aha Ivory Tree Lodge

South Africa , Sun City- Madikwe
JOHANNESBURG, Kgabo Dr, Bagatla Gate, Pilanesberg National Park
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75 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2024

Richard

Perfect safari introduction

Amazing resort in Pilanesberg. Very high standard of service. Food and service first class. Safari vehicles well maintained and comfortable. Even have comfort stop during drives. Our ranger excellent (Jaktah-probably spelt incorrectly sorry) with vast knowledge of wildlife and birdlife. Saw big five. Each drive very different in terms of viewing and terrain. Rooms comfortable and spacious as were communal areas. Nice pool.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2024

anthony

One word would do it... 'WOW'. Top 3 of the perfect places I've visited. Tranquil, elegant and the most marvelous staff available. The safari guides are knowledgeable, fun and work together to allow all guest to experience viewing the game animals once discovered on the range. Totally recommended.

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2024

Stefanie

Our stay at Ivory Tree was fantastic! From being greeted by their warm staff to our guide Sephio (I hope I did not make a mistake on spelling). Everyone made an effort to make our stay memorable. We cannot wait to make another trip to Ivory Tree!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2024

Deepali

Fantastic Hotel

Food was the best part, tasty, fresh and delicious. The pastry chef deserves a special mention. Game drive was really good and the rooms are beautiful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2023

Jeremy John

Game drives were awesome

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2023

Panakkal

Amazing.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2023

Ralph

Amazing place

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2023

Dean

Beautiful lodge, well maintained grounds. Staff seem genuinely happy and helpful. The food was excellent and delicious as well as various different options available. Game staff were knowledgeable and friendly and the drives were well organized. Would definitely recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2022

Darrious

Had a great time here! Jan and Nickolas were awesome!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2022

Craig

Great stay at Ivory Tree Lodge

We enjoyed an excellent stay at Ivory Tree Lodge. Great service and staff went out of their way to assist. Game viewing was excellent and our safari guide Jan, was amazing!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2021

Verified traveler

Excellent Stay

Very professional staff and knowledgeable game rangers. Excellent value for money. Lovely setting, tasty food and very good service.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2021

Verified traveler

Lovely lodge for a visit to Pilanesberg. I will book again.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jan 2021

Kaajal

Check in was perfect. I requested vegetarian options but this was not catered for, I was offered side dishes, no vegetarian proteins. Lunch dinner and breakfast buffet exactly the same as any 3 star restaurant.
CHEF Sunnyboy made us a vegetarian pasta upon request.

The 5 star experience can be found with their amazing staff.

Check out was embarrassing, I was billed for drinks I didn't order and staff didn't handle this well. I felt as if I was lying in front of other guest.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

Incredibly friendly staff and game rangers. The rooms are beautiful and the food has been delicious and all hygiene measures have been followed

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Aug 2020

Verified traveler

Mini Break

Amazing property with friendly staff. We booked the all meals + 2 game drives per night package which didn't give us much time to relax, so it went like this, arrive around 1-30pm, lunch, go to room, freshen up, afternoon tea, 3-30pm game drive (3 hours) return to freshen up, dinner. Next morning tea n snacks at 6am, game drive at 6-30am, return at 10am, breakfast.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2020

Alex

Liked helpful staff, excellent food, high quality of physical facilities, in build and function.

No aspects that we found to criticise.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2019

Ljubomir

Tranquil, lush greenery, like being in a dream with staff going beyond the call of duty for the guests.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

relaxing stay

Welcoming staff, enjoyed game drives

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing experience! Great accommodation, and excellent game drives. We saw all the Big Five during our three nights stay!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2019

james

This place is great.

Staff was amazing. Game drives were great (ask to have Sean, he was top notch). The room (bungalow) was very new and clean. Food was fantastic too. Can’t say enough good things about this property.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

11 Oct 2019

Red Rock

A good choice for families

A fairly priced lodge/ Hotel in Pilansberg national park. Its certainly not the best place to stay if you want tranquility, exclusivity and emerge yourself in the African bush, like many South African lodges focus on, but then again you are not paying thousands of dollars a stay either. For larger families traveling together, this is a great choice. This is also a great choice if this is your first time on a safari.
- The area is fenced in and safe.
- Rooms have a nice view of the bush
- Rooms are very cleaned, comfortable with large bathroom and an outdoor shower.
- Staff are great
- The restaurant serves a buffe. The food was pretty average.

Good hotel, and a great deal

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2019

Rekha

Enjoyable stay!

