I’m no history buff, and our guide Simon Blackburn does not claim to be either, but applause filled the air atop Spioenkop as he concluded his intricate, well told tale of the concomitant events and bloody battle that took place there between the British and Boers on January 23, 1900.
Simon and his wife Cheryl are the owners of the four-star Three Tree Hill Lodge. They continue the vision of previous owners Andrew Ardington and the late David Rattray to bring to vivid life the struggle between one of the largest Empires in history and one of the smallest nations in the world.
The wood and iron buildings are in the style of the period, as are the fittings and furnishings. However Three Tree Hill Lodge is about much more.
Simon and Cheryl are experienced safari and mountain guides, with the bush in their blood, and it is the bush that dominates, with quintessential African views past the aloes and acacias over the reserve to Spioenkop and beyond in the direction of Ladysmith, and across the dam toward the nearby Drakensberg range on the other.
You could while away your time unwinding in the silence and space on the verandahs, the viewing deck or the swimming pool. Or you could grab a mountain bike along a scenic trail, stroll on one of the nature trails, take a guided walk or horseback ride through the 6 000ha reserve with great rhino sightings.
There are plenty of trips within an hour or so of the lodge, the Forest Canopy Tour and Drakensberg Boys Choir to mention but two.
But what is paramount is the tranquillity, broken only by the calls of jackals and laughter of children.
There is a two-bedroom guest suite for family groups and six tasteful and comfortable chalets.
The well-presented food ranges from good home-cooked fare to some inspired dishes. The produce is all locally sourced, and dietary requirements are catered for.
Three Tree Hill Lodge is a benchmarked member of the Portfolio Collection – www.portfoliocollection.com. It is around 3.5 hours from Durban and 26km from Bergville.
Rates range from R1 250 per person sharing per day in low season and R1 950 in high season, and R650 for children sharing under 12. Call 036 448 1171 (or 082 379 1864), e-mail [email protected] and visit www.threetreehill.co.za. - Sunday Tribune