About Three Tree Hill
Close to the base of Van Reenens pass, the lodge is also the ideal half-way stop between Johannesburg & Durban, only 27km from the N3 highway. 8km of gravel road. No 4 x 4 necessary.
This lodge is the perfect location to base yourself for exploring the major Anglo-Boer War Battlefields in KwaZulu Natal (Battles of Spionkop and Colenso), the Northern Drakensberg Mountains (world heritage site), and within easy (2hrs) reach of the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields (Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift).
Against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, and overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, lies Three Tree Hill Lodge (formerly known as Three Trees at Spioenkop). This Fair Trade certified lodge, places great emphasis on Sustainable Responsible Tourism and offers spectacular scenery, locally grown farm-style country food with superb hospitality. It is the ideal environment in which to unwind and be rejuvenated. This intimate, luxury 24 bedded lodge is ownermanaged by Simon & Cheryl Blackburn whose passion and enthusiasm for Africa’s wildlife, history and culture is immediately evident when you visit. You are welcomed into their home, and invited to experience the warm hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere in their four star family-run lodge.
The old-world charm of the lounge/dining area with its large verandahs creates an ideal environment in which to wind down and enjoy nature. Meals are often served outside where one can soak up the views while enjoying the exquisite local farm-style fare. The main lounge & dining area is linked by a central fireplace. The lounge is adorned with historical memorabilia & collection of Africana for guests to enjoy. Communal dining is the norm, unless otherwise requested
Accommodation:
The lodge consists of 6 x Double cottages & 3 Two-bedroomed Family Cottages, accommodating a total of 24 people.
Room Configuration
- Six Double/Twin Cottages sleeping 2 guests in each.
- Kiplings Family Cottage: two bedrooms allowing a maximum 2 adults with 4 children (under 18 years) sharing. Or alternatively 4 adults sharing.
- Churchills Cottage: 4 adults (or 2 adults, 2 children - 3rd child on request) in 2 separate bedrooms (with private en-suite bathrooms)
- Burchells Cottage sleeps 4 adults (or 2 adults, 4 children) in 2 separate bedrooms (with private en-suite bathrooms).
Guest amenities (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, bubble bath, bath salts) consist of a unique range of exquisite hand-made virgin olive-based African Botanical body care products. Tissues, cotton wool, ear buds & hand clothes-wash gel also supplied. Torches, umbrellas and hot water bottles supplied. Tea/coffee making facilities. Electronic safes, hair dryers & British square 3-prong plugs. Also 2-prong type & USB ports. Private verandah.
Family Cottage also has tissues, cotton wool, ear buds, nappy bags & hand clothes-wash gel. Milton bottle steriliser, night light, puzzles, books, children's hiking backpack & shady sandpit.
Dining:
A buffet style breakfast & lunch is served either outside on the viewing deck or on the verandah. Dinners are a set menu with 3 homely farm-style courses followed by port or cognac in front of the fireplace or out under the stars around the boma fire. Dinner menu is displayed during afternoon tea, with only one choice for each course, so please do let us know if this choice is not to your liking, so we may have time to prepare an alternative. Fresh, farm ingredients sourced locally or grown on site. Vegans, coeliacs, omnivores all catered for provided we receive prior notification. Communal dining is the norm, unless otherwise requested. Platinum Diners Club Wine List – Best of South African wines & craft spirits to choose from at reasonable prices.
Experiences
Guided activities (game walks, horse rides, nature walks & battlefield tours) are subject to guide availability or by prior arrangement. Other self-guided experiences on site (birding, walking trails, mountain biking, sundowners, picnics, swimming) & in the nearby area (Drakensberg mountain hikes, hot air ballooning, raptor show, reptile centre, canopy tour, adventure centre, rock art, helicopter flips, golf) can be done under your own steam.
Children:
Children of all ages are welcome at Three Trees. Please be considerate of your child’s behaviour when other guests are around. Earlier meal times can be arranged for children, no problem. Child Minder & cots available on request. Please arrange prior to arrival. Children aged 18 and older are considered adults and therefore pay the full rate. Children under the age of 18 years are able to share a double cottage with their parents at a nominal rate. Children under 12 years are not permitted on game walks or battlefield tours. Our swimming pool areas have no safety nets, nor balustrading. Children are only allowed to swim under adult supervision. Nature based activities include, walks, horse rides, croquet, shrimp & tadpole collecting, butterfly/insect catch & pinning, birding. Children’s outside play area with jungle gym, trampoline, obstacle course, sand pit & fantasy house.
Activities:
Nature Walk
Trails (ranging between 2 – 9km) on the farm can be arranged with a guide free of charge. This is a particularly great activity for families with young children that may not join the Game Walk in the reserve. It is an interpretive experience, that focuses on the small things – plants, insects, tracking & even game spotting.
(FREE OF CHARGE)
Mountain Bike Rides
Exhilarating mountain bike trails on the farm snake through the hills, following narrow single tracks. Bikes, helmets & gloves are available for the use of guests. Guided trails range between 2km – 20km.
(R420 per person)
Guided Horse Trail Riding
Trail Rides can be arranged to suit the experience and pace of the riders. Inexperienced rides are approximately 30 – 45 minutes, while experienced rides 60 – 90 minutes. English-style saddles with snaffle bridles are used. Hard helmets are compulsory. These are provided. Rides are taken on the working cattle farm, adjacent to the game reserve, where game may be seen from time to time.
(R420 per person)
Rangeworthy Cemetery Walk (or Bicycle Ride)
Rangeworthy Cemetery holds the graves of those killed in the battles of iNtabamnyama & Bastion Hill. There is even a Geocache hidden here… Trips to Rangeworthy Cemetery 3km down the road (and back up again!)
Walk – no charge, Bicycle – R420 per person
Hambrook Village Excursion(by Bicycle or Vehicle)
A truly authentic experience with one of the Three Trees staff members that takes you to the nearby village (8km down the road) for a look into the lives of the Hambrook residents. Pop into the pre-school & visit someone’s home.
(R395 per person, which is donated to the Community Fund)