The rooms were spacious and clean- and the outdoor shower was perfect allowing you to shower privately under the stars. I was concerned that it would be too cold outside to use and therefore impractical but the water was delightfully hot and I didn’t even notice the cold. We had Ika as our guide for the game drives and he was unbelievable - we got to see all of the big 5 game during our two days.
The food was delicious as well

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2019

Ali

Fabulous experience from the staff to the lodging. All meals and safari rides included. Highly recommended

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

18 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

The food quality was unsatisfactory. The staff were disorganized and impolite.

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2019

Verified traveler

The property is in a good position next to the park

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2019

Verified traveler

Lot of friendly staff and very nice surroundings. Morning game drives are cold in May with wind chill factor however saw variety of animals including the elusive cheetah.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2019

nick

Was absolutely fantastic the staff great so helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them this place is a lodge not a hotel and I think people get a bit confused reading some of the reviews absolutely fantastic

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Jan 2019

julie

Great stay

Very comfortable rooms. Great park. Nice for couples, families and friends.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2019

Sarah

Understated luxury, very relaxing

Understated luxury, huge beds in the standard rooms, loved the outdoor seating space, huge bath and outdoor shower. Service was good, not intrusive or over the top, great if you like some space to relax and enjoy your break. Food was uncomplicated and changed every day, we tried crocodile and ostrich. The local beers and wine were very reasonably priced and good. Game drives were excellent, we went on 7 and never got bored, our ranger ensured we had a great experience on each one and we had close encounters with a wide range of species. Spa treatments were very enjoyable and the cabins were idyllic. Would definitely return.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2019

Michelle

Babymoon

Absolutely incredible from start to finish.
Hotel, food and staff were all deserving of the 5 star rating..

The game rangers are honestly some of the best we have ever driven with.
I would definitely say we preferred the meals when they were a la carte to buffet, but in saying that the buffet was the best buffet we've had so we can't complain.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jan 2019

Elisabeth

Amazing place!

Amazing stay in an amazing place. Although I wouldn't give it 5 * it is a very beautiful and comfortable hotel/lodge. Great service and very friendly staff, 3 meals per day (all buffet) of good choice and taisty, vegetarian, fish and different kinds of meats. Drinks are to be paid apart. Bartender Victory is the best! The rooms (we had a luxury suite with private patio with a small pool) very spacious and nice furnished.
Patio/terrace could have been kept a bit cleaner. 2 game drives were included (5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). An unforgetable experience!!! Cathy, our guide, was a pro! She had such a good knowledge about the park and all the animals and she was so funny!
We will definitely come back!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Everyone was friendly and helpful. The facilities were wonderful and they worked hard to accomodate our schedule.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2018

Grant

Ivory tree

Excellent

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

Best game lodge in pilanesberg

Great game drives. Rooms were fantastic.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2018

Sharon

Very nice Lodge

All was great with room and Lodge, Food was ok.u Upon leaving out of the blue a fee of R252.00 was requested for Community Services over and above regular fees. Hotels.com was paid in full for accommodation taxes etc. Refused the extra charge. I find it very unacceptable that this was not told to us when we booked.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

I would definitely recommend this safari lodge. The staff was on top of everything and the rangers made sure we saw the magnificent 6 along with the wonderful views of the property!

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2018

Liam

Wonderfully great

The hotel team, facilities, and food were spectacular. I can’t recommend them enough. Exceedingly helpful and funny.

The park is awe inducing. Marinus was our guide and I recommend you ask for him. You’ll be sure if s. Individual experience. Saw all of the big 5 - including seeing a pride of lions take down a zebra, and devour it while fending off hungry jackals and hyenas

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2018

Tim

The staff was fantastic and covered every detail from the hot towels when we returned from the game drive to bonfires and marshmallows in the evening.... This place is a real find.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2018

Mike

A great African safari experience

As good as it looks. The staff went out of their way to ensure the best possible experience. The rooms are spectacular.

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

Nice lodge

A pleasant lodge with a few minor issues but pleased with the stay overall. Excellent game drives and good breakfast and dinner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2018

mpho

Excellent

Was just only 1 night stay at The Ivory Tree Lodge and we had a wonderful stay there. The lodge is clean, beautiful, staff is friendly and efficient, we had one of the best game drives in a long time with a guy called Biggie!
Just be aware that they don’t stock up their minibar fridges in the lodge and apparently they can do that upon customer request.

I Definitely recommend this Lodge, I will be back to stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2018

Lisa

Beautiful, peaceful retreat in the bush.

Ivory Tree is an under stated, restful place and a perfect hide away. The staff are incredibly attentive and the food is delicious and fresh. Everything is spotless and the game drives were excellent. It was the perfect escape from our busy lives.

8/10

Excellent

11 Dec 2017

sha

Great safari, 2.5h from Joburg, food not great

We stayed here for 2 nights (4 game drives) in December 2017.

