est.1990
South Africa Tsala Exterior Entrace
South Africa Tsala Exterior Entrace
Garden Route, South Africa

Tsala Treetop Lodge for Families

Children will love the magic and adventure of staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge. What could be more fun than staying in a luxurious suite suspended among a forest canopy on the Garden Route? The cuisine, wine and service are all top notch, so there’s plenty for parents to enjoy, too. Children will love the magic and adventure of staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge. What could be more fun than staying in a luxurious suite suspended among a forest canopy on the Garden Route? The cuisine, wine and service are all top notch, so there’s plenty for parents to enjoy, too.
Children will love the magic and adventure of staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge. What could be more fun than staying in a luxurious suite suspended among a forest canopy on the Garden Route? The cuisine, wine and service are all top notch, so there’s plenty for parents to enjoy, too. Children will love the magic and adventure of staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge. What could be more fun than staying in a luxurious suite suspended among a forest canopy on the Garden Route? The cuisine, wine and service are all top notch, so there’s plenty for parents to enjoy, too.
South Africa Tsala Aerial View

Location

You’ll find Tsala in the Hunter’s Estate, Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa’s renowned Garden Route. The central Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most diverse regions where spectacular coastal scenery makes way as you travel inland for great forests and the Swartberg Mountains.

The quaint towns of George, Knysna and Plettenberg rival Cape Town and the Winelands for superb restaurants, golf courses, horse riding, sailing and touring opportunities. The area also has some fine beaches of which Plettenberg Bay is the most famous. From the more adventurous to those wanting to enjoy a slower pace, there are activities and experiences for everyone.
Africa South Africa Garden Route Tsala Treetop Lodge Ttl Suite Deck And Pool Resize
Sleep in the Treetops
With an impressive stone masonry facade, Tsala is a magnificent lodge. It’s set deep in an enchanting forest offering unrivalled peace and seclusion and making it perfect for a private family escape. Accommodation here is unique and something truly special.
Set above the treetops are six two bedroomed villas designed with families in mind. Inside you’ll have two en-suite bedrooms, each with indoor and outdoor showers, a lounge, and private deck with infinity pool. You’ll have everything you’ll need at hand and unparalleled views out over the forest canopy. The suites are reached via elevated wooden walkways which meander through the trees and connect them to the main area where there is a lounge, spa, well stocked library and a superb glass walled dining room.
Africa South Africa Garden Route Tsala Treetop Lodge Bedroom Forest View 036157
South Africa Tsala Outdoor Dining Deck
South Africa Tsala Lounge Deck
South Africa Tsala Bathroom
South Africa Tsala Bedroom
South Africa Tsala Lounge Area
South Africa Tsala Whale Natures Valley

Spend the Summer Holidays Whale Watching

There are so many activities to enjoy on the Garden Route. Notable favourites are, of course, the annual southern right whale migration, perfectly timed with the school summer holidays. We can arrange for you to enjoy a marine safari to see these gentle giants and more, including rare humpback dolphins.

If that only whets your appetite for more ocean adventures, we’ll take you snorkelling with seals, on a deep-sea fishing charter, and on a sunset sailing cruise around the Knysna Lagoon.
South Africa Tsala Quad Biking

Adrenaline Pumping Activities for Teens

For the adventurous among us, there is the opportunity to experience the world’s highest bungee jump, high speed boating, kayaking, treetop canopy tours, sailing, mountain biking, sky diving and caged shark diving.
South Africa Tsala Hiking Tsitsikamma Forest David Nunn Flickr
South Africa Tsala Boy Hiking Garden Route Peter Chovanec Flickr
South Africa Tsala Horse Riding Beach
South Africa Tsala Zipline Dave Lonsdale Flickr

Adventures on Land

On land there are even more adventures to be had. Nearby Birds of Eden is the world’s largest free-flight dome sanctuary, full of rare African avians. It covers an impressive two hectares, so you’ll hardly know it’s indoors. Your own little monkeys will love Monkeyland, a haven for primates from around the globe, including gibbons and lemurs.

Perhaps dad would like to spend an afternoon on a world-renowned golf course, while mum and the kids take a horseback safari along the coast? Tsitsikamma is a stunning reserve with a canopy zipline and fantastic hiking trails.
Positive Impact

We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.

Conservation
Conservation
Tsala encourages its guests to visit “Birds of Eden”; the Garden Route’s very own world class free flight bird sanctuary. The unique two-hectare dome spans over a gorge of indigenous forest and is sanctuary to a myriad of birds that can be viewed up close. Birds of Eden was developed to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and miniature monkeys. Most of the inhabitants that arrive at Birds of Eden have a history of being caged in small environments.
Environment
Environment
Subtly blending into its forest surroundings, Tsala Treetop Lodge is an unintrusive property that was built using natural materials. This creates a sense of immersion into the forest for both their guests and the nature that surrounds it.
Community
Community
Tsala Treetop Lodge is committed to a literacy programme which involves all Grade 3 learners in the nearby Phakamisani and Kwanokuthula primary schools. A number of staff members give their time to support this worthy programme which includes reading, writing and conversation with the children. This process has greatly assisted the kids at the schools to achieve age-appropriate literacy skills to effectively access the curriculum in Grade 4, when the medium of instruction changes from their home language Xhosa to English.
Vibrant Cape Town South Africa Istock 671323338 By Barichivich
Have us match your interests with a tailor-made luxury holiday
Your South African Safari Awaits
Looking for Inspiration?
Main Lodge Pool With Elephant Mhondoro Safari Lodge The Waterberg
Main Lodge Pool With Elephant Mhondoro Safari Lodge The Waterberg
South Africa Trip Idea
Malaria Free Safari in South Africa

