Safari Swing Hotels
We want every part of your Safari Swing adventure to go beyond your expectations, and that includes the hotels, which we have hand picked, following many trips to South Africa, to ensure that you have the best possible experience on this incredible journey. The two hotels we have chosen for this event are hotels we have stayed at numerous times ourselves and they have remained our first choice whenever we are back in South Africa. They provide a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, with impeccable service, in a relaxed environment, making them the ideal setting for Safari Swing. We are sure you will love them as much as we do. Read below to find out more about each hotel.
The Sandton Sun, Johannesburg
Our first hotel is the Sandton Sun, a 5-star oasis nestled in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg's affluent business and shopping district, where you will spend the first night of your Safari Swing adventure. Combining contemporary elegance with South Africa's famous hospitality, this really is the perfect place to bring everyone together to begin this incredible experience. With luxurious rooms and suites, gourmet dining, and stunning outdoor entertainment space, we are sure that you will feel right at home.
The hotel
Opened in 1984 as part of the Sandton City retail development, the Sandton Sun has a history as rich as its surroundings. As Johannesburg grew from its origins as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement to an international hub of commerce and culture, the Sandton Sun became its beacon of luxury and modernity.
In 2015, the hotel closed for 6 months for a full interior refurbishment. The overhaul incorporated contemporary aesthetics, punctuated with African-inspired elements, capturing the dynamic spirit of a city on the rise.
Stepping into the Sandton Sun feels like stepping into another world. The huge atrium, with its imposing 40m chandelier, will simply take your breath away as you relax in the bar / restaurant. Outside, you can soak up the atmosphere on the Sandeck, the hotel's stunning outdoor entertainment space, where you can also look forward to enjoying a champagne reception and a traditional South African braai on your first evening, as you get to know your fellow dancers and meet the Safari Swing staff.
Dance lessons and social dancing will take place in the hotel's 200sqm ballroom, giving you plenty of space to move around. Should you wish to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, the hotel is connected to the Sandton mall via the 'Diamond Walk', arguably Johannesburg's glitziest shopping experience.
The rooms
Rooms at the Sandton Sun are bright, spacious and beautifully furnished, following a philosophy of indulgent luxury, while reflecting their African heritage. Configured with double or twin beds, the comfortable mattress will help ensure you have the perfect night's sleep, allowing your dance legs to recharge, ready for the days ahead. You can also look forward to breakfast in the hotel's restaurant on Friday morning, with delicious buffet and a la carte options.
Room options
Superior rooms at the Sandton Sun really are beautiful but, should you wish to treat yourself to something a little larger, we can offer options to upgrade. Please contact us for further details.
The SanDeck
The SanDeck is the Sandton Sun's renowned, outdoor entertainment space, overlooking Sandton City. While it is the perfect place to relax in the sunshine during the day, it is definitely the coolest spot to visit in the evening, when it really comes alive, with open firepits, funky lighting and a DJ playing tunes. As the setting for our welcome reception and dinner, we are absolutely sure you will love it on the deck.
The Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg
The second hotel on our trip, and the main setting for Safari Swing, is the stunning Shepherd's Tree, a luxurious, 5-star game lodge, located in it's own private concession within the Pilanesberg national park. This lodge is actually the whole reason for the existence of Safari Swing. Having stayed here almost 30 times, it has become a home from home, and one of our favourite places in the world. Spending time here, in a perfect oasis of calm, surrounded by nature at its absolute finest, brings a level of peace that is hard to convey. We are absolutely sure you will love this place as much as we do. Make sure you check out the room options, listed below.
The lodge
Reception and bar
The Shepherd's Tree was opened in 2012 and immediately set a new standard for luxury within the game reserve. Spread across a 1km ridge, all rooms are opulently furnished and have views out across the plains. Over the years, we've watched the lodge continually improve, to the point where it is now considered to be one of the world's leading luxury lodges.
The main lodge will be your first introduction to the Shepherd's Tree, as you are warmly welcomed into reception when you first arrive. The lodge features a beautiful, raised bar and lounge, with panoramic views over the reserve, providing you with the perfect setting to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. Set above the lodge's own watering hole, don't be surprised if you see some of the local wildlife stop by for a drink.
The pool area
The lodge also features a stunning pool, with views over the reserve, which is perfect for cooling off under the hot, South African sun, so don't forget your swimsuit! The decking area around the pool is where we meet for coffee and snacks before the morning game drive, and afternoon tea before the evening game drive.
The restaurant
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the hotel's main restaurant and each meal is an absolute feast for the senses. A la carte menus provide you with plenty of choice and all of the food served at the lodge is freshly cooked onsite, often using locally sourced produce and authentic, African flavours. The team can accommodate most dietary requirements, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy gourmet dining in this stunning setting.
room options
Standard suite
The standard suite at the Shepherd's Tree is anything but standard. Sleeping two people, it is beautifully appointed and features a very comfortable bed, which can be configured as either a double or twin, a bathroom with twin sinks, a free-standing bath, and a private, outdoor shower. It also has its own patio overlooking the game reserve, where you can relax in private and watch the world go by.
Two Bed Suite
Two-bedroom suites sleep four people and are made up of two standard suites, both with their own private amenities, with a shared lounge in between for extra space. The lounge features comfortable sofas and a private, covered terrace overlooking the game reserve. As with the standard suite, both bedrooms can be configured with twin or double beds and can also be locked off from the lounge area for added privacy.
Executive Suite - 2 People
Executive suites sleep two people in either a twin or double configuration and feature the same, luxurious layout and amenities as standard suites, but also enjoy an indoor steam shower and twin outdoor showers. Executive suites also have their own private patio, with a heated pool and views over the reserve, as well as a comfortable lounge, giving you more space to relax and unwind.
Private Villa - 4 People
The private villas are our most spacious and luxurious properties at the lodge, sleeping four people across two bedrooms, both of which can be configured with twin or double beds. The bedrooms are separated by a large, comfortable lounge, which leads out onto a private terrace with heated plunge pool. With panoramic views across the reserve, these provide the ultimate Safari Swing accommodation.