Three Tree Hill Lodge

We were luck enough to stay in Burchell's cottage which is perfectly appointed for a family of 6 (we were only two). The view from the outside deck is glorious especially late faternoon and very early morning - a real joy. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner there - the food was absolutely delicious and served by attentive friendly staff. Cheryl (& Simon who was not there) have created a wonderful team of people. Cheryl is just lovely, friendly, chatty and so helpful, it's easy to understand why the staff are so good. The resident Historian, Pierre, gave us an excellent history talk the evening before our trip to the Spioen Kop battle field to prepare us for the next day's expedition. The next day we went up to Spioen Kop which was really great . I'm personally not wild about endless military manoeuvers but in Pierre's telling, it was alive with people's characters and rich detail - really fabulous. The Molly Blackburn Memorial Library is definitely worth a few hours of your time (if you like books!) - a wonderful selection of history books - Natal, South Africa and International as well as a great clippings file on the remarkable Mollly Blackburn - i wish i had been able to read more of it. There is also a large selection of novels for holiday reading.

We had an incredibly wonderful time at Three Tree Hill. It was our first visit to the lodge, and we were absolutely thrilled. There was nothing that could have been better. The lodge is very authentic and comfortably furnished. The rooms are spacious with a terrace overlooking the Spioenkop Nature Reserve. We were fortunate to see rhinos from the terrace upon our arrival. The lodge features a large dining room adorned with numerous artworks and antiques, along with a library and a wine cellar that is worth exploring. Simon, Cheryl, and the entire team—special thanks to Melanie for making our stay even more memorable—are incredibly warm, and you truly feel more than welcome. We also appreciate the evening gatherings with other guests for sundowners by the campfire and shared dinners at a large table. It was a unique and delightful experience. The food was outstanding, prepared fresh and exceptionally delicious. We found it thoughtful that guests could borrow binoculars. We joined a bush walk with Simon, an experience not to be missed, where we were lucky to witness rhinos, giraffes, and zebras up close—a dream come true. It's worth mentioning the team's kindness in washing our car before departure, a gesture we found truly attentive. As mentioned, we can't imagine a better accommodation and were more than satisfied. 5 stars plus. Thank you for the unforgettable time! Kevin Hengfoss & Gabriele Rudolph

Simon and Cheryl have created a wonderful history laden retreat. A look in the Molly Blackburn library is a must (what a family history!). From our initial welcome by Melania to meeting Simon and all the team we felt like family from the outset. Everything had been thought of including solar light to carry if needed. There was a steepish path down to the lodges so consider that if you have mobility issues. Simon was a most welcoming host and took us on a fabulous game walk (recommend you take covers for walking shoes/boots as the terrain is hilly and you walk through some deep and tough grass, and because despite lots of repellent the bugs adore me!!!) We were so lucky on the first night to be invited to join a history talk at Three Trees by Rob Davison and Pieter with sundowners, accompanied by Simon. I am so pleased we included this within our trip. The food we enjoyed was excellent and plentiful, very high quality. The staff were all extremely helpful and pleasant. We loved the fact that we got to share the evening meal at a large table to chat with the lovely guests we met. Pieter took us on a Spioenkop battlefield tour the following day and his knowledge was exemplary. We cannot recommend Three Tree Lodge enough, you will not be disappointed.

This is a beautiful place to stay. The lodge blends so well with the countryside you might not see it! The food is brilliant, rooms beautiful and well appointed, and all staff very helpful and kind. We did a battlefield tour for the day including Spioenkop. Pierre, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable with encyclopaedic recall on facts and details of every battle. We also did a bike tour that included the local village which was both fun and lovely to see - everyone was so friendly! I only wished we’d stayed more than the 2 nights!

