Kingdoms of the Wild

Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat.

View and photograph these amazing animals at the Emdoneni Cheetah Project. We offer daily educational tours, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals and the project by an experienced guide.

Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project prides itself on actively welcoming children of all ages. Kids’ activities (for kids older than 4 years old), are well planned and structured and are done by experienced guides who are passionate about kids and nature.

Game drives are done to the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve in open game drive vehicles. This activity promise to be a life time opportunity to go search for the Big 5 with our resident guides. Enjoying a packed picnic breakfast or having your morning coffee/tea whilst enjoying the magnificent views. Afternoon game drives are definitely also an option.

Featuring 2 treatment rooms; including a double treatment room with en-suite shower and will offer experiences which blends in with traditional African treatments in a beautiful stylish setting.

The spa menu is specially developed to cater for everyone’s needs focusing on relaxation massage treatments. It is supported by a service style that considers the guest’s need for escape, unobtrusive delivery and attention to detail, offered by a team of dedicated spa professionals.

The lodge area is renowned as a mecca for bird lovers. Some of the birds one might go in search for are: Narina trogon, Purple Crested Lourie, Brown Hooded King Fisher, African Broadbill, Yellow Throated Twin Spot and many more.

Just a 15-minute beach 4x4 transfer from camp (included in offering) along the dunes and through the national park is Lala Nek beach, which has family friendly snorkeling in beautiful, pristine rock pools where a variety of tropical fish and ocean life can be viewed.

Snorkeling is determined by the tides and is run on a schedule which is communicated with guests in camp the night before. Masks, fins and snorkels are provided and guests can choose to have this activity as guided or unguided.

National Park entry fees and permits are included in the offering.

Ubunye is located in an area that boasts some of the most pristine and isolated beaches in Southern Africa, beach days include packed lunches, soft drinks, shade shelters and staff to assist with the setup and packing up of all the beach equipment.

Beach days are offered at Lala Nek which is the closest beach to camp, a 15-minute 4x4 drive along the dunes and through the national park.

A full day excursion is also on offer to Black Rock beach, further north of camp, approximately 1-hour drive. This is a stunning beach and this activity is highly recommended for guests who are booked for long stays. .

Loggerhead and the endangered Leather Back Turtles nest along the coastline and can be found nesting between mid-November and mid-March each year.

Guided turtle tours (walks or drives) are on offer at an additional charge. These tours take place at night and determined by low tide. Guests can walk or be driven along the beach to locate and observe nesting or hatching turtles. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, however, due to research and conservation efforts we are located in one of the most highly populated turtle nesting grounds along the coastline.

Experience the ancient fish traps and natural beauty of the Kosi bay Lake systems. Included in the rate is a transfer to and from camp to Kosi Bay (1.5 hours one way) and a boat tour which includes snorkeling in the lake and a picnic lunch.

The transfer is lengthy, however the experience and beauty is worth it as the lake system and communities surround it is unique.

Kosi Bay Lake Tour Credit: Angus Mackenzie

Various walks and routes are available for guided walks. The camp will tailor a route based on the guests desires and can include community, grassland, forest and beach walks of various distances.

Short, unguided walks are also available to guests. The team in camp is more than happy to collect guests from the beach should they wish not to walk back to camp.

Massages are available at an additional charge. A small spa, with a stunning view, is located on the property offering a selection of relaxing treatments.

Massage Credit: Angus Mackenzie

The area boasts various bird species and a number of "lifers" such as the Palm nut vulture, long claws and more. Guests can enjoy the scenery and birds around camp or for the more enthusiastic birders, guided bird tours can be arranged with the camp guides. Guests will depart with a guide to various locations in search of birds.

Palm Nut Vulture Credit: Angus Mackenzie

Big 5 Safaris take you through well stocked, unspoilt bush veld and endless rivers winding through indigenous forest, a birder’s paradise.

Safaris Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Giraffe

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za African Scops Owl

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Wilddog

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Leopard

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Elephant

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Lioness and her cub drinking water

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Hyena

Safaris Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Lioness walking on road

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Cheetah

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za White Rhino calf

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Zebra

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Leopard balancing in tree

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za European roller

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Cheetah cubs on ant hill

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Vervet Monkey sitting in a tree

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Hippo

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Waterbuck

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Lion

Our top therapists eagerly welcome you to be treated to an indulgent pampering session whilst you unwind in our tranquil spa. Surrounded by sweeping bushveld views, our Spa stands as one of the top health and beauty brands in South Africa which is both eco-friendly and has a holistic approach to all their treatments. Inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers and their vibrant heritage, communities and plant life, guests can enjoy an array of natural body, skin and beauty treatments designed to rejuvenate, relax and enhance health and vitality. After your treatment, you can take a leisurely dip in your own private plunge pool and enjoy the magnificence of the surrounding beauty.

