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Welcome to

Three Tree Hill

Pioneering Sustainable Luxury

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains, overlooking the serene Spioenkop Game Reserve and historical battlesite of Spioenkop, Three Tree Hill awaits. 

This Fair Trade certified retreat epitomizes Sustainable Travel with its commitment to eco-friendly practices and local, farm-fresh cuisine. 

The intimate 24-bed lodge, run by passionate owners Simon and Cheryl Blackburn, offers an authentic experience steeped in Africa’s rich wildlife, history, and culture. 

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Experiences

Experience the magic of Three Tree Hill, where tranquillity meets adventure.

Experiences

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Cultural Immersion

Experience the vibrant local culture and traditions.

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Outdoor Adventures

Embark on thrilling hikes, tours, and other outdoor activities.

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Historic Journey

Explore the fascinating history of the region and its landmarks.

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guide leading guests on nature walk

Nature's Embrace

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Three Tree Hill.

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Your Stay at Three Tree Hill

Discover the tranquility and beauty of Three Tree Hill, a hidden gem in the heart of nature.

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2 single beds side by side

Double Cottage Room

Enjoy the privacy and comfort of our double cottage rooms.

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Churchills Lounge

Relax in our elegant lounge, named after the famous statesman.

closeup of master bedroom

Burchell’s Master bedroom

Experience the luxury of our master bedroom, named after the renowned explorer.

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Lunch Platter

Indulge in our delicious lunch platters, featuring fresh, local ingredients.

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Main Lodge Lounge

Gather with friends and family in our inviting main lounge.

image of library

Molly Blackburn Library

Explore our extensive library, named after the brave anti-apartheid activist.

close-up of tomb stone

Spioenkop close

Explore this significant historical site nearby

Aerial photo of 3 tree hill

Lodge from above

The breathtaking beauty of Three Tree Hill from above.

stalagmite formation

Hiking to Mushroom Rock

Embark on a breath-taking hike in the Drakensberg Mountains.

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Blown away by Three Tree Hill

We were blown away by Three Tree Hill. The setting is amazing and the attention to detail in the decor and building is outstanding. Everything is well thought out, from delicious, beautifully presented meals to the gorgeous wine cellar, Molly's library, and the lounge area with interesting artifacts. Our beautiful cottage with a swimming pool and viewing deck was perfect. The kids' meals were amazing, with perfect portion sizes and fun presentations—the octopus-shaped pizza was the best! It's the perfect spot to relax and catch your breath, stroll through the acacia veld, paddle in the stream, take a morning game walk with an informative guide, and much more. We will be back!

-Lesley

Tranquility

Tranquility in a beautiful setting. Exceptional game viewing, mountain biking and varied walks

-Gillian

Perfect Location

A beautiful lodge perfectly located on a hilltop, overlooking a nature reserve on one side, and the Drakensberg mountains on the other. Wonderful staff, loads of activities in the area, but also just a perfect place to chill, take in the views, and go for easy walks.

-James

Maloti

Drakensberg Park

The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the stunning beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains. Stretching across South Africa and Lesotho, this vast park features rugged peaks, deep valleys, and ancient rock art. It offers diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows to dense forests, providing ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, botanical and cultural exploration. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, the Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Community and Conservation

Empowering Communities and Conserving Nature at Three Tree Hill

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lady standing selling shirt

Small Business Incubator

Empowering local entrepreneurs by showcasing their crafts, fostering economic growth, and creating sustainable livelihoods in the community.

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Sakhile Center children playing outside

Sakhile Centre of Learning

Enhancing safety, hygiene, and learning resources, creating a secure and effective educational environment for local children.

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kids from creche smiling at camera

Zamokuhle Creche

Supporting children's health and development through a vegetable garden, new jungle gym, and ongoing facility upkeep.

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teachers in training program

Botshabelo Teacher Training

Empowering teachers with skills and resources, enhancing education quality and fostering long-term community development.

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sunset through long grass

Alien Vegetation Control

Restoring natural landscapes by employing locals to remove invasive species, preserving biodiversity, and promoting ecosystem health.

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recycled wine bottles being used for water

Water Conservation and Waste Reduction

Reducing carbon footprint by eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable water practices at the lodge.

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small bird being tagged

Bird Conservation

Protecting bird species through annual tagging and monitoring, gathering data to support conservation efforts.

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pansie flowers

Permaculture Gardens

Sustainable agriculture initiative providing fresh, organic produce

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Blogs

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Cultural Activities

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of KwaZulu-Natal at Three Tree Hill. Our lodge provides opportunities to engage with local Zulu traditions and customs, offering a window into the vibrant community life. Participate in cultural tours that showcase traditional Zulu homesteads, crafts, and dances. Visit nearby villages to gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life and the enduring legacy of Zulu culture. These experiences not only enrich your stay but also foster a greater appreciation for the region's cultural diversity and history.

