Three Tree Hill Lodge

Three Tree Hill Lodge is a small lodge located in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal, at the foot of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. It is in the heart of Natal’s battlefields region, and adjacent to the Spioenkop Game Reserve. The lodge is owner-managed by Simon and Cheryl Blackburn who live on site with their own children and who welcome families with children of all ages.

Accommodation & Facilities
Built on a hillside overlooking Spioenkop Game Reserve, the simple but comfortable lodge has six luxury en-suite double cottages and two family cottages, all with large comfortable beds and fine quality linen. The lodge has a spacious sitting room, a main dining room, and a wide verandah at the front. Outside, the gardens feature a swimming pool, a game viewing deck and wonderful views of the mountains and the game reserve.

The stand-alone Family Cottage has a master bedroom with fireplace and en-suite bathroom, a children’s bedroom with bunk beds and two single beds (sleeps four children under 12 years) with its own bathroom. The lounge area opens to a kitchenette (microwave, wash basin and fridge) with tea and coffee making facilities. The Family Cottage sleeps a maximum of two adults with four children (under 12 years) sharing. Churchill’s Cottage is a self-contained luxury cottage sleeping four (two adults and two children with a third child’s bed available on request). The cottage has an open plan living area, private pool, braai and entertainment area and is ideal for families with teenagers. Minimum age at Churchill’s Cottage is eight years.

Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate mealtimes and a children’s menu is available which can be tailored to suit. There is a listening service provided by lodge staff who are parents themselves, experienced with children and first aid trained. Cost is R250 and arrangements need to be made a day in advance.

Wildlife & Activities
Activities offered by Three Tree Hill Lodge include tours of the Anglo Boer War battlefields and Ladysmith, visits to San rock art sites, guided nature walks and hiking in the magnificent Drakensbergs, horse riding and mountain biking. All activities can be booked and paid for at the lodge. Additionally there are several excellent golf courses nearby and opportunities for hot air ballooning.

Specifically for children …
• Guided nature walks.
• Mountain bike rides tailored to suit ability (helmets available).
• Horse riding.
• Village tours.
• Guided game walk (minimum age 12).
• Battlefield tours can be tailored for families with children under 12 years. These need to be private tours and should be pre-arranged.
• Day trips to the nearby All Out Adventure Centre (at an extra cost).