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Waking to the morning calls of the birds in the riverbed below your suite, the day begins with a select cup of coffee and some traditional rusks before embarking on your early morning safari with your guide.

On return to the lodge, an enticing breakfast awaits you in the dining room. Thereafter you can enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace or you can take some quality time for yourself and be pampered at our Africology Spa for an hour or two.

At lunch time you can enjoy a light picnic basket lunch around the bird pond, on the main lodge deck or simply relax on your private balcony.

In the afternoon, you will be invited to come and enjoy afternoon tea on the main deck as you overlook the distant Lebombo Mountain Range. Afterwards you will go with your guide to explore some different areas of the reserve on your afternoon drive and will be treated to a magnificent African sunset to remember. On return to the lodge, you will have the opportunity to freshen up before having dinner in our ‘million star’ boma where you will be treated to an exquisite African inspired meal and can pair it with one of our award-winning wines from our cellar.

As the day comes to an end, you can sit around the bonfire and share the exciting stories of the days’ wildlife encounters with the other guests or retire to your suite to enjoy a sherry on your deck and listen as Africa's night chorus unfolds with distant lion roars, hyenas whooping, or baboons barking at lurking Leopards in the river bed below.

Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Coffee break

Yoga Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Enjoy some yoga or light exercise on your private deck

Luxury Suites Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

View from main lodge Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Dinner Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Dinner in the Boma area

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za White Rhino calf

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Hyena

Dinner Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Fine Dining Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Coffee with a view Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Luxury Suite Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Relax in the hammock in your suite

Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Drinks and Snack break

Spa Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Main Lodge Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Views Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Dinner Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Luxury Suite Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Wine Cellar Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

As the large orb of the morning sun creeps over the African bush horizon, you will be greeted by our rangers who will treat you to warm fragrant teas and coffee coupled with morning rusks and biscuits. While enjoying your morning cup of coffee, our rangers will inform you about the wildlife they are hoping to see during the day. On returning to the Lodge, you will be treated to an array of fresh fruits, pastries and other delectable morning treats, followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes.

Morning Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Morning Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Wildlife Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Leopard

This drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after sunset where you will be whisked away to the African night sounds and encounter our fascinating nightlife. Enjoy sundowners at scenic locations as the brilliant, vibrant colours of the sunset begin to fade into the most beautiful pastels, mingling and blending into every imaginable.

Evening Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za Giraffe

Evening Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

Evening Safari Credit: leopardmountain.co.za

PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PRE-BOOK BATTLEFIELD TOURS should you be particularly interested. (Even if you are on Fully Inclusive package) We do not run every single tour type every day, and our guides may already be committed with a different tour.

Children under 16 years of age should do the Artillery Hiking Trail should they be interested in history. The half day tours are not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

Please email frontdesk@threetreehill.co.za to arrange.

Three Tree Hill Lodge 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 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 will bring this dramatic period of our history to life, presenting world class, holistic, evocative and insightful tours.

1.Battle of Spioenkop – Three Trees Flagship Tour – half-day(4hours) This tour tells of the bloodiest single day of the entire South African War. During January, General Sir Redvers Buller was joined by Lt General Sir Charles Warren, but their renewed attempts to breach the Boer defense line along the Thukela River were unsuccessful. Spioenkop was the highest point on the Boer defensive line and on 23 January 1900, a British attempt to capture it began. Astonishingly, Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mohandas Ghandi all played a role in this battle. The result of this battle confirmed that those early disasters of ‘Black Week’ were not merely beginners luck on the part of the Boers. Spioenkop, together with Majuba, are arguably the best known of all the battles between the British and the
Boers.

2. Battle of Colenso & Churchill’s Capture – half day (4 hours) The Boers, in response to the anticipated arrival of thousands of British troops in Durban, took up defensive positions along the Thukela River near Colenso. In mid-December a British force of over 15,000 men, under Sir Redvers Buller, suffered a humiliating defeat in attempting to break through to Ladysmith. In this battle 7 Victoria Crosses were won, contributing to two of only three father & son VCs ever to be awarded. Young Winston was contracted by the Morning Post to cover the war in South Africa. However, his capture near Frere and subsequent remarkable escape, thrust him into the political and public limelight, and arguably launched his political career. Less than a year later, aged 25, he became a MP for Oldham.

