Three Tree Hill Lodge

Three Tree’s Double and Twin Cottages are built from iron and wood panelling, decorated with natural colours that allow them to blend in with the surrounding landscape. The cottages feature spacious bedrooms with your choice of either a king-size bed or extra length three-quarter beds, ample storage space, a dressing table, coffee table and cosy armchairs. From the comfort of your bed, you can enjoy idyllic views out of the surrounding windows which also allow for a pleasant airflow and plenty of natural lighting.

The bathrooms feature a range of modern amenities including a heated towel rail, overhead fans and a large bathtub. The charming wood panelling and gentle colour scheme create a homely setting and guests can sit out and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on their private verandah, accessible from each room.

The Kiplings Family Cottage is ideal for families with young children, including a chest packed full of toys, a cabinet of books to enrich young minds, and an outdoor play area with a sandpit in the shade. The children’s room features two bunk beds and two single beds, catering for a total of four children under the age of 12.

The spacious master bedroom consists of a king-size bed and a toasty fireplace, and leads to an en-suite bathroom with a large tub. The children’s bathroom is also wheelchair accessible. Families can enjoy spending time together either in the comfy living room, or out on their private verandah, accessible through the sliding doors.

Churchills Cottage is a self-contained villa for small groups or families with older children or teenagers. No children under the age of 8 are permitted to stay at Churchills Cottage due to the high balcony and uncovered pool. The villa offers incredible views of Spioenkop and the rolling landscape.

There are two bedrooms which both have private balconies and a choice of double or twin beds. Both rooms also lead to their own en-suite bathrooms. The cottage includes a spacious lounge area with plush sofas and armchairs gathered around a large coffee table with views out the sliding doors. Outside, you will find a large verandah with a dining space and a swimming pool deck with sun loungers.

Burchells Cottage offers stunning views of Spioenkop Mountain the reserve’s rolling landscape. The luxury cottage features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, ideal for families of up to two adults and four children. The master bedroom offers a grand king-size bed with feather-stuffed pillows and cosy sheets, and the children’s room features two bunk beds and two single beds.

Both rooms lead out to the shared verandah space where guests can enjoy incredible views of the reserve. Outdoors features an entertainment space for children, as well as a swimming pool with a safety net, and outdoor dining space. The cottage also includes a fully-equipped kitchen with an open plan dining and living area.

Guests staying at Three Tree Hill Lodge can look forward to three delicious meals each day, all freshly prepared by the lodge’s chefs with ingredients sourced from the on-site farm. Breakfast orders are taken the night before, and consist of a range of Continental and Full English options. Lunch usually features a choice of salads, homemade bread, cheeses and cold meats. All meals are plated individually and there are no buffet options. Dinner consists of a three-course meal from a set menu.

The dinner menu will be displayed during afternoon tea, informing guests of the culinary line-up, so that you have time to let the kitchen know if you would prefer an alternative. Children are able to choose from a specialised menu, and can dine earlier in the evening so as to not disturb the other guests. All dietary requirements can be catered for if the lodge is given an advanced warning.

Embark on a tour of the battlefield of the bloodiest day of the South African War, when the British troops led by General Sir Redvers Buller and Lt General Sir Charles Warren attempted to break through the Boer defence along the Thukela River, a manoeuvre which ended in only bloodshed and chaos.

The tour lasts for 4 hours and allows guests to learn about the Anglo-Boer war, following in the footsteps of both the British soldiers and Boer warriors over 120 years after the conflict. Pre-booking is required to avoid disappointment.

Travel to the site of the battle of Colenso, where Boer warriors took up a line of defence along the Thukela River and fought off the invading British Troops. The British force comprising of over 15,000 men failed to break through to Ladysmith and were made to retreat, suffering a humiliating loss. During this time, Winston Churchill came to cover the war as a journalist, but was captured near Frere before managing to escape and kickstarting his career as a political and public figure.

Guests can enjoy a peaceful wander along Three Tree Hill Lodge’s range of nearby hiking trails. With easy access to the uKhahlamba National Park, Cathedral Peak and Champagne Valley, guests can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Hikes can range from half an hour, to a full day walk, and guests can choose to be accompanied by one of the lodge’s qualified guides.

Guests can also travel to the Drakensburg Mountains and view the incredible Amphitheatre Escarpment. With a range of well-marked and rugged trails, guests can explore the foothills and mountains at their own pace. Both Simon & Cheryl are FGASA qualified Field Guides and are very knowledgeable on the plants and wildlife in the area. Discover incredible rock art left behind by the San Bushmen who once lived in this beautiful area. Guests can also travel to the Didima Rock Art Centre the Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve to learn more about the Bushmen and the life they had here.

Guests can also choose to explore out on mountain bikes, which are available to hire from the lodge.

Venture out with an equine companion and race across the landscape, viewing the historical Spioenkop Battlefield, the Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains. Guests can enjoy the rich flora and plant life while exploring the sweeping grasslands and verdant plains while following in the footsteps of fallen warriors. A variety of horses with varying levels of experience are available, including ponies for children.

Wander around the Spioenkop Game Reserve and look out for the incredible creatures that populate the landscape. Guests can expect to encounter amazing wildlife including rhinos, giraffes and antelopes while they graze near the lodge’s grounds. The area is also home to over 300 bird species, including Cape Vultures, Lanner Falcons, Buff Streaked Chats and Fairy Flycatchers.

During the dry season, the mountain birds come down to the Drakensburg foothills, feeding on the insects and plant nectar all residing here. Listen to their gentle songs and enjoy watching as the wildlife behaves naturally in their own habitat, without any fences or borders.

Three Tree Hill Lodge is a member of Fair Trade Tourism, a certification which is awarded to lodges based on a criterion that includes giving fair wages and quality working conditions, a fair distribution of benefits, respect for human rights, different cultures and the environment, and ethical business practice.

Fair Trade Tourism ‘is a non-profit organisation that promotes responsible tourism in southern Africa and beyond. The aim of FTT is to make tourism more sustainable by ensuring that the people who contribute their land, resources, labour and knowledge to tourism are the ones who reap the benefits. This is done by growing awareness about responsible tourism to travellers; assisting tourism businesses to operate more sustainably; and by facilitating a Fair Trade Tourism certification programme across southern Africa.’

The Three Tree Hill Foundation supports local women in the Bergville/Ladysmith district who have set up their own small businesses in order to provide for their families. This includes Fortunate Maduna, who crafts wire mats and has received support from Three Tree Hill in the form of additional workers who have now been trained and are able to help in creating products to sell, nurturing the business.

The Imbokodo Womens Sewing Group has also been supported, enabling women to use their sewing skills to earn an income and teach others so that their business can continue to grow. This allows local people to create a sustainable source of income, and empowers women who are traditionally expected to stay at home while men work.

Three Tree Hill employs local people from the Hambrook Village, giving them the necessary training and education needed in order to be part of the lodge’s team. The lodge also holds regular staff meetings so that each team member can be heard and give feedback on how the community can be assisted with upliftment projects. Three Tree Hill run team building session and programmes to maintain a friendly and open work environment where staff can feel confident and part of a team.

‘Three Tree Hill employs local Zulu staff from the nearby Hambrook Village, 8km down the road. Most have no previous work experience or formal education, but their great personalities & honest enthusiasm have made training an absolute pleasure. Over the years they have aquired extensive training and skills development through the lodge, with ongoing workshops that inform the staff on current events, technologies & service trends.’