Game drives: We really enjoyed the game drives and saw lots of animals, including rare Black Rhino and Leopard. However, our game driver was quite inexperienced and not very enthusiastic. We relied on other vehicles calling in sightings. The vehicles are really nice, with max capacity for 10 guests but in our drive we were only 5.

Food: Unfortunately, the food is definitely not great, it is a buffet at breakfast, lunch and dinner and not particularly well cooked.

Room: We had a suite with a dip pool which was wonderful.

Service: The service was hit and miss, sometimes the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, other times it was obvious they were fishing for a tip. The ladies at the spa did a wonderful job, we had 60min massage which were incredible. The lodge also had arranged return transfers from Joburg for us, which went smoothly.

Overall, a good safari experience at a reasonable price within reach of Joburg. Great for a short visit.

8/10

Excellent

02 Nov 2017

debs

African Safari experience

Fabulous game drive experience in great location but hotel not 5 star standard. Buffet breakfast lunch and dinner for 3 nights is too much buffet! Food good but not 5 star standard. Lodge a bit regimented- not thoughtful
Eg no service directory in room.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Excellent stay!

We had a fantastic time here. The play is stunning and the safaris were amazing. Our guide Volbert was fantastic. I would highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2017

Verified traveler

The game drives were superb. Very relaxing and beautiful accomdation. This was my second stay here. Wish I could visit more often.

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Ivory Tree visit

Very welcoming staff. Everyone, from staff to workers were polite, helpful and kind. Our game drive host, Werner, was simply outstanding. He made our nature wildlife drives informative, educational, and with confidence always made us feel safe. It was a wonderful lifetime experience.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2017

James

This lodge is Awesome - Highly Recommend.

Guys, one word... well done. One of the best I've stayed at and happy I could do it with all the visitors I brought in from overseas. Well done.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2017

lynne

Wonderful place

Great place, well equipped, lovely setting, friendly staff, terrifc ranger. She was informative and inspired by her job - we loved the game viewing drives and saw amazing animals especially loved the close up view of a leapord who walked up to our vehicle- awesome wouod recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the South African bush

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2016

Mike

great time

Clarise was a great guide finding 4 of The big 5. Beatiful place with exrodinary sunsets. Great time.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2016

Herman

This was an incredible breakaway, as I have stayed at many places in the Pilansberg but The Ivory Tree Game lodge has that extra something special one is looking for to make a holiday from great to awesome. I would like to thanks Ryan our Game Ranger, what a knowledgeable and friendly person he was with us our entire stay and made it more enjoyable. The food is amazing and the whole feel of the lodge is just of pure wilderness experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2016

Christine

Ivory Tree Lodge surpassed all our expectations. The game drives were superb. The staff were welcoming and provided excellent service. The food was delicious and the rooms were beautiful. We will definitely be back!

Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2016

Joanne

Lovely place

Staff were great. Lovely place. Game drives were fab - our tanger Nicole was excellent and we saw loads.lodge was quiet, so mainly a la carte, breakfast was particularly scrummy. Pool area lovely - though we didn't use it. Rooms were nice, a little tired, but we spent very little time there as we were in game drives and then self driving all day - a shame we didn't use the patio area. Outdoor shower was interesting (only roofless, so private) - even though it was winter and chilly it was ok, though would be nicer in summer.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2016

Verified traveler

Great trip to Cape Town

Overall, the hotel stay was fine. The hotel was nice, the staff were great, and the location was great. It is a little misleading with 'Luxury' in the name as well as the star rating. It is not what I would consider luxury, but it otherwise it was very nice.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Great Hotel and lovely staff
Thank you

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Game ranger excellent, friendly helpful and very knowledgeable.

8/10

Excellent

20 Jan 2016

Joanna

Great weekend safari getaway

An easy drive from Johannesburg and great location for a weekend safari.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2016

Keri

Amazing bush experience!

The Ivory Tree Game Lodge was a highlight in my trip to South Africa. The team there was so hospitable and accommodating I will be raccoon mending this spot to all of my friends. The food is great and the game drives are so fun. I also spent an afternoon in the spa with Abigail who was absolutely fantastic!