3. Ladysmith Siege, Battle of Caesar’s Camp & Wagon Point – half day (4 hours)
The siege of Ladysmith lasted 118 days from 02 November 1899 until 28 February 1900. The town was the northern post of the British garrison in Natal, chosen for its strategic position on the Klip River and the junction of the railway lines from Durban to both the Free State and Johannesburg, providing communications between the harbour and the interior.

4. Three Tree Hill Artillery Trail – 2 hours by foot – Also suitable for children under 16 years
This 5km (return) walking trail to the site of General Warren’s Camp, provides you with spectacular views of the Drakensberg & Spioenkop from the British perspective. Opportunity to visit all 16 marked gun placement sites

5. Anglo-Zulu War Tours: Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift – full day (10 hours) The British army under Lord Chelmsford had moved from the Eastern Cape border to the Zululand border during 1878. When the British ultimatum to the Zulu king, Cetshwayo, expired in January 1879, the British invaded Zululand in three separate columns. The Battle of Isandlwana took place when the central British column came into contact with the Zulus and suffered a humiliating and bloody defeat at the hands of a spirited Zulu army.

6. Battle of Blood River 1838, Battles of Talana & Elandslaagte – full day (10 hours) In 1838, the mighty Zulu army was defeated for the first time by the Voortrekker Commando under their leader, Andries Pretorius, hereby opening the way for the proclamation of the first Boer Republic – The Republic of Natalia. Talana was the Boers opening gambit in Natal, and although hailed as a British success, it was a pyrrhic victory with the Boers withdrawing in good order, leaving major casualties on the British side, including their general. Elandslaagte, fought the next day, was a decisive British victory. It may be considered to be the last of the set piece battles of the war. Curiously, having driven the Boers from the railway line, the British immediately withdrew, allowing the Boers to re-occupy it.

What to expect:
Half day tours 1,2,3 begin either at 08h30 & return around 13h00 for lunch or begin after lunch around 13h30 & return at sunset around 18h00. Times will be determined by guest numbers or weather conditions at the time. Full day tours 4 & 5 will depart at 07h00 & return around sunset.
Picnic lunches & refreshments are included on the tours. However, it is possible to dine at eateries on the battlefields route at your own cost.
A small amount of walking on fairly uneven terrain is required, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Sunscreen, sunhat & sunglasses are always required, winter or summer. Light fleece or jacket to be taken during all seasons. Light rain or wind proof jacket also recommended. Binoculars are recommended if you have an interest in nature, as you never know what might be encountered whilst on tour.

Story-telling in the grass Credit: Graham de Lacy World-class story-tellers enthrall guests with stories of the Anglo Boer War

Spioenkop Battlesite Credit: Simon Blackburn Spectacular views from the summit of Spioenkop Battlefield.

Voortrekker Sites Credit: Simon Blackburn Voortekker sites can be visited on the escarpment, a short drive from the lodge.

Memorials Credit: Simon Blackburn Memorials on the summit of the Spioenkop

Battlefield Tour pre-talk Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Battlefield tours begin with an introduction to the history of South Africa

battlefield Trensches Credit: Simon Blackburn Trenches piled with stones cover the remnants of the soldiers that fought on the battle of Spioenkop in 1900.

Graves on the battlefield Credit: Simon Blackburn Battlefield tours on the summit of Spioenkop provide guests with a detailed account of the events that unfolded in January 1900.

Boer Memorial on Spioenkop Credit: Simon Blackburn Memorials on the summit of Spioenkop

Spioenkop Memorials Credit: Simon Blackburn Flagship Battlefield tour is Spioenkop

Battlefield Trenches Credit: Simon Blackburn Trenches of the British soldiers lay scattered on the summit of Spioenkop

Hiking In The Drakensberg
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 our resident qualified guides. The rate includes transport, entrance fees, picnic lunch & guide for the day.

Guided Walks
The lodge is situated on 1,200ha of naturally rolling Drakensberg foothills. Both Simon & Cheryl are FGASA qualified Field Guides and have a wealth of knowledge on the Natural Fauna & Flora in the area. Joined by the dogs, and walking alongside the game reserve, a walk out in the hills is not to be missed. Well-marked trails are also available if you want to meander along in your own steam.

Self-guided walks on the property
There are numerous marked trails that are safe to navigate at your own steam. Wonderful vistas, birds & the occasional wild game can be spotted.

Royal Natal national Park - Tugela Gorge hike Credit: Cheryl Blackburn One of the most popular day hikes in the Drakensberg.

