On-site Self-Guided Experiences

There is no shortage of things to do on your own at Three Tree Hill. The farm and its surroundings reward exploration at any pace. The horses roam the hills freely & may be encountered whilst walking. They are very friendly & love a good ear scratch. You may also come across the gentle Brahman cattle, which tend to congregate in a herd and may curiously follow you whilst you are walking or cycling. Remain calm and move slowly around them. They have a kind nature and mean no harm. Wildlife is transient between the reserve and the farm, so you may also be lucky to see various species, all of which are not normally a threat to humans, so please keep your distance. Enjoy the animals from a safe vantage point. Never approach, crowd or attempt to touch them.

Nature Walking Trails

Explore Three Tree Hill on foot along our Green Flag-certified walking trails, with routes ranging from 1 km to 6 km and approximately 30 km of trails in total. Wander through the rolling Drakensberg foothills, taking in wide-open views, indigenous vegetation, birdlife and the peaceful landscapes around Spioenkop. Most of the trails meander alongside the reserve, so game can also be spotted.

Whether you fancy a gentle stroll or a longer walk, there is a trail to suit your pace, with plenty of opportunities to pause, take in the scenery and connect with nature.

Sundowners

Watch the sun sink behind the Drakensberg mountains, with a refreshing drink in hand. Our sundowners are all about wide-open views, golden skies and that special moment when the day slows down and the valley comes alive.

Relax

Beside the pool, on your own room verandah or on the viewing deck under the large Acacia tree.

Read

The multitude of Africana, Natural history, political & inspirational biographies in the library.

Play

At the children's adventure area – trampoline, jungle gym, swing ball, slide, swings, sandpit & Fantasy House.

Yoga

Mats are available at the reception should you wish to do your own vinyasa in the privacy of your room or out on the viewing deck surrounded by nature.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are available for the use of guests at a nominal rental fee. (R595 per person) Cycling down the road & around through the village or tackling one of the more technical routes on the farm.

Birding

This diversity of habitat is reflected in the 280 bird species found within walking distance of your accommodation. 25km of well-marked trails are available for guests to enjoy on their own steam or with the assistance of guide. Binoculars, bird baths, resting benches & a library of reference books add to your avian experience. Winter months are awash with the bright orange flowers of the Aloe spectabilis, which attract a vast selection of nectar & insect-feeding birds, all slightly disguised with orange faces from the pollen! Specials at this time of the year are Gurney’s Sugarbird & the Malachite Sunbird. Summer months attract numerous migrants, of which the many cuckoo and widow species are of special interest.

Specials that are seen regularly include Fiscal Flycatcher, White-Bellied Korhaan, Buff-streaked Chat, Layard’s Tit-babbler, Blue Crane, Cape Vulture.

Within an hour’s drive one can visit nearby birding hotspots, such as Ingula Nature Reserve and Maloti Drakensberg Park. Maps & delicious picnic lunches on offer from the lodge.

Picnic

At the Magic Faraway Tree or The Old Kraal (600m from the lodge) with a lunch provided by the lodge. Please arrange with reception or service staff evening before the picnic.