Ivory Tree Game Lodge

This was a wonderful lodge! Came back for the second time and loved it! The food is great! Service fantastic! We saw lots of animals! The guide we had was just super!!!!

Ivory Lodge is a luxury resort right in the middle of Pilansberg National Park. This was our first safari experience and we couldn’t ask for more. In arrival we were greeted with drumming, dance and music. Our accommodation was beautiful and of an afternoon zebra would graze right outside our verandah. Our game experiences were sublime and the guides so knowledgeable. Beautiful restaurant with extensive food choices and the BOMA was great fun. We would highly recommend

We’re in our early 30s and had some trepidation about whether Pilanesberg would live up to the Kruger experience. With limited time and not keen on a six-hour drive from Johannesburg, we opted for Pilanesberg, just two hours away—and we’re so glad we did! Our journey with MoAfrika Travels started with an early morning pickup from our hotel in a comfortable minibus. Our driver, Alex, was charismatic and full of energy, instantly setting the tone for an unforgettable safari—even at 5:30 AM! Upon entering the park, Alex drove us to our accommodation at Ivory Tree Lodge, but the adventure started before we even arrived. Within just 30 minutes, we had already spotted three of the Big Five, including the elusive leopard! Alex made our first day truly special with his knowledge and enthusiasm. At Ivory Tree Lodge, we were warmly welcomed with hot towels and refreshing drinks. The lodge itself was stunning, with beautiful surroundings and above-average food. A nice surprise was that lunch on the first day was included, even though it wasn’t mentioned on our ticket. The lodge also has a waterhole at the back, and during our stay, we were lucky to see a hippo visit—an incredible sight! For our open-vehicle safaris (an evening drive on Day 1 and an early morning drive on Day 2), we were lucky to have Tanya as our guide. She was absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the wildlife. Overall, our Pilanesberg experience exceeded expectations. If you’re debating between Kruger and Pilanesberg and are short on time, this is an incredible alternative. Highly recommend! On the journey back, there was a bit of confusion about which bus we needed to take, but the team handled it quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth return trip.

This was the best and most wonderful staying ever!!! I’ve got memories for life!!!Thank you so much hope to see you again !!!

After an uncomfortable minibus journey along terrible roads we arrived at the Lodge. You are actually within the Game Reserve, it is surrounded by a high electrified fence and security high gates. It has direct access into the reserve. The Lodge is well appointed with smaller lodges dotted round the site. There is a large swimming pool. There is a Spa. We were welcomed warmly. It is decorated in traditional African style. There is a small shop selling souvenirs. Our personal lodge had a huge comfortable bed with mosquito nets, a veranda directly overlooking the game reserve. Huge bathroom with massive double bath, outdoor shower with lovely toiletries. A small decanter which contained Port was complimentary. There is air con. There is Wifi. It is serviced every morning and evening There was a fridge with bottled water. Tea, coffee, milk and biscuits in the room. The lodges were serviced every day. The main lodge serves breakfast lunch and dinner. . There are two large dining areas, Buffet style breakfast with hot breakfast cooked to order. Quality of the food was very good, but on a few occasions my hot breakfast arrived after a long wait,I couldn’t eat the eggs which were cold. The lighting is very low and not very bright, so difficult to see what you’re eating in the evening. There is a bar, also a fire pit outside that was lit every evening. We were up at 4:45 am to go on the first game drive at 5:20, these begin before dawn, we were well wrapped up, blankets are provided. You are in a proper game Land Rover with a raised secure dais at the back. Our ranger was fantastic ( Marvin) we were usually first out into the reserve which is huge, it is stunning countryside. Over the next few days we went on 5 game drives and saw all the big game at very close quarters! There are stops within the reserve where you are served coffee, tea, biscuits and mimosas. Overall it is a fantastic lodge with the excitement of being within the reserve. Would definitely return!

We came from the US - Indiana. This place blew our minds. Food was incredible, game drives where awesome and the room was exceptional. If you are uhming and ahing - BOOK IT. The staff made us feel Like family. The Park and animals was exceptional - saw 4/5 big 5 and 3/5 ugly five.