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 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.

Shepards Tree is a wonderful choice for a bush break close to JHB. With absolutely fantastic game viewing and really beautiful accommodation.