children meals are too small.

flexible team that fulfils every request.

Stayed in April 2022

nothing

everything

Stayed in April 2022

The game ranger was disappointing. Not knowledgeable and fast driving

All good besides the drives

Stayed in March 2025

The rest of the lodge, especially the dining room, are seriously outdated. Food options were very poor. Not once was there chicken or beef on the menus. And the quality of the food not great. Service was very slow, staff in the bar often nowhere to be found.

Executive suite was well appointed.

Stayed in December 2024

It is too commercial for South Africans and not what I expected for a 5 star stay. The food needs elevation and the knowledge on game drives definitely could be increased. I missed the quiet the bush gives you from this property.

Loved the proximity to Gauteng, and the bush evening was a lovely night

Stayed in July 2024

Now, do not book if you not prepared to spend... Long Island - R120. Glass of (house white wine )- R115. Cream Soda can small - R40. Water this was mind blowing - small still or sparkling (R35) - 750ml - R70! Our Bill for Alkohol, soft drinks and water was R2500. And this is us being conservative. Rather smuggle in your own drinks.

The staff 100% The food 100% The stay 100%

Stayed in June 2024

The room was tiny, cramped and not entirely private. Food was average at best. The staff communication between each area was poor resulting in a poor guest experience.

The bathroom was decent, staff friendly. After a series of blunders on our first morning the team made an effort of making the room special for the evening.

Stayed in May 2024

The property doesn’t cater for families, limited to no provisions for toddlers - I think they should have age limitations if they aren’t able to make the place family friendly

The facilities were great and we also really enjoyed the food

Stayed in April 2024

We were recommended here by my daughter but we're disappointed by the poor service displayed by reception staff at the lodge. We were extremely surprised the staff were not more accommodating to returning guests from the UK bringing more guests. We were asked to pay a very high surcharge just to keep our room an extra 2 hours (they had already informed us the room was empty the next day). Despite spending a lot of money on drinks and saying we would have lunch there (at our cost) the staff still wouldn't budge on the additional charge. We ended up leaving and going elsewhere for lunch and unfortunately won't be returning and will be suggesting our friend's go to other lodges in Pilanseberg.

The rooms were well presented and the lodge is in a great location. Restaurant staff were great

Stayed in March 2024

We were returning guests who brought our parents because we loved it so much. Unfortunately we had a bad experience with reception staff and management who wanted to charge us 4000 rand to stay in our room for 2 extra hours. We spent a lot of money on drinks and wanted to stay and have lunch (at a cost to us) but the staff insisted on the 4000 rand charge despite us saying we would go and buy lunch elsewhere. This was very surprising as we are returning guests and have introduced more guests to the lodge. The staff had also told us the room was vacant the next day so it seemed like an extremely high charge. We ended up finding somewhere else to go for lunch on our last day and unfortunately neither us or the guests we introduced will be returning to Shepherds Tree.

Great location within Pilanseberg game reserve. Restaurant staff were very nice and food was good quality. We were also upgraded to a family room which was a lovely touch.

Stayed in March 2024

There was no lounging place for guests to mingle, and the room definitely wasn't 5 star. The aircon is situated directly on the right-hand stand of the bed, so it blew directly on your head/face. The aircon didn't have a front cover, so you couldn't control where it blew or you couldn't swing it. We didn't meet the lodge manager, which was a pity. At Ivory Tree, the lodge manager is always around. The morning drive catering was limited to 1 pastery per person, and the afternoon game drives limited to one drink per person. Perhaps they should consider a water and drink, and a few more nibbles.

The food was amazing The restaurant staff and Piet the ranger were wonderful.

Stayed in February 2024

Too many vehicles when big 5 spotted

Staff Accommodation Food Service

Stayed in February 2024

Didn't like the lack of indoor showers - SO many bugs and it was really gross having half eaten moths on the floor. The manager mentioned that all the lodges are the same around Pilanesburg but literally the first result I found on Google for Pilanesburg Game Lodges had "walk in shower and outdoor shower" listed.

The game drives were fun and the rangers were great. Food was lovely, though they didn't have any halal options.

Stayed in January 2024

we were forced to have both nights dinners with the game ranger which we did not want to do, by the second night when we sat down at the table for the four of us it was changed to accomodate him.

Stayed in December 2023

We had money stolen from our bag

Stayed in January 2024

vegetarian food options need to be improved

Location

Stayed in November 2023

The food was sub-standard

Great and friendly service Beautiful rooms.

Stayed in November 2023

No Tv. Charge for every drink. Didn’t allowed to drive my own car in the Safari.

Safari is a Interesting experience. The staff was friendly and very helpful

Stayed in October 2023

I asked for them to decorate our room and none of that was done. We were not told about entrance fee until we have to leave and one of your female staff opened our door without knocking and it uncomfortable but she tried apologizing but next time they can do better

The food was great and the host were really taking a good care of us

Stayed in October 2023

We didn’t have hot water for our 3 days stay. Had to take cold showers. We were confused at first. Poor communication on the itinerary. We were not told of the Boma dinner n we went dressed up for my hubby’s birthday dinner…. Only to find out when we were there that it was an outside dusty boma dinner. I was upset….

The food

Stayed in September 2023

A winter duvet would have been appreciated in the cold. Dietary requirements were not taken into account, when mentioned at reception the lady kept asking me why not. Even when explaining to her that it’s inappropriate to keep asking me, she said she would call the manager which did not happen. We asked if we could have breakfast in the lounge as the rugby was on, unfortunately this could not be accommodated. WiFi was very erratic. Unlikely we will be back at this premium priced lodge with such service.

Lovely view from the room. Our guide Piet was fantastic. Most meals and most staff were really good. The bar | lounge are is very nice.

Stayed in July 2023

Dinner service the second night and the treatment we received after our room flooded from a faulty toilet.

Game drives

Stayed in June 2023

the quality of the game drives and the prices of the non alcoholic drinks

the rooms

Stayed in June 2023

I was informed there is a wake up call for the morning game drive. It never happened.

Stayed in April 2023

rooms are a bit old ! Carpets stained . bathroom wooden stand peeling and old . rooms can be improved and made fresh

the staff and food

Stayed in May 2023