Shepherds Tree Game Reserve

Having just come back from 4 nights, its clear why they were voted best Game Lodge in Africa 2025. The service levels are outstanding, the staff make whatever you want happen... The food is amazing with each course being picture worthy.

This lodge is high end but what makes it special are the team of people working in the lodge, from the general manager Prenisha to Katlego and Nombolulu, and Chef John, who deserves a Michelin star, and all those behind the scenes, the beautiful African stories that housekeeping left on our beds every evening, and all the kindness, joy and laughter we experienced. We would especially like to say how inspirational Thabo, our Field guide was on our game drives, his expertise and ability to find lions having their breakfast was truly impressive, but even if we hadn't seen a single animal, Thabo is an incredibly special guide, and I will always be grateful to his recommendation of having Amarula in my hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Thank you to everyone, both front facing and behind the scenes for a most delightful experience. My only concern with writing this review is that the next time I try and book, I won't be able to get in because the team and the lodge itself, Shepherds Tree is so very perfect.

From our arrival to our departure we were treated like royalty. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented with a wide variety to choose from. Our game driver was very informative and did his best to ensure we saw so many animals. The rooms were really luxurious and comfortable. Absolutely stunning.

From the moment I got outside my car , I was really taken care of. The warm welcome by all the staff at the entrance was spectacular. The trip was to centre me from the hustle and bustle and it did just that. The Lodge pays extra attention to detail on all aspects! The food deserves a loud mention as it was spectacular in all occasions! The presentation and chef’s visits at mealtimes was extra special. The game drive was exceptional as well. The knowledge and engagement with the game driver was outstanding! The last location for our pit stop in the bush was absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for making my last breakfast happen even though it was outside of breakfast times, that I am grateful for. You have my heart

From the moment we arrived to the to moment we left( with a very heavy heart, because we wanted to stay longer), everything was an experience, the Welcome WOW, the FOOD WOW WOW WOW, the GAME DRIVES WOW, the SPA WOW.... An OVERALL WOW WOW WOW Experience...

From the moment we arrived to when we left it was an amazing break. We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and we were upgraded to the best suite of rooms with our own pool was unbelievable. The food was superb and so were the staff. Three out of six drives we had the truck to ourselves as the other people didn’t come. Martin our ranger was brilliant and made our safari so interesting and we managed to see four out of the big five, the one missing was the leopard. We were very very lucky to see a male lion, two females and three cubs after a kill as apparently there are only thirty one tagged lions in the reserve. Everything was spot on even down to blankets and hot water bottles for morning and late afternoon drives, as it can get quite cold as we found out when it was -1 and ground frost in the mornings. The ranger had piping hot chocolate, coffee, tea and snacks mid way through the drive for a break as well as a proper toilets in the middle of nowhere. Layers of clothes are a must. It was a memorable holiday, which we will treasure for years to come.