About
Only two hours from Johannesburg and occupying the vast crater of a long-extinct volcano, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers a malaria-free – and largely crowd-free – alternative to Big Five-seeking safari-goers. Installed relatively recent in the reserve’s even-emptier north, Ivory Tree is a large, luxurious lodge full of personal touches. Every group gets assigned a personal ranger, while there are romantic dinners and an excellent, award-winning spa.
Accommodation
Each of Ivory Tree’s 60 air-conditioned suites feature an outdoor shower and traditional African decor – meaning lots of wood, elegant lampshades, splashes of vivid colour. Standard Rooms include comfortable patios, while Luxury Suites throw in fireplaces, king-size beds and (in three of the four) a personal plunge pool. Lighter in shade and much larger is the Executive Suite, also with a patio and small pool.
Facilities
Thatched and two storeys high, the main lodge is a hub for guests. Inside are a bar, a curio shop, various intimate lounges full of quiet corners, and a cosy dining room. Breakfasts and lunches can also be enjoyed on the picturesque main viewing deck, while a traditional boma – heated by a log fire - is the place for dinner. Also outside is a rock-ringed pool and, along wooden walkways, the three-room Amani Spa. Holistic rituals are delivered to supine guests busy admiring the wonderful vistas of riverine woodlands.
Activities
Game drives tend to depart twice-daily – early morning and as the sun sets – in ten-seater open Land Rovers, stopping to admire the Big Five as well as cheetah and wild dog. You’ll stop for sundowners, as well. Each group has their own personal ranger, who can also bear in mind any specific animals requests.
Child Policy
Children are welcome and can share a room with parents. Those over 6 are permitted on game drives, but normally at the discretion of the ranger.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
