• 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.

The Main Lodge

The Main Lodge

The main lodge living area has an open-plan design, with four sets of large double doors leading onto the wide verandah. The result is a flowing space, where you can relax on a comfy chair, read in the afternoon sun or enjoy convivial chatter. In the winter an open log fire creates a warm, welcoming environment.

Lounge

Lounge

The lounge is adorned with historical memorabilia and a collection of Africana for guests to enjoy. Puzzles, board games and a variety of books provide entertainment on a rainy day. Pre-dinner drinks are served in this cosy atmosphere, whilst mingling with the other guests and sharing travel tales from around the world.

Dining Room

Dining Room

This is an elegant room that is separated from the lounge area by a fireplace. Private tables with plated meal options are served either inside, outside on the viewing deck or on the breezy verandah. Lunches consist of light salads, home-baked stone ground bread, charcuterie & artisan cheeses. Dinners are a set menu with three homely farm-style courses followed by port or cognac in front of the fireplace or out under the stars.

Library

Library

This cosy 3000-book library is dedicated to Simon's mother, Molly Blackburn who fought tirelessly for the rights of women & children during the apartheid times in South Africa. In summer, the space is cooled with airconditioning & in winter, a warm log fire. Mostly books on wildlife, nature & history, but a selection of novels are  also available. Underneath the library, is the wine cellar.

Wine Cellar

Wine Cellar

Buried under the ground underneath the Molly Blackburn Library is the wine cellar. In keeping with Three Trees Fair Trade commitment, we only stock South African wines showcasing the best of her organic, biodynamic & women-made wines. A dinner down here is not to be missed. Arrange prior to arrival so you don't miss the opportunity!

Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool area offers complete relaxation under the spreading canopy of an Acacia tree. A short walk down a shady, steep path, brings you to this secluded spot, where the pool is kept warm by an insulated thermal blanket at night. Water temperature ranges between 18 – 24 degrees celsius.

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.

Guided Experiences

Guided Experiences

Please pre-book on-site guided experiences to avoid disappointment.

These include horse riding trails, guided game reserve walks & battlefield tours. 

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Self-Guided Experiences

Self-Guided Experiences

Who needs a guide when there are so many great things to do on your own!

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Battlefield Tours

Battlefield Tours

We specialize in the history of the South African War with the Battle of Spioenkop as our focal point.

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Nearby

Nearby

We recommend a combination of day trips out into the area with your own vehicle.

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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.

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Latest News

First Lodge in KwaZulu Natal to be Vegan Certified Fri November 1, 2024

Three Tree Hill is the first lodge in KwaZulu Natal to be certified VEGAN.

Read This Article
boerperd horses horse breeds
Straight from the horses mouth... Wed July 26, 2023

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 Mon June 26, 2023

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

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