Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Hellen was a fantastic guide, with sharp eyes that seemed to reach much farther than ours. We enjoyed our stay, and the facilities met our expectations. The safari felt more vanilla than the rougher, more exotic options I’d researched, but that’s what we were after.

The staff really cared about how we were doing, and it didn’t feel like we were just another booking. We paid around 7000 rand per night for a couple, about 370 USD, and for this level it felt absolutely worth it. Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is also convenient, about a two hour drive from Johannesburg. We came for a bit of quiet, nature, and wellness, and ended up with more than expected. The body and facial massages were seriously good, clearly professional rather than basic spa treatments. The food was incredible, and they went out of their way to cater to my vegan diet. I didn’t feel I had to compromise at all, if anything, the meals felt elevated. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed, with a luxury lodge feel right in nature. The grounds felt like a peaceful little village surrounded by lovely landscapes, and the little vehicles that take you around added to the experience. We did a two hour safari every evening, which was perfect for us. We saw animals and got excited every time, and didn’t feel the need to go in the mornings as well. If you want to see all of the Big Five, you’ll probably need a few more days. A great nature escape with comfort, especially if you’re looking for wellness, vegan friendly travel, safari, and a relaxing luxury stay. A real experience, not just another hotel 💛

We spent 3 days celebrating our wedding at Shepherd’s Tree, and it was an amazing, unforgettable experience from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond, and the accommodation was exceptional. Dineyo and Nondumiso deserve a special thank you for making it all happen. We’ll be coming back for years to come.

Fantastic stay, with great game drives, a lovely location, and an amazing food menu. A few details didn’t quite meet the very high standard: the mosquito net in our room didn’t reach the ceiling, so it didn’t help much, and the gifted water bottle touched the refiller because it didn’t fit properly, which didn’t feel very hygienic. The game drives and lunch on arrival were included. We’d definitely come back and would recommend staying at least 2 nights.