Let’s face it, adulthood isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. It carries responsibilities that simply didn’t exist when we were kids. Then our only concern was getting enough playtime before we had to go to bed. Ask any grown adult and they’d probably jump at the opportunity to relive their childhood. Having a nap in the morning, building forts in the garden or, if you were lucky enough, having secret meetings in the great ol’ treehouse.
Spending a night or two in a treehouse is a great way to relive your childhood fantasies. Nowadays they’re not all just forts built in trees for the kids. Now there are tree hotels and treetop hideaways where you can get lost in imaginary worlds in amongst the branches. South Africa has its fair share of them and we’ve selected seven amazing child-friendly ones for you to choose from…
All prices were correct at time of publication, but please check with them before travelling.
KINGSTON TREEHOUSE
Lion Sands, Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga
Constructed of glass and wood, the luxurious Kingston Treehouse is completely open to the elements while still being protective and equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities. It is surrounded by natural boulders and offers a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views. No matter what the weather has in store, you will have a safe and luxurious setting.
Rates: R3,850.00 per person. Max 2 adults and 2 children 10-15 years. Price includes Meze-style picnic dinner, all beverages, teas, coffees and snacks.
Website: www.lionsands.com/our-treehouses/kingston
SYCAMORE AVENUE
Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal
Sycamore offers two family treehouses, Fantasy Treehouse and Planequarium Treehouse.The artistically designed treehouses will inspire and encourage you to relax and unwind in an unusual setting. You can warm yourself by a cosy fire or rela on the patio high in the trees whilst watching the sunset over Giants Castle in the Drakensberg. Sycamore is a dinner, bed and breakfast establishment, serving a mini buffet for supper and a full English breakfast. There are small fridges for wine and beer, kettles, teas and coffees.
Rates: From R795 pppn (sharing) incl. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Children 3 to 11 years old only pay half price. Children under 3 years old stay free.
Website: treehouse-acc.co.za
BONA NTABA TREE HOUSE LODGE
Hoedspruit Limpopo
Bona Ntaba’s family treehouses are elevated so you can enjoy the perfect view of the the mountains from your private covered balcony. Each treehouse has an ensuite with an outside shower that provides breathtaking views of the bush. The loft can sleep two children; perfect for children old enough to climb the ladder. You have to use the kitchen in the lodge building to do your cooking or you can braai in the boma. The lodge also has a dining area, a lounge, a deck overlooking the watering hole, and a splash pool.
Rates: R600 per person per night. R250 per child (age 6- 12).
Website: www.bonantaba.com
TENIQUA TREETOPS
Sedgefield, Garden Route
Built on hand crafted platforms and situated in carefully chosen spots, Teniqua’s self catering treehouses have comfortable tented bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and leafy luxury bathrooms. The family tree houses are toddler friendly with large corner baths and lovely sitting areas. They have a large deck area with a Weber BBQ. The kitchens have a gas cooker and a microwave. Enjoy the unique opportunity to sleep, eat and shower up in the canopy of the ancient Knysna forest surrounded by birdsong and butterflies. The Forest Elders treehouse railings are closer together and so is safe for younger children too.
Rates: From R1730 per night for a one-bedroomed treehouse.
Website: teniquatreetops.co.za
BONAMANZI
Hluluwe Imfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Bonamanzi Game Reserve offers four-sleeper family tree houses, all air-conditioned and complete with en-suite bathrooms, living area, two bedrooms upstairs and a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering. They also have lovely verandas and braai areas. The Tree Lodge, which consists of three 2-sleeper treehouses joined together by an aerial board walk, is a convenient alternative for slightly larger groups.
Rates: R2475.00 per unit per night. Children 12 years and under 12 pay half price of adult rate, if sharing with parents. Children 4 years and under – no charge, if sharing with parents.
Website: bonamanzi.co.za
PEZULU TREE HOUSE LODGE
Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province
Situated in a tranquil bush setting, the lodge consists of ten unique tree houses, each designed to blend perfectly with the environment whilst maintaining an element of luxury. The privately situated tree houses have spacious balconies where you can view herds of animals passing below or look a giraffe in the eye. Solid wooden walkways lead high into your private tree house. All our tree houses are en-suite and are supplied with electricity, tea and coffee facilities, electronic safes, overhead fans, heaters and mosquito nets. There are four family tree houses which are able to accommodate a family with up to five children and they can also put one or two beds in the parents’ bedroom for young children who don’t want to sleep alone.
Rates: R1295 per adult sharing, R795 per teenager and R595 per child under 12 years. Children under 3 years stay free of charge. All meals included.
Website: www.pezulu.co.za
SPEEKHOUT
Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape
The Speekhout Treehouse is built in an enormous red Karee tree. The self catering treehouse has an open air hot water shower and flush toilet with beautiful views of the mountain. Towels and bedding are provided. The kitchen has a microwave oven, bar fridge, and two plate gas stove. There’s a lovely fireplace inside for winter nights, as well as an outside braai area. The Treehouse can sleep up to six people.
Rates: R280 per person per night, R180 per child under 12 years
Website: www.speekhout.co.za