Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is a Black-led five-star safari retreat situated in an exclusive-use section of the malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Approximately two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the lodge offers guided Big Five game viewing, luxury accommodations and panoramic views across the surrounding bushveld.
Guests can choose from standard rooms, family suites, executive suites and a private villa, with selected accommodations offering separate lounges and private plunge pools.
Highlights & Amenities
- Five-star luxury safari lodge
- Black-led hospitality team
- Malaria-free Big Five reserve
- Exclusive-use section of Pilanesberg Game Reserve
- Morning and afternoon guided game drives
- Standard rooms, family suites and executive suites
- Two-bedroom private villa with plunge pool
- Gourmet restaurant and outdoor boma
- Lounge, bar and open-air entertainment decks
- Rim-flow outdoor swimming pool
- Award-winning Amani Spa
- Junior ranger activities and family accommodations
- Conference and event facilities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Airport transfers available
- Free onsite parking
Why Stay Here
Shepherd’s Tree combines the excitement of a Big Five safari with the comforts of a five-star resort. Its location within an exclusive-use area provides a quieter and more intimate wildlife experience, while guests can also explore the wider Pilanesberg reserve during guided game drives.
The malaria-free setting makes the lodge particularly attractive to families and first-time safari travellers. Sun City is approximately 20 to 25 minutes away, while Johannesburg and Pretoria can be reached in around two to three hours by road.
Ownership & Leadership
Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is operated through African Ivory Holdings and managed by aha Hotels & Lodges. Publicly available information does not establish African Ivory Holdings as a majority Black-owned company; therefore, the property is classified by Black Hotel Guide as Black-led rather than verified Black-owned.
The lodge is led at the property level by experienced hospitality executive Tungamirai Manjokoto, while Tafadzwa “Tafa” Manyowa serves as Group General Manager within African Ivory Holdings.
Aha Hotels & Lodges is part of Tourvest, a majority Black-owned South African travel and tourism group. Tourvest is 51.03% owned by TVT Africa Tourism Holdings, associated with Black South African entrepreneur Robert Gumede’s Guma Group.
This combination of Black executive leadership and majority Black-owned hotel management supports meaningful Black participation in the lodge’s operations, employment and guest experience, even though the underlying property ownership remains unverified.
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