Adventure Activities

For the adventure seekers, Three Tree Hill offers a range of exhilarating activities that make the most of the surrounding wilderness. Embark on invigorating hikes and mountain biking trails that vary in difficulty and length, ensuring there's something for everyone. Experience the thrill of morning game walks with knowledgeable guides who share their expertise on the local wildlife. For those looking for a more relaxed adventure, our fishing spots and take a stroll to one one of our scenic picnic areas & enjoy your lunch under the canopy of a large Acacia tree. We provide the perfect blend of excitement and leisure. These adventures promise unforgettable moments and lasting memories.

portrait of man with mountain bike

Historical Activities

Three Tree Hill specializes in the history of the South African War, (2nd Anglo-Boer War 1899 – 1902) with the Battle of Spioenkop being our focal point. One cannot however hope to understand this watershed event (not just for South Africa, but also for Great Britain, being the ‘the longest, the costliest, the bloodiest and most humiliating war that Britain fought in between 1815 and 1914’) without studying what caused one of the smallest countries in the world to declare war on the world’s greatest empire of the time. Our guides bring this dramatic period of our history to life, presenting world class, holistic, evocative and insightful tours.

close-up of tomb stone

Nature Activities

Reconnect with the natural world amidst the stunning landscapes surrounding Three Tree Hill. Our lodge offers a variety of nature-based activities, including guided nature walks through the diverse acacia veld, where you can discover the unique flora and fauna of the region. For bird enthusiasts, the area is a haven with numerous species to observe. Enjoy peaceful paddles in the stream, and let the serene environment rejuvenate your spirit. The breathtaking scenery, combined with the tranquility of nature, ensures a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Small Business Incubator

The Small Business Incubator at Three Tree Hill supports local entrepreneurs by providing a platform for their crafts and products. This initiative has propelled the sales of items like Maduna’s Marvelous Mats and Nguni Skins, directly benefiting the community. By fostering local talent and encouraging entrepreneurship, we contribute to the economic upliftment of our neighbors, creating sustainable livelihoods.

lady standing selling shirt

Sakhile Centre of Learning

Three Tree Hill has significantly improved the Sakhile Centre of Learning by installing safety features, enhancing the kitchen's hygiene, and providing educational materials. The installation of a solar-powered borehole ensures a sustainable water supply. These improvements create a safer, more effective learning environment for the children, contributing to their academic and personal development.

Sakhile Center children playing outside

Zamokuhle Creche

At Zamokuhle Creche, Three Tree Hill funds the maintenance of the vegetable garden, ensuring nutritious meals for the children. We have also built a new jungle gym and continuously support the upkeep of the facility. This project not only enhances the children’s early learning environment but also promotes their health and well-being, creating a solid foundation for their future.

kids from creche smiling at camera

Botshabelo Teacher Training

The Botshabelo Teacher Training program offers complimentary accommodation and training for Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers in our community. This initiative has positively impacted over 30 ECD centers, benefiting more than 1,000 children. Additionally, Three Tree Hill provide essential teaching materials, such as DUPLO learning tools, and support the trainers who travel to rural areas to impart their knowledge. This comprehensive approach not only improves the educational standards but also empowers teachers with the skills and resources needed to make a lasting impact on their students' lives.

teachers in training program

Alien Vegetation Control

The Alien Vegetation Control project employs local students to tackle invasive plant species like Lantana. This initiative is part of the Regenerative Landscaping Project, which aims to restore the natural grassland and aloe vegetation. By removing invasive species, the local ecosystem is preserved, ensuring the biodiversity and health of the environment.

sunset through long grass

Water Conservation and Waste Reduction

Over a decade ago, we made a commitment to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating single-use plastics. We now provide water from our own underground aquifer in glass bottles (recycled wine & cordial bottles) during meals and double-walled stainless steel flasks for activities. Our water, labeled 'Better than Bottled,' is served in insulated flasks with canvas and leather arm slings, and topped up with ice and tap water in the rooms. We hope this inspires our guests to embrace more sustainable practices!

recycled wine bottles being used for water

Bird Conservation

Each year, we set up a bird ringing station at Three Tree Hill to study local bird populations. We carefully catch and tag birds with small metal rings, recording their species, age, weight, sex and more to track their lifecycles, breeding patterns and movements. Rest assured, no birds are harmed and all are released unharmed. This valuable data helps us to understand and protect certain species where necessary

small bird being tagged

Permaculture Gardens

Three Tree Hill's permaculture gardens support sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship by providing fresh, organic produce for both the lodge and the local community. Permaculture, a system of agriculture that mimics natural ecosystems, is used to promote biodiversity, conserve water, and enhance soil health. This initiative plays a vital role in sustainable food production and environmental conservation.

pansie flowers
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Spa

Rejuvenate at Leopard Mountain Lodge's Africology Spa, nestled in the heart of the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Embrace eco-friendly wellness with treatments inspired by Africa's traditional healers, using indigenous plants and minerals.

lady getting a foot massage

Safari

Manyoni Private Game Reserve is home to the Big Five, along with cheetahs, African wild dogs, and an array of bird species. Each safari is tailored to provide intimate wildlife encounters, offering guests a deep connection to the area and its inhabitants.

Lioness walking in front of vehicle