Set in the foothills of South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains, overlooking the historic Spioenkop battlefield, Three Tree Hill Lodge blends history, adventure, and warm hospitality. This Drakensberg boutique lodge offers guests a rare combination of rich heritage, natural beauty, and an intimate, personalised stay.
In the latest episode of Keep Traveling: Your African Vacation, host Rael Zieve chats with owner-manager Cheryl Blackburn about her lifelong journey in tourism, her passion for conservation, and what makes this luxury lodge in South Africa so unique.
A Location Steeped in History
Situated halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, just 30 km from the N3 Highway, Three Tree Hill Lodge overlooks the iconic Spioenkop and neighbours the Spioenkop Nature Reserve. The lodge’s name comes from the original British military camp in the area during the Anglo-Boer War — a nod to the deep historical roots of the property and its surroundings.
Born into Tourism
Cheryl’s connection to hospitality runs deep. Born in the Kruger National Park while her parents managed a camp, she grew up surrounded by wildlife and the spirit of conservation. Her career began as a field guide in the Eastern Cape, later taking her to renowned reserves like Singita in the Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park.
When the opportunity arose to lease land on a working cattle farm and run her own lodge, Cheryl and her family knew it was the perfect place to raise their children — a safe haven of mountains, wildlife, and fresh air.
An Intimate, Tailored Experience
With just nine rooms — including three family cottages — guests at Three Tree Hill enjoy privacy, personalised service, and tailor-made itineraries. Whether it’s advice on hiking routes, curated battlefield tours, or picnic spots with panoramic views, Cheryl and her team ensure every stay is memorable.
What Guests Love Most
Two things top the list: the authentic, warm service from the local Zulu staff, and the attention to detail that’s woven into every part of the experience. From room amenities to picnic hampers, guests notice the care that goes into every stay.
Special Spots and Scenic Views
The lodge is dotted with handpicked viewpoints, benches, and rest stops — each one offering a unique perspective of the Drakensberg. Whether guests want a quick five-minute stroll or a longer scenic walk, the surrounding landscapes are always within easy reach.
Making Meaningful Connections
One of Cheryl’s most rewarding experiences involved British guests tracing their family history from the Anglo-Boer War. By researching old letters and diaries, the lodge’s guide was able to take them to the exact location where their ancestor fought — a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment.
Flavours to Remember
While staying here, guests are treated to wholesome, locally sourced meals. A surprising favourite is the lodge’s hearty lentil curry — a vegetarian dish that’s won over even the most committed meat-eaters. Of course, being on a Brahman cattle farm means the beef served here is exceptional, and a highlight for many visitors.
People Who Make the Difference
Cheryl credits her entire team for the lodge’s success, noting how skills learned at the lodge — from first aid training to hospitality practices — are shared back in their home communities. This ripple effect strengthens the bonds between the lodge and the surrounding villages.
Commitment to Conservation
While they can’t operate inside the adjacent Spioenkop Nature Reserve, Three Tree Hill Lodge works closely with reserve management to report suspicious activity and assist with resources like uniforms, binoculars, and camera traps. Conservation efforts also extend to educational programs for local schools, particularly around birdlife and habitat protection.
Wildlife and Nature Experiences
Guests can expect to see white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck, and a variety of antelope species in the reserve. On the farm’s 25 km of walking trails, warthogs and jackals are common sights, and the haunting call of the jackal at sunset is a sound many guests never forget.
Looking Ahead
Cheryl hopes to see tourism in KwaZulu-Natal rebound to pre-2019 levels, not only for the lodge but for the conservation and community benefits it supports. She encourages visitors to explore the province’s incredible mix of battlefields, mountains, game reserves, and warm Indian Ocean beaches — often at better value than other parts of the country.
Travel Advice for First-Timers
For guests nervous about driving, the lodge offers a transfer service, connecting Three Tree Hill to other KwaZulu-Natal battlefields accommodation and properties in the African Safari Collective. This takes the stress out of travel and ensures a seamless, enriching journey.
Win a Stay at Three Tree Hill Lodge
One lucky listener of Keep Traveling: Your African Vacation will win a two-night stay for two people at Three Tree Hill Lodge. The prize includes personalised itinerary planning and Cheryl’s insider tips for exploring the region.
Enter now at www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast.
Plan Your Drakensberg Escape
Whether you’re here for history, hiking, wildlife, or simply to relax with spectacular mountain views, Three Tree Hill Lodge offers an intimate, enriching experience in one of South Africa’s most diverse regions.
📍 Book your stay at www.keeptravelling.africa 📧 Email: Rael@keeptravelling.africa
As Rael Zieve says: “A few years from now, you won’t remember what it cost — but you will remember the memories you made.”
