To the north of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve lies the exclusive Ivory Tree Game Lodge. Situated in the basin of a spectacular amphitheatre the lodge is the newest addition to the region. It offers a more private Pilanesberg game experience as the northern region receives far lower visitor numbers, yet is still completely accessible to guests. Each of the 60 luxurious suites feature an outdoor shower, air-conditioning, full en-suite facilities as well as private television channels and are beautifully decorated to compliment the surroundings. Ivory Tree Game Lodge is completely child-friendly and suites are spacious enough to accommodate a child and parents.

The lodge has recently been entirely refurbished, giving it a new improved and fresh look. The communal areas have been redone and a tea or coffee sitting area has been added next to the bar and lounge. Qualified game rangers enthral guests while searching for the big five on ten-seater open Land Rovers in this magnificent malaria-free reserve. Back at the lodge guests can enjoy the picturesque views from the double volume, deep-thatch central facility which also houses the bar, lounges, dining room and curio shop and opens on to the rock pool and boma. Or you could spoil yourself with an array of massage and beauty treatments at the Amani African Spa. Ivory Tree Lodge is perfect for those wanting an exclusive malaria free safari.

Research in the Pilanesberg

The Pilanesberg National Park is highly involved in scientific research. Themes include how tourism affects the behaviour of elephants, the identification of black rhinos to study and preserve and cheetah and other endangered species preservation. Pilanesberg National Park is 58,000 hectares of malaria-free park which is the fourth largest in South Africa and is situated on a 1.2 billion-year old extinct volcano. The park is home to the big five – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.