Our experience here was phenomenal - a seriously memorable place with a really peaceful and reflective atmosphere. If you are into your history, or even just open to learning, this is the place for you. Having come from zero knowledge of the Boer war, Pierre guided us through the battles of Spion Kop and Colenso in such an interesting and detailed way, making this such an incredibly moving and memorable stay - one I will remember for life. The food was absolutely nothing short of delicious and all the staff there were so kind and welcoming. Cheryl and Simon are incredible owners and their attention to the smaller details gave this place its charm. Highly recommend staying here. Thank you for all your warm hospitality and kindness!

We stayed for 4 nights, and really enjoyed our time here Our reason for staying was to see the Boer War Battlefields , and took the tours to Spioen Kop and Colenso. I enjoyed them both, but if you have only time for one, take Spioen Kop which is easier to understand on the ground Our very nice bungalow looked out over Spioen Kop and Three Tree Hill. plus the game reserve . You can actually see Rhinos with the binoculars they provide in that reserve. All in all the views from our verandah were fabulous The public rooms are constructed in "old Africa" style which I really liked. And they an interesting library dedicated to Molly Blackburn - the current owner's mother, and a leading civil rights activist during apartheid We also took the not too strenuous hike to Three Tree Hill, where the British artillery were stationed during the battle of Spioen Kop All the staff are helpful and pleasant. And later went out of their way to reunite me with my iPad which I managed to leave behind All in all , a really nice lodge, with stunning views over Spioen Kop, which I thoroughly recommend

This was certainly one of the most delightful stay I had in the past decade. The location is prefect, from landscape to property itself. Absolute calm, vegetation, birds and even surprise wildlife (curiosity not only for cats, also koudous and zebras). Meals are modern, tasty, locally sourced and well balanced. Including the lunch pack for your long walks in the Drakensberg’s. House is generous in wine, owners and team always eager to tell you stories around a glass of wine. We stayed 4 nights for 3 day hikes around in Drakensberg (all reachable at 1h to 1:30 with your own car) and a last lazy one… and we’re sincerely sad to leave.

This was supposed to be a brief stop before returning to Australia. We wanted to see the Anglo-Zulu war sites along with some of the Boer sites. Louise wanted to do a horse ride in Africa before heading home. In hindsight ( 20-20 ) we should have made this at least a week stop. The owners, staff, and other guests were extremely friendly and up for a chat. The chalet was very clean and comfortable with an amazing view of Spioen Kop from the small front balcony. Every morning when we flung open the door at daybreak we were greeted with a chorus of all sorts of birds. A nice touch was a delivery of boiling water for a morning coffee on our balcony. Breakfast was a hearty affair in the common dining room or on the library verandah; perfect! Dinner was a fixed menu but what a menu! Nobody could be disappointed with what the chefs could whip up. Should have a Michelin star. There are many and varied activities in and around 3 Tree Hill. Louise did a couple of hours horse riding with Cheryl ( owner ) whilst I followed a walking track to the top of 3 Tree Hill to soak up some of the Battle of Spioen Kop atmosphere. Cairns mark where the British had field artillery. The next day Piere ( Pedro, Peter ) took us for a full day's excursion to Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. It was a fabulous day made all the better by Pedro's vast knowledge of local events. Ntabago ( I hope I have spelled here name correctly ) is a manager and a local. Along with Cheryl she took us through the nearby Zulu village. This was a most informative visit and made us very aware of the difficulties of rural village life. It also gave us a great insight into Zulu traditions and we gratefully thank Ntabago for sharing here home with us. I wished we had made the stay longer as the view to the Drakensberg was dramatic and enticing. We should have done some hiking as photos look spectacular. We would also have like to explore some of the Anglo-Boer war sites with Pedro as well. Next time!!! The only drawback, which is out of anyone's control, is South Africa's load shedding of power. With the lights out the candles and kerosene lamps made the lounge all the more enticing in front of the glowing open fire. Do yourself a favour and spend a week here

For me the place, the decor, the setting, the service, the food, the activities, all the details that are thought about, the warmth that we experienced again, especially as travelling with out little one - it was perfect from A - Z. Great, great job guys!