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.

Birding

The diversity of habitat is reflected in the 280 bird species found within walking distance of your accommodation. 30 km of well-marked walking trails are available for guests to enjoy on their own steam or with the assistance of a 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.

Other specials in the area that are frequently spotted 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.

Read

The library at Three Tree Hill is filled with over 3000 books covering a range of subjects from Nature, to History to Culture and a little bit of everything in between. Page through captivating Africana, some of which are over 100 years old or just sit quietly and smell the pages!

The Molly Blackburn Library is named after owner, Simon's mother who was a beacon of courage and compassion in South Africa's fight against apartheid in the early 1980's. As a member of the Black Sash, and a public representative of the Progressive Federal Party she worked tirelessly to expose human rights abuses and to support victims of oppression until her life was cut short at 55 in what, many believe, was no accident. Her activism extended beyond protests; she fought for systemic change, touching countless lives with her empathy and determination.

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

Slow down at Three Tree Hill. Take a dip in the pool, curl up with a good book, enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the valley, or simply sit on your cottage veranda and watch the clouds drift over the Drakensberg foothills.

Yoga

Do your own vinyasa in the privacy of your cottage or out on the deck or croquet lawn. Yoga mats can be found in the bathroom basket with your swimming pool towels.

Play

The children’s adventure area is a place for little adventurers to let off steam while parents relax and enjoy the surroundings. With outdoor play equipment such as trampoline, jungle gym, swing ball, slide, swings, monkey bars, sandpit and a charming Fantasy House, children can climb, explore, invent stories and let their imaginations run wild. It’s a lovely space for families to enjoy the outdoors together,

Mountain Bikes

Exhilarating mountain bike trails (2km – 20km) on the farm snake through the hills, following narrow single tracks. For casual riders a gentle free-wheel down to the village is also memorable. Helmets & gloves are provided. Price is for the bike for the day. No extra charge for a Guide.

Picnic

Take a picnic lunch down to the Magic Faraway Tree (approximately 600m from the lodge) and let your imagination wander, just as Enid Blyton once inspired generations of children to do.