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Lodge · Madikwe Pilanesberg
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
Nestled within the exclusive-use zone of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge offers an exceptional luxury safari experience. Located in a Big 5, malaria-free reserve, this lodge provides breathtaking views of the bushveld.
From R 8 030 per person sharing, per night
Lodge · Madikwe Pilanesberg
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
From R 8 030 per person sharing, per night
Enquire nowNestled within the exclusive-use zone of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge offers an exceptional luxury safari experience. Located in a Big 5, malaria-free reserve, this lodge provides breathtaking views of the bushveld.
Location · Madikwe Pilanesberg
From, per person · night · R 8 030
About the lodge
An overview of Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge.
Nestled within the exclusive-use zone of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge offers an exceptional luxury safari experience. Located in a Big 5, malaria-free reserve, this lodge provides breathtaking views of the bushveld.
Highlights
- Exclusive luxury in Pilanesberg Game Reserve, a Big 5 malaria-free reserve.
- Guided game drives to spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo.
- Beautiful architecture and elegant interiors.
- Luxurious amenities, including a spa, outdoor pool, and restaurant.
- Enjoy sundowners with stunning views of the bushveld.
You Should Know
Child Policy
- Children over 12 are permitted on safari at the sole discretion of the manager or guide.
- Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on game drives.
- Sole use vehicle is available to facilitate families at an additional cost per vehicle per game drive
The Details
Guests can enjoy daily game drives in open 10-seater vehicles, exploring the reserve’s rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
The lodge is known for its flawless finishes and exquisite interior design, offering a sophisticated environment with a variety of luxurious amenities, including a spa, outdoor pool, and restaurant. The daily program includes morning and afternoon game drives, where guests can relax with sundowners at sunset, making it a perfect place to unwind while experiencing the best of nature.
Accommodation
Standard Rooms
The standard rooms at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge provide a comfortable retreat after a day of wildlife exploration. Each room is elegantly designed with modern amenities, a private patio, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Family Suite
Ideal for families, the family suite includes a spacious living area, kitchenette, and ample room for relaxation. It offers a comfortable and homely environment for guests travelling with children.
Executive Suite
For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the executive suite features a larger living space, a private patio with pool views, an outdoor shower, and enhanced facilities for comfort and privacy.
Dining
Guests at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge are invited to indulge in exquisite cuisine at the gourmet restaurant, or savor a unique dining experience under the stars at the boma, surrounded by the serene beauty of the bushveld.
Price Include
- All meals
- Teas and Snacks
- Two daily Safari activities
You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup.
The same as booking direct
Rates and dates.
Per person sharing, per night. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.
Valid until 30 Apr 2025
Green season
1 May 2026 – 30 Sept 2026
Full Board - All meals, teas, snacks, local beverages and two daily activities
R 8 030
per person · night
Shoulder
1 Oct 2026 – 30 Apr 2027
Full Board - All meals, teas, snacks, local beverages and two daily activities
R 9 190
per person · night
Rates are per person sharing, per night. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your safari specialist.
Family policies
Travelling with children.
What our safari specialists know about bringing children to Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, current as of May 2026. They plan family trips here all the time, so anything below that needs arranging, they will sort. For the bigger picture, see our guide to safari with children .
- Minimum ages
- Stay All ages · Game drives 6+ · Walking safari 16+
- Child rates
- Luxury Suite with pool: max 2 adults + 1 child under 12 (0–5 free; 6–11 at 50% of adult sharing rate). Family Suite: max 2 adults + 2 children under 12 (unit rate covers all four). Standard Room, Deluxe Suite and Royal Pilane Suite are 2-adults only — no child accommodation.
- Family rooms
- Family unit available.
- Care
- Kids' programme · Babysitting available
- Exceptions
-
Children of all ages may stay at the lodge, but only in Luxury Suites with pool or the Family Suite — Standard Rooms, Deluxe Suites and the Royal Pilane Suite are restricted to 2 adults. On game drives, the standard minimum age is 6, and children aged 6–12 ride at the sole discretion of the manager or guide. Children under 6 are not permitted on the shared game vehicle; families with younger kids can book a sole-use vehicle at R7,000 per drive. Mid-morning "Bush Bumbles. Kiddies Safaris" are offered for younger children in place of the standard drive. Bush walks are strictly 16+.
Cultural
Beyond the game drive.
Community visits, cultural walks, and dining experiences documented at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge.
Cultural experience
Monati Lunch. Boma Dinner Experience
A combined cultural experience package at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge that includes a Cultural Tour, Dance Show, and either Lunch or Dinner (Monati Lunch or Boma Dinner). This is the lodge's flagship cultural offering, bundling a guided cultural tour with a traditional dance performance and a meal.
Per person pricing (rates 2026/27): Full experience (Cultural Tour + Dance Show + Lunch or Dinner) R735; Dance & Lunch/Dinner R460; Culture Show & Dance Show R460; Dance Show Only R220; Lunch/Dinner Only R270; Breakfast Only R170. Also available as part of the 'Full Home Stay' room package (Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Cultural Experience).
- Cost
- R735 per person (full experience, rate); R555 per person (partner rate)
- Availability
- subject to availability
Cultural experience
Full Home Stay (Cultural Experience Package)
A room-inclusive package at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge that combines Dinner, Bed & Breakfast with a Cultural Experience. Guests booking this rate have the cultural programme built into their stay, offering a convenient all-in cultural immersion option.
Valid 2026/04/01–2027/03/31. Standard Room: Single R2,260. Sharing R1,720 pp; Deluxe Room: Single R2,480. Sharing R1,880 pp. Partner rates: Standard Room Single R1,695. Sharing R1,290; Deluxe Room Single R1,860. Sharing R1,410. 38 rooms total.
- Cost
- From R1,290 per person sharing (partner rate)
- Availability
- subject to availability
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Imagery
A closer look.
Your specialist for this lodge
Safari Specialist - Southern Africa
Knows Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge backwards. Your direct contact from first enquiry to the day you come home.
"Very helpful with itinerary and excellent arrangements of transport from and to Cape Town, and Idubi in Sabi Sands and Lukimbi in Kruger. Although a rep for Safari.com said a letter from a doctor was not required, such a letter IS REQUIRED to go on bush walks if older than 65. Fortunately, we checked the reserve web site and had a doctor's letter."
Speak to a safari specialist
Let's design your stay.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. We can handle the whole trip, not just the stay at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge: multi-country itineraries, internal flights, road transfers, tipping guidance, travel insurance, the lot. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
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