Against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains, overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve and in the lee of the famous hill, Spioenkop, lies 4-star graded guest house Three Trees at Spioenkop in the KwaZulu Natal interior of South Africa.

Spectacular scenery, locally grown food, exquisite linen and superb hosts make our lodge the ideal environment in which to escape and unwind. This intimate luxury lodge is owner-managed by Simon & Cheryl Blackburn whose passion for Africa fills every corner. You are welcomed into our home, and invited to experience the warm hospitality in our family run lodge.

Anglo Boer War Battlefield Tours, horse trails, hiking, bush walks & mountain biking are some of the activities on offer.

The lodge consists of 6 standard luxury twin suites (TGCSA four star graded), There is also a 2-bedroomed family suite, which is situated in close proximity to the main dining facility and in the opposite direction to the other guest suites. It has a master bedroom en-suite, a children’s room with a separate toilet and a small kitchenette.

The bedrooms are equipped with all the modern conveniences with heated towel rails and 100% cotton percale linen adding to your 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 3/4 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.

The main lodge:

The swimming pool: A viewing deck and swimming pool offer complete relaxation in a truly African setting. The tree, very near to the rooms and the main lodge.

Verandah: The colonial design with its large verandahs, creates an ideal environment in which to wind down 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.

Main Lounge: The main living area has an open-plan design, with four sets of large double doors leading onto the verandah. The result is a flowing space, where you can relax on a comfy chair, read in the afternoon sun and enjoy convivial dinners. In the winter an open log fire and “Dover” coal stove create a welcoming environment.

The lodge dining room is an elegant room that is separated from the lounge area by a fireplace. With your Three Trees hosts, dining is a family affair. A buffet style breakfast & lunch is served either outside on the viewing deck or on the breezy verandah. Dinners are a set menu with 3 homely farm-style courses followed by port or cognac in front of the fireplace or out under the stars.

The average height of the KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg Mountains or uKhahlamba (onomatopoeic Zulu for a Barrier of Shields and Spears) is about 2900 metres (9800 ft) with numerous peaks, domes and buttresses exceeding 3000 metres. Although they don’t challenge other famous ranges for altitude, the visual spectacle of sheer rock walls of 500 m (1600 ft) or more places them in the top league (the Thukela Falls plunge 850 metres making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world).

Jaynee Levy says in her Complete Guide to Walks and Trails in Southern Africa: "The Drakensberg, the highest mountain range in southern Africa, is noted for its magnificent buttresses and peaks. The numerous trails which traverse the Little ‘Berg, with its enchanting waterfalls and pools and lush, forested gorges, have a magnetic attraction for mountaineers and hikers, while the magnificent views from the escarpment lure those with an adventurous spirit. Here, the summer heat is tempered by altitude and the occasional spectacular afternoon thunderstorm; the very cold winters cap the peaks in snow".

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The KZN Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg was proclaimed South Africa’s fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of only 30 sites in the world that will be preserved for both its natural (mountain scenery) and cultural value (over 35% of all San rock art in Southern Africa is found in this area). The other World Heritage Sites in South Africa are the Sterkfontein Caves (Cradle of Humankind), Cape Floral Region, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape, Vredefort Dome, Robben Island and isiMangaliso Wetland Park.

Battlefield tours: Three Tree Hill Lodge specialises in the history of the 2nd Anglo-Boer War from (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 – it was ‘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, led by Omri Nene, bring this dramatic period of our history to life presenting world class, holistic, evocative and insightful tours.

Hiking and walks: Three Trees offers great access to The uKhahlamba National Park (formerly the Royal Natal National Park), Cathedral Peak and the Champagne Valley, which are all within an hours drive of the lodge. Maps & guide books can be arranged at the lodge with picnic lunches for hikes ranging from short half hour walks to full day hikes. Guided hikes can be arranged with your resident qualified guides. View some of the finest San rock art in the world.

Mountain biking & horse riding: There are numerous opportunities for horse riding at and around Three Trees. We offer rides on the property providing wonderful views of the Spioenkop Battlefield, the Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains. Three Trees offers a range of different mountain biking trails on the property, either with your own bikes or use of the bikes at the lodge.

Wildlife: Our position overlooking the Spioenkop Game Reserve affords great game viewing opportunities, whether it is from your room, on horseback or whilst out walking on our property. Rhino and giraffe and many varieties of antelope may be spotted grazing near the Lodge on the other side of the fence. A bird list of 300 species has been recorded in the area, with Cape Vultures, Lanner Falcons, Buff Streaked Chats & Fairy Flycatchers all residing here.

Museums & memorials: Guests are encouraged to make a trip into Ladysmith to visit the impressive Siege Museum and Anglican Church (an evocative memorial to all the British soldiers who died in Natal before and during the Siege). The battle of Wagon Hill (Platrand to the Boers) was the one concerted attempt by the Boers to take Ladysmith during the 4 month long siege. The Burgher Memorial (to the 781 Boers who lost their lives in Natal) is both moving and impressive (for some overbearing) and there is a wonderful view over the town of Ladysmith.

Other activities & places of interest:

• The Old Voortrekker Pass
• Golf
• Shopping for local arts, crafts and farm produce
• Drakensberg Boys Choir
• Hot air ballooning
• Relaxation.

Please enquire for current rates.

RATES INCLUDE: 14% VAT, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Teas/coffee, Laundry, Tourism Levy not applicable.

CHILDREN: Children (<12 yrs) sharing with parents (extra single bed) will be charged at a reduced rate. The normal rate will apply for children occupying separate rooms. Unfortunately we cannot take children under the age of 12 on the tours. We have competent staff at the Lodge who will look after them while you are out on tour.