The only country able to offer malaria-free safaris, South Africa is a wonderful choice for many looking for a luxury safari experience. Enjoy the abundance of wildlife on offer in some of the most exclusive private reserves, before exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the glamour of the city meets the rugged outdoors.

Read moreMalaria Free Safari in South Africa
Table Mountan Hike Cape Town Istock 1216765189
Table Mountan Hike Cape Town Istock 1216765189
Family Trip Idea
South Africa Family Safari

See the splendour of South Africa as a family on this exclusive safari. Spend your days exploring captivating Cape Town, enjoying the delights of the Winelands and on safari, seeking out the abundant wildlife that roams the wilderness. No matter your age, this iconic safari will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Read moreSouth Africa Family Safari
Victoria And Alfred Waterfront Cape Town Istock 1556500564
Victoria And Alfred Waterfront Cape Town Istock 1556500564
Article
Top 10 South African Activities

With opportunities to see the Big Five of both land and sea, along with incredible scenery, enormous national parks, world-class vineyards, a fascinating history and vibrant, friendly people, South Africa frequently tops the lists of the world’s best holiday destinations. Even so, less than 1% of the world's travellers make it here, so it’s a place where you’ll find yourself with a few select, like-minded and discerning adventurers who have discovered this gem of a country. It’s a place you could return to for the whole of your life and never tire of it.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.

Read moreTop 10 South African Activities
Chitwa Chitwa Activities And Wildlife Family Walking Across From Elephants South Africa
Chitwa Chitwa Activities And Wildlife Family Walking Across From Elephants South Africa
Article
South Africa Family Safaris

If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.

Read moreSouth Africa Family Safaris
Colourful Houses Bo Kapp Capte Townjpg
Colourful Houses Bo Kapp Capte Townjpg
Article
The Rainbow Nation South Africa

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.

Read moreThe Rainbow Nation South Africa
Deck Woman Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge
Deck Woman Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge
Article
Luxury and the Big Five
in South Africa

Without a shadow of a doubt, South Africa is one of the very best places to watch wildlife in the world. The Kruger National Park — a protected area the size of Wales — is certainly the most famous and popular safari destination, but with Journeysmiths you’ll escape the crowds to explore vast, wildlife-filled private reserves, in the company of the best guides.

Read moreLuxury and the Big Five in South Africa
Victoria And Alfred Waterfront Cape Town Istock 1556500564
Victoria And Alfred Waterfront Cape Town Istock 1556500564
Article
Magnificent Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.

Read moreMagnificent Cape Town
Beach Walk Grootbos Forest Lodge Relation
Beach Walk Grootbos Forest Lodge Relation
Article
Explore The Garden Route South Africa

To experience a little bit of everything that South Africa has to offer, you can hardly do better than to drive along the coastal road of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It’s an extraordinary journey, and there’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. One day you might be whale spotting at Hermanus — renowned as one of the best whale watching locations in the world — and the next you could be learning about the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, handling antique weapons and scrambling over the British and Zulu positions.

Read moreExplore The Garden Route South Africa
Isandlwana Grave Stones Hr
Isandlwana Grave Stones Hr
Article
Battlefields And Culture South Africa

Formerly the Zulu Kingdom, the province of KwaZulu Natal runs along South Africa’s dramatic Indian Ocean coastline. The Drakensberg Mountains create a natural border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and offer some excellent hiking routes.

Read moreBattlefields And Culture South Africa
Kids On Safari With Binoculars Ss
Kids On Safari With Binoculars Ss
Article
What to Do in South Africa with Children?

For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen 20 of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.

Read moreWhat to Do in South Africa with Children?
Lion Cubs In Kruger Singita 19138
Lion Cubs In Kruger Singita 19138
Article
Why South Africa Is Great For A Family Safari

South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.

Read moreWhy South Africa Is Great For A Family Safari
Care For Wild Rhino Up Close
Care For Wild Rhino Up Close
Curated Conservation Experience
Go Behind the Scenes at
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary

Working in partnership with globally recognised conservation organisation; Care for Wild, the world’s largest rhino orphanage, we have curated a truly unique and exclusive experience giving a privileged few behind-the-scenes access to this otherwise incredibly private sanctuary.

Read moreGo Behind the Scenes at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
Load more
Occasional round-up of the best wild places, unique experiences and expert travel tips straight to your inbox.
Keep the Inspiration Flowing