just amazing- even better than the pictures. The big bathtub, the outdoor shower and just the views are stunning. Very clean, stylish and comfortable. I am not going to spoiler, but it was the little details which made the difference between a really great hotel and a 10/10. Long story short: everything was perfect. We only regretted not booking more than two nights.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing - it was absolutely perfect!

I wish I had the words to adequately praise Shepherd’s Tree! This was my third time back and it just keeps getting better every time I go. The staff are absolutely incredible and are such gems! They are so kind, warm and caring. Their attention to detail is unmatched and they are willing to go ABOVE and BEYOND! Best place on Earth! They deserve to be considered Africa’s best game lodge. I cannot thank the staff enough for being so amazing! ALL the were great and I wish I could write something special for everyone because each person had a hand at making my experience so magical and memorable. The kitchen staff are unmatched! The food is 10/10. They work so hard and are SUPER talented! The cleaning staff and grounds staff are amazing at their jobs and are so friendly. The waiters are fantastic and pay great attention. The spa staff at Armani are so sweet! This is all thanks to an excellent management team who cares about their staff and guests. Thank you Shepherd’s staff for making my stay so special. You deserve recognition for being the best group of people in the hospitality game!

Stayed in February 2025

Everything was perfect. The staff are very kind and helpful.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Staff were amazing, facilities great, and food was outstanding. Games drives were brilliant - ranger Piet was simply awesome

Stayed in December 2024

The food is good but it could be better for a 5 star hotel

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing at all

Absolutely everything - the staff, the place, the location. Special mention for Mingo our amazing ranger. She was exceptional and so passionate. She’s a credit for you.

Stayed in January 2025