Bird Watching Credit: Graham de Lacy Self-guided trails are available for guest to enjoy nature and birds at their own pace.

Game Walks Credit: Simon Blackburn Guided walks in the neighbouring reserve

Game Walks Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Walking in the Spioenkop reserve

Game Walks Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Spotting game in the neighbouring reserve

Drakensberg Hiking Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Hiking in the Royal Natal Park

Amphitheatre Credit: Cheryl Blackburn The amphitheatre is a spectacular feature in the Drakensberg

Drakensberg Hiking Credit: Cheryl Blackburn

There are numerous opportunities for horse riding at and around Three Trees. We offer rides on the property, which is a working Brahman cattle farm, providing wonderful views of the Spioenkop Battlefield, the Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains. They provide a wonderful 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).

Pony rides can also be arranged for children on request.

Horse Trail riding Credit: Graham de Lacy Riding on the cattle farm with great views of the Drakensberg

Horse riding in the hills Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Spectacular scenery during the horse rides

Horses at sunset Credit: Jos Blackburn Moody image of the horses at sunset

Riding at sunset Credit: Simon Blackburn Group or private trail rides can be arranged

Horse trail ride Credit: Cheryl Blackburn All ages are accepted for the rides.

Horse Trail Rides Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Head into the hills for a hors ride

Spioenkop Game Reserve
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.

Managed by Ezimvelo Wildlife the park is well worth a visit. It is easily accessible by car and takes an hour to get to the entrance.

Birding
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. In the winter months (when the aloes are flowering) most mountain-dwelling birds descend to the foothills to take advantage of the sweet nectar & insects that adorn these spectacular plants. The Malachite sunbird is a stunning example of this. In the summer months, Northern migrants arrive to fill the air with calls & twittering that will keep any “twitcher” on his toes.

Game spotting Credit: Simon Blackburn Spotting game from the marked trails

Raptor Centre Show Credit: Simon Blackburn Daily at 10h30 (except Mondays & Fridays) Falcon Ridge hosts an authentic show of these magnificent birds of prey.

Winter Birding Credit: Clive Dreyer Winter birding is so rewarding since the aloes are in flower, providing pollen ,nectar & insect-feeding birds an opportunity to feast.

Familiar Chat with breakfast Credit: Clive Dreyer Early rains bring many insects for birds to feast

Robin at breakfast Credit: Simon Blackburn Dining al fresco has its advantages to birders.

Titbabbler Credit: Clive Dreyer Winter flowering aloes attract a myriad of birds

Widow Bird Credit: Clive Dreyer Bird watching on the farm

Sunbirds Credit: Shelley Barron Sunbirds nesting with chicks

Rhino viewing Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Game walks in the reserve

Winter game viewing Credit: Simon Blackburn Game viewing in the winter months is fantastic since the grass

Bird watching Credit: Graham de Lacy Spotting birds on the self-guided walks on the farm

Mountain bikes available for guests to use. Road riding & technical guided trails available on request. Few children size bikes available too. These trails can be done with or without a guide, depending on the guest experience level.

Trails on the property providing wonderful views of the Spioenkop Battlefield, the Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains. They provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular countryside up close whether to view the flora and fauna.

Mountain Biking Credit: Shelley Barron Hilly terrain makes for exhilirating mountain biking

Mountain Bikes Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Mountain bikes are available for guests to hire with helmets, gloves & water bottles.

Mountain Biking views Credit: Simon Blackburn Mountain biking with views

Mountain Biking for all ages Credit: Shelley Barron A variety of mountain bikes are available for hire.

Mountain Biking Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Mountain Biking in the hills

Mountain biking Credit: Simon Blackburn Single track trails provide great excitement

A truly authentic experience with one of the Three Trees staff members that takes you to the nearby village (8km down the road) for a look into the lives of the Hambrook residents.

Tailor-made to suit the guests interest or just an introduction to the Zulu culture. Can be done by bicycle for a half day outing or by vehicle for a shorter experience.

Credit: Life of Betts A visit to the village down the road provides insight to the lives of the Zulu people that live there.

Traditional Zulu Beehive HUt Credit: Life of Betts Visiting the neighbouring village guests can meet very interesting people

Village Tour Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Visiting the local village school

Children in the village Credit: Cheryl Blackburn Visiting the village can bring as much interest to the visitors as the other way around

Village school Credit: Shelley Barron Bringing items for donating to the schools are welcomed

Zulu architecture Credit: Shelley Barron Construction methods in the vilage include mud, dung & wattle construction.

Village window Credit: Shelley Barron Original mud & dung buildings built by Zulu village people.