Three Trees Lodge is surrounded by the Drakensberg Mountains and overlooks a secluded valley of the Spionkop (Spioenkop) Game Reserve in the lee of the famous Spionkop Hill.
This lodge has been built on a hillside among the striking aloe spectabilis and the paperbark acacia, with views that inspired a guest to write: “Africa at its finest!” It overlooks the Spionkop Game Reserve, where white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu and numerous smaller antelope can be seen, perhaps even from your bath!
270 Bird species, from Cape vultures and lanner falcons to buff-streaked chats and fairy flycatchers, have been recorded in this area.
Main lounge:
The main living area has an open-plan design with four sets of large double doors leading onto the veranda. The result is a flowing space, where visitors can relax on a comfortable chair, read in the afternoon sun and enjoy convivial dinners. In the winter an open log fire and Dover coal stove create a welcoming atmosphere.
Veranda:
The colonial design with its large verandas creates an ideal environment in which to relax and enjoy nature. Meals are often served outside, where one can soak up the views while enjoying the exquisite local cuisine – a fusion of home and modern flavours.
Accommodation:
The bedrooms are equipped with all the modern conveniences, heated towel rails and 100% cotton percale linen adding to you comfort. These luxuries do not detract from the colonial design, but merely enhance your turn-of-the-century South African colonial life experience. The beds are three-quarter twins, but doubles are available on request.
Each room has its own deck, which offers unimpeded views of the valley and Spionkop. If luck is on your side you might see a rhino or giraffe wandering by.
Each of the six twin cottages has its own shower and bath from where one can soak up the atmosphere of Spionkop while gazing out over the valley.
A viewing deck and swimming pool offer complete relaxation in a truly African setting. The pool is situated in a secluded area under a large acacia tree, near the rooms and the main lodge.
Activities:
Battlefield tours: The flagship tour is a full-day outing, beginning with the Battle of Spionkop, then lunch back at the lodge, followed by the Battle of Colenso, plus Churchill’s Capture at Chieveley. This can be done as two half-day tours.
Game-viewing (from Three Trees): The position overlooking the Spionkop Game Reserve affords great game-viewing opportunities, whether it is from your room, on horseback or while out walking on the property. Rhino and giraffe and many varieties of antelope may be spotted grazing near the lodge on the other side of the fence.
Horse-riding: There are numerous opportunities for horse riding at and around Three Trees. Rides on the property provide wonderful views of the Spionkop Battlefield, the game reserve and the Drakensberg mountains. They provide an opportunity to experience the spectacular countryside up close, whether to view the flora and fauna, to gain insights into the difficulties of fighting a war with Victorian impedimenta on this terrain, or to view seldom-visited parts of the battlefield (for example the Boer trenches on nTabanyama/Thaba Nyama).
Walking: There are numerous walks available from the lodge. Whether it’s nature, history, enjoying the fauna and flora or purely exercise, the choice is yours.
Golf: There are a number of golf courses in the Drakensberg, all within an hour’s drive of the lodge, notably the Champagne Sports Resort Golf Course, which is rated among the top 20 courses in the country.
