Three Tree Hill Lodge |
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This is a little gem of a lodge is located only one hour’s drive from the Northern Drakensberg, making it a great place to unwind before or after a trek. Nestled in shady trees peppered with Aloes, colonial-styled Three Tree Hill Lodge feels like home from home. It has gorgeous views overlooking a game-filled valley in the heart of the Spion Kop Nature Reserve, all the way to the gleaming white battlefield monument at the top of the Kop beyond. Enjoy excellent guided walks through the reserve, where you can track rhino, and the riveting battlefield tour.
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Highlights
Three Trees in detailAs you trundle along the dirt track that leads up the hill upon which “Three Trees” is sited, you expect it to appear on the summit ahead of you, taking advantage of the sweeping panorama over the Drakensberg behind you. No such thing - the lodge is situated just over the rise, looking in the opposite direction, but there’s good reason why. The lodge is nestled below the crest of the slope in a pleasant grove of cooling trees, peppered with impressive aloes, and commands idyllic views over the nature reserve to Spion Kop itself. In contrast to the grassy approaches to the Drakensberg, these are lush rolling hills draped in acacia woodland and there's not a manmade structure in sight, save for the gleaming white monument to those who died at on the battlefield, catching the light on the top of the hill. This beautiful terrain is lovely walking country, and game walks into the reserve are led directly from the lodge, something that should be on the cards for all visitors.
As you enter this gem of a lodge, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was built around the time of the Boer War, but it was actually built in 1999 by the Rattray family (of Fugitives’ Drift fame) in a colonial-settler style. It was subsequently bought in 2007 by Simon and Cheryl Blackburn who have truly made their mark and built a good reputation. Simon and Cheryl are active hosts, supported by a capable team - the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and feels like home from home (there are dogs and cats running around, as well as stabled horses), but beneath this there is strong attitude to service and detail - everything is done naturally though, and doesn’t feel forced; service how it should be and a sure-fire way of ensuring that guests relax. The HomesteadThe main homestead is surrounded by a wide verandah shaded by pressed tin ceilings – the interior is simply divided into a comfy sitting room, where you can sink into deep armchairs surrounded by Boer War paintings, books and artefacts, and a large light-filled breakfast room. The verandah is used for sitting out, taking tea, reading and socialising, and dinner is usually set up here around a long table, except on cool evenings which might force one indoors. It feels like a beautifully refurbished historic property that is truly lived in.
AccommodationGuests are accommodated in charming, colonial-style cottages constructed with traditional pressed tin walls and roofs. The wooden panelled interiors are spacious and comfortable and furnishings feel solid and plush, without feeling over the top. Plenty of light washes in through sash windows and each cottage has a small verandah with views over the nature reserve to Spion Kop. The rooms strike the right balance between smart and homely, painted in muted tones of grey-green – National Trust or Farrow and Ball-inspired perhaps and all very tasteful. Toiletries are lovely and feel “home grown”: olive and cucumber conditioner, ruby grapefruit and olive shampoo, and Kalahari melon body wash. You’ll definitely want to linger in the Victorian styled shower.
ActivitiesBesides being a lovely pace to relax, there are good activities to do here; Simon and two others (Willem and Ron) conduct tours of Spion Kop battlefield and these are a must do. Wider tours to other Boer War battle sites are also possible, and usually have to be arranged in advance. Excellent walks are to be had and are another good reason for coming here. Horse riding and mountain biking are also available.
As far as walking goes, you are free to roam over the 1300Ha of farm which spreads over the rolling hills below the lodge (there are some marked trails) – these can be guided if you choose, and feel free to take the dogs! Guided bush walks are also possible in the beautiful Spion Kop Nature Reserve, whose boundary lies a hop skip and a jump from the lodge door heading east, and are highly recommended. These are more strenuous than the nature trails on the farm, usually lasting for around 1½ to 2 hours or so, and wildlife encounters are highly likely. There are good chances of finding rhino. All this is usually rounded off by sundowners just above the lodge, looking out at the panorama of the Northern Drakensberg escarpment beyond the Tugela River, before heading in for dinner. |