Previous owners Andrew Ardington, and the late David Rattray (world-renowned Anglo-Zulu War historian and owner of Fugitives Drift) had a vision for Three Tree Hill Lodge similar to what David had for Fugitives Drift: bringing to vivid life the struggle between one of the largest Empires in history and one of the smallest nations in the world.”

Proprietors Simon and Cheryl Blackburn (ex Singita Private Game Reserve and ex Kwando Safari Experience) continue with this vision.  They are both experienced safari & mountain guides, African-born, with the bush in their blood.  They have spent their time together exploring remote parts of Africa & connecting with local communities. Their three children, Kei, Neo & Jos have joined them on many of these adventures.

The Battlefield Guide, is Zululand born Omri Nene a French-speaking UKZN Arts graduate. He will unravel the gripping events of the Anglo Boer War that dominate in this area. After studying in both Durban & Cape Town, Omri traveled to various parts of South Africa & abroad, including spending a few months in Detroit, Michigan, performing with a local theatre group.

Previous owners Andrew Ardington, and the late David Rattray (world-renowned Anglo-Zulu War historian and owner of Fugitives Drift) had a vision for Three Tree Hill Lodge similar to what David had for Fugitives Drift: bringing to vivid life the struggle between one of the largest Empires in history and one of the smallest nations in the world.”

Proprietors Simon and Cheryl Blackburn (ex Singita Private Game Reserve and ex Kwando Safari Experience) continue with this vision.  They are both experienced safari & mountain guides, African-born, with the bush in their blood.  They have spent their time together exploring remote parts of Africa & connecting with local communities. Their three children, Kei, Neo & Jos have joined them on many of these adventures.

The Battlefield Guide, is Zululand born Omri Nene a French-speaking UKZN Arts graduate. He will unravel the gripping events of the Anglo Boer War that dominate in this area. After studying in both Durban & Cape Town, Omri traveled to various parts of South Africa & abroad, including spending a few months in Detroit, Michigan, performing with a local theatre group.

Our philosophy at Three Trees is to involve the local community with sustainable employment, goods & services procurement, recycling projects, health education & school support.  Community Development & Environmental Ecology are our focus whilst our long term vision is to develop the area into a sustainable wildlife destination.

Climate

Summer is our rainy season and we often have thunderstorms in the afternoons. The days are hot but by nightfall it cools off. However please be prepared for the occasional cold snap. Our winters are generally mild and dry with warm days and chilly mornings and evenings – a wonderful time for visiting KwaZulu-Natal. This is a malaria free area.

What to bring

The dress code at the lodge is casual.  For the tours you will need comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunblock, binoculars, sunglasses and a light jersey/jacket for the summer and in winter a warm jacket/fleece. A light rain/wind proof jacket is recommended.

Road condition

There are approximately 8kms of dirt road. This is a good gravel road and 4×4 vehicles are not necessary.

Map

More on the Drakensberg

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.

Best of KZN

Best of KZN is a collection of independent, stylish, totally individual and above all owner-driven destinations in the lush, verdant countryside of KwaZulu Natal. Each destination offers unique and genuine hospitality with great emphasis on the guest’s complete comfort, with attention to all the minute details it takes to create an atmosphere of relaxation as well as offering exciting and different activities.

Fugitive’s Drift Lodge: www.fugitives-drift-lodge.com
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse: www.cleomountain.com
Duma Manzi: www.dumamanzi.co.za
Thanda: www.thanda.com
Hotel Izulu: www.hotelizulu.com

Tailor-made itineraries are offered throughout the group to show case the Best of KZN.  For more information see www.bestofkzn.co.za

Print map

From Durban or Johannesburg

• Take the R616 (exit 230) off the N3 towards Bergville
• From Free State take the R74 (Oliviershoek Pass) to Bergville
• After 19km turn left onto the D564 (Rangeworthy Cemetry)
• After 8km on this gravel road you will reach Three Trees

NOTE: this is a good gravel road and 4×4 vehicles are not necessary
Do not take any of the roads marked Spioenkop or Spioenkop Nature Reserve

From the Free State

• Take the R74 (Oliviershoek Pass) to Bergville
• Immediately before Bergville turn left onto R616 to Ladysmith
• After 12km turn right onto the D564 (Rangeworthy Cemetry)
• After 8km on this gravel road you will reach Three Trees

NOTE: this is a good gravel road and 4×4 vehicles are not necessary
Do not take any of the roads marked Spioenkop or Spioenkop Nature Reserve

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