• history • nature • culture
    history • nature • culture
Tucked into the side of a rocky hill, overlooking the Mfazimnyama valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, and surrounded by the site of a famous Anglo Boer War battle, lies Three Tree Hill.

Situated in the foothills of the Kwazulu Natal Drakensberg range, where rolling green hills are dotted with flat-crowned Acacia trees, giving it the quintessential “Out of Africa” feeling.

This Fair Trade certified lodge, places great emphasis on 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 charming 24 bedded lodge is owned 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.

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. This lodge is the perfect location to base yourself for exploring the major Anglo-Boer War Battlefields in KwaZulu Natal (Battles of Spioenkop and Colenso), the Northern Drakensberg Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and within easy (2hrs) reach of the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields (Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift).

A myriad of other activities are available at the lodge, which include horse trails, game walks, hiking, mountain biking, village tours and birding. The lodge has three two-bedroomed family cottages, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and six double cottages suitable for couples & single travellers.

The Lodge

This intimate, luxury 24 bedded lodge is owner-managed 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.

Experiences

All guided experiences should be pre-booked & are subject to guide availability. Please allow yourself enough time to enjoy the lodge surroundings and facilities when making your reservation. Recommended minimum stay is 3 nights. Please pre-book to avoid disappointment.

Community

Today, there are approximately 3,500 residents together with a small pre-school, a primary & high school. All are in some way assisted by Three Tree Hill.

Latest News

boerperd horses horse breeds
Straight from the horses mouth...

The SA Boerperd is a true South African breed & its lineage can be traced back to 1652.

Read This Article
Spioenkop Battlefield Talk
Revealing some misconceptions

Join Dr Robert (Rob) Davidson at the National Army Museum as he reveals some misconceptions about the Spioenkop Campaign.

Read This Article
Road Upgrade
Access Road Upgraded

Access road now has tarmac surface (apart from the last 5km) & a concrete sidewalk!

Read This Article

Guest Reviews

  • Pure Rustic Beauty

    If you really want to experience the beauty of the South African bush accompanied by every comfort, this is the place! Cheryl and her very welcoming staff are pros at making one feel special and cater to every need. But it truly is the unique wild landscape, full of blossoming aloes, that makes one not want to ever leave.There are clever "reveals"- when approaching the cottages, they look like... Read this review

    Roberta-Jayne

    Toronto, Canada

  • Perfectly Magical Faraway Cottage

    Magnificent mountain setting, first class accommodation, superb meals, attention to detail in every aspect of the visitor experience. For the nature lover this is indeed the most stunning setting. Busy bird life, adjacent game reserve viewed from our Burchell's cottage verandah, delightful wild flowers and marvellous hiking trails.Unfortunately, the receptionist on duty accepted payment from our guests for a portion of the stay contrary to our explicitly written instructions... Read this review

    Patovi

    California, USA

  • Salute to the Survivors

    For every tough story that makes the media headlines here or across the world, there is a good news one for South Africans, none more so from our heroes in the hospitality trade, who have experienced the most challenging times in living memory. A superstar among the gallant for their remarkable tenacity and courage are the Blackburns of Three Tree Hill Lodge, overlooking the shores of a vast Midlands... Read this review

    Mick & Cheryl Goss

    Midlands, South Africa

  • This is Africa...WOW.

    This is Africa…WOW.. we totally loved this beautiful place , despite the somewhat challenging drive up to it. Melanie and her delightful staff were wonderful, amazing food, great drinks, very clean and comfortable. We stayed in a beautiful lodge with our own viewing deck with a stunning view over the hills. Incredibly peaceful, the history of Spionkop is all around. It is so worth the drive, we were sad... Read this review

    Caroline

    Devon, United Kingdom