Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge sits inside the Pilanesberg National Park and Game Reserve in South Africa's North West. The reserve is malaria-free and home to the Big 5. The lodge overlooks the south-western part of the reserve. Sun City and the Valley of Waves are close by.

The lodge has a quieter, traditional bush-lodge feel. There are 24 suites by one listing's count: standard suites, Executive Suites with private pools and a Private Villa with its own plunge pool. Two guided game drives run each day in open vehicles, with sundowners on the bushveld.

Between drives you can use the award-winning Amani Spa, which has three treatment rooms, two of them for couples. There is also a rim-flow infinity pool with panoramic bushveld views. Meals are served in the gourmet restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor dining, or at the outdoor boma with its fire pit. The lodge also has a cocktail bar and a wine cellar.