2/10

Poor

02 Dec 2015

Lizette

Horrible and overrated

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

Excellent Safari lodge, or just an excellent retr

We stayed in suite S1, close to the main reception, pool and dining area, but far enough so you had silence at night. The room was perfectly prepared and had all the facilities you would expect of a five star, The jacuzzi was cleaned on a daily basis as well as the patio area being swept of the nights leaf fall. My being a lactose intolerant and pescatarian was absolutely no issue, the staff went out of the way to ensure we were catered for, to the extent of preparing separate meals for us whilst everyone else had a shared buffet. Drinks were charged for except for at breakfast and tea, but this was clearly detailed at check in time. The hotel staff were excellent, our guide Willem was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, he went out of his way to ensure that we were perfectly positioned for photos on safari and we managed to see four of the big five and countless more animals. He also arranged for us to eat together as a group (if we wanted to) which gave greater bonding opportunities especially for lone travellers. Check out was painless even though my transfer company was late. The hotel ensured that they had options to get me to the nearby airport on time

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2015

Ricky

Great game lodge

We had a great 3 nights in the Ivory Tree. We were well looked after throughout our stay and would highly recommend the place. The main attraction was obviously the safari and we had a really knowledgable and enthusiastic guide who took us on 2 daily game drives. Pilanesburg is really good park for spotting lots of wildlife.

Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Sep 2015

Derek

Great hidden gem!

This lodge is a great little gem! We had some miscommunication and not so great service before we arrived trying to book transfer from he airport but when we arrived at the lodge it was much better. They take you on Game Drives in the morning and evening and the viewing of animals is spectacular! Our tour guide Sam was fabulous!! We loved her!! She really went out of her way so that we could see the most animals possible and get the best view. The lodge is very scenic and we even saw an elephant the first day there, right outside our back porch!! The food was fantastic and the service at the restaurant impeccable! My only critique is I feel you should not have to pay for the WiFi. They should give you a set amount of GB per day if they need to and you should be able to use it in your room. This might be the deciding factor for me when thinking about whether to stay there again or not.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2015

Verified traveler

Great Lodge. Very high quality. The guide for the included Game Drives was excellent - thank you Sam!

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2015

Kathy

A Great Getaway.

Lovely setting. Staff very helpful and pleasant. Pity the mattress and pillows were so hard. Game Ranger excellent. We will be back, it was a great place to spend a weekend away.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Ricardo

Quarto fantástico. Equipe muito amável e educada. Estrutura muito boa. Safari bem estruturado

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

daisy

Equipe de funcionários

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2025

Bernd

Eine schöne Game Lodge in schöner Umgebung. Die Anlage ist geschmackvoll in die Landschaft gesetzt. Die Bungalows sind schön und großzügig eingerichtet, mit großer Badewanne(für 2!) und Freiluftdusche.
Die Essenauswahl (Menüs!) ist gut und bietet aus eine vegetarische Auswahl, einzelne Komponenten sind abwählbar. Getränke sind nicht inklusive, aber in Auswahl und Qualität erschwinglich bis zu tollen Weinspezialitäten in höheren Preisklassen. Die gesamte Anlage ist schön konzipiert. Das Personal ist sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend, die 2 täglich (und inklusiven) Safaris am frühen Morgen und am späten Nachmittag sind sehr informativ, in unserem Fall durch unseren phantastischen Guide Siyabonga, der mit erheblichen Fachwissen über Fauna und Flora erheblich zur Erweiterung des Wissens beigetragen hat. Allein dies ist schon ein Grund, die Ivory Tree Game Lodge zu buchen. Insgesamt eine schöne Erfahrung und Bereicherung im Wissen für uns.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2024

Ayjala

Sensacional

Incrível

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2023

lucie

Excellent sur toute la ligne. Au delà des attentes. Bravo

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2022

Charlotta

Nice hotel

Nice hotel with excellent service. Very small pool area.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2020

Marcus

great

Ivory Tree game Lodge Was a very pleasant stay, Nice pool area, great food and service, game drives with very friendly rangers. I really recomend this hotel.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2020

WAGNER

Lugar muito bonito, organizado, ótima comida e atendimento

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2019

Bruna

Incrível

Experiência incrível, com certeza ficaria novamente o Safari agrega muito valor ao Hotel.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Service- und Küchenpersonal war wieder der „Hammer“, alle sehr freundlich und auch sehr aufgestellt. Verpflegung ausgezeichnet und auch abwechslungsreich.
Ein negativer Punkt war die Eingangstüre zum Bungalow Nr. 05 Diese war sehr krumm, so dass es unten und auf der Seite einen Schlitz hatte. Dort kommen Kriechtiere hindurch sowie kommt dort auch die Wärme herein.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Très bel hôtel au pilanesberg

Magnifique chambre avec terrasse donnant sur le parc du pilanesberg. Vue imprenable. Repas excellents sous forme de buffet. Personnel très efficace. Très bel environnement et bons safaris. Valbert très sympathique et respectueux des animaux. Nous avons assisté à une scène incroyable : une lionne et lion attaquant un hippopotame sorti de l’eau la nuit tombée. Magique !

Friends_and_family Family