Shepherd’s Tree Lodge.
Given the colour of the buildings, the lodge blends superbly into the surrounding vegetation.
Once the rains arrive,and the vegetation generates new growth,
the structures will be almost invisible from the road.
The main entrance…certainly an imposing structure
and a total surprise.
Why? Because this part of the building only becomes apparent once you enter the grounds.
The main reception area.
Light and bright with extremely friendly staff.
There is a well stocked gift/souvenir shop to the left,
and a table FULL of sweets for guests to snack on.
A short staircase leads down from the main reception area to a spacious and light-filled dining room.
Despite the fact that this is a game lodge, the table settings and
 furniture would not look out of place in any fine dining restaurant.
Beef Olive for lunch…except that this was made from Eland.
The Lodge does plated lunches and dinners, while breakfast is buffet style.
Both the lunch and dinner menu offer a choice of 3 starters and 4 mains!
Looking from the Boma towards the conference centre and the wine cellar.
When I was there, the venue’s seating and electronic equipment was being upgraded,
promising better facilities
The Lodge Deputy General Manager had just returned from
attending the prestigious Lilizela Tourism Award ceremony.
These awards are recognized Internationally
and are judged by an eminent panel across several categories
Shepherd’s Tree Lodge was a Provincial winner in the Game Lodge category.
Many congratulations to all concerned.
If you over indulge in the wine cellar,
this could possibly be your point of view of the wine racks.
The beautiful space is available for private functions or romantic dinners.
It was 1.2km from the reception to my Villa accommodation.
This is the transport available to guests who do not feel like walking.
After all the food on offer, I felt that the walk was required.
The Villa that I stayed in overnight had two bedrooms this size.
The only reason I chose this one is that the view was better.
An enormous en-suite bathroom with the “required” outdoor shower.
This central lounge separates the two bedrooms.
There is a flat screen TV, which I did not bother to turn on,
a small kitchen area together with a beverage station.
There is also a fridge, should you wish to keep something chilled.
And just when I thought it could not get any better,
I stepped out onto this patio with its own splash pool.
And a view!
If guests choose not go on game drives, they need NEVER leave this Villa.
They have their own private Boma and dinners can be served here,
should privacy be a requirement.
Pre game drive snacks served by one of the very friendly staff.
The snacks were served in this area next to the pool.
On warm summer nights it is a great venue for a post dinner drink.
And seeing that there is an enormous fire place,
I would imaging that the same would apply in winter
However, should the weather choose NOT to be accommodating…
The main bar area that can be found next to the public pool and above the Spa.
Light, bright and airy, this space was welcoming even to those who, like me,
were just looking for an indoor spot to relax.
New pool loungers arrived while I was there.
The staff had folded the towels to look like Guinea Fowl and
a view all the way to the mountain range in the distance.
Only the Villa has its own pool, all the other guests have to utilize this one.
This is the reception to the Amani Spa, that can be found in the cool space below the main building.
With minimal décor, the treatment rooms exude peace and tranquillity.
If you don’t want to be alone,
there are treatment rooms for couples.
While wandering around, I discovered a series of intimate seating areas,
where guests can relax and be away from the rest of the visitors
These wooden walkways lead from the main reception area to
all of the public areas as well as the Spa.
The view from the pool deck.
In the foreground is a waterhole that is often frequented by a variety of game.
This was not the case while I was there
and the only visitors were a mixture of bird species.
Shepherd’s Tree rates as one of the Top 5 Lodges that I have stayed in.
To find out more about this stunning Lodge and what is offers,
visit their website:
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