Tsala Treetop Lodge

Set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa.

Tsala exudes a mysticism that makes it a destination people wish to explore and experience – it is like no other found in Africa. It has a legendary rhythm and ambience that emulates from its spectacular architecture and history.

Tsala is a place that fills your heart with warmth and steals your imagination with its design and breathtaking views, while the mystery and enchantment of the place enthrals you.

Like the monumental ruins of an ancient African civilisation, Tsala’s impressive stone-masonry entrance flanked by water leads to a magnificent foyer.

The elaborate afro-baroque décor’s earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings are inspired by the diverse cultures of Africa, with the sophistication of the Western World.

Tsala is, in every sense, a magical place – breathtaking views from everywhere, superb unobtrusive service and dining to match, whether at the renowned Zinzi Restaurant (SA’s Top 100), the Tsala dining room or in the intimacy of your suite.

Staying in your own private elevated hideaway is romantic and adventurous, along with its perfect location in the heart of the Garden Route, this unique Hunter Hotels property is an ideal base for your holiday adventure.

Whether you wish to stay in and relax amidst the ancient enchanting forest, or to head out and explore South Africa’s celebrated Garden Route, experiencing Tsala is pure magic.

Beautiful private suites and villas, breath taking views and forest seclusion, unique architectural design and excellent personal service, irresistible to those who appreciate exclusivity, fine fare, romance and adventure.

The 10 magical private suites, tucked into the forest canopy, are the essence of indulgence and romance. Extending into the forest is a private deck and your own infinity pool providing the ultimate privacy.

Built high above the forest floor to complement the style and architecture of Tsala, are six lavish two- bedroomed villas, styled with sophistication and modern touches for pure luxury.

A large lounge with a fireplace and dining area, and a forest- facing private deck and infinity pool ensures you have everything you need and more for the perfect family escape.

Private luxury hideaways amongst the trees
The magical allure of Tsala is irresistible to those who appreciate exclusivity, fine fare, romance and adventure. With beautiful private suites and villas, breathtaking views and forest seclusion, unique architectural design and excellent personal service, it is a fantastic get-away destination.

Guests staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge have access to all the fantastic facilities we offer at the lodge. You can soak up the sun, shop, read, enjoy a glass of wine or socialise on our deck regaling your day’s adventures on the Garden Route.

Suites and Villas
The magical allure of Tsala is irresistible to those who appreciate exclusivity, fine fare, romance and adventure. With beautiful private suites and villas, breathtaking views and forest seclusion, unique architectural design and excellent personal service, it is a fantastic get-away destination.

10 Magical private treetop suites
Tucked into the forest canopy, ten luxury hide-away suites are the essence of indulgence and romance.

Constructed of stone, wood and glass these beautiful tree-house suites comprise of a plush bedroom, an elegant sitting room with a fireplace and a spacious bathroom fit for royalty. Extending into the forest is a private deck and your own infinity pool providing the ultimate privacy.

6 Two-bedroomed villas built above the treetop canopy
Built high above the forest floor to complement the style and architecture of Tsala are six lavish two-bedroomed villas, styled with sophistication and modern touches for pure luxury.

These Treetop Villas comprise of two en suite bedrooms, with sweeping views of the forest below. Outdoor and indoor showers, a large lounge with a fireplace and dining area ensures you and your family have everything you need and more. The private deck and infinity pool makes this the perfect family escape.

Dining on the Estate
Meals at Tsala are exquisitely presented in the glass walled dining room whether for breakfast, lunch or intimate dinners. For those wanting to enjoy the sunshine – our special dining deck, suspended above the forest floor, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a sumptuous breakfast or a lazy lunch.

Tsala Restaurant
We make breakfast a highlight of your day, our chefs have prepared a menu that caters for every breakfast whim. Begin with our plentiful continental breakfast with homemade muffins, fresh croissants, and selection of cheeses, cold meats and fresh fruit.

Move onto our hot menu, offering a selection of eggs to order, gourmet omelettes, some sweet treats and finish off with a glass of bubbly or our speciality coffee.

Lunches can be a casual affair with a light lunch a la carte menu selection on offer with a crisp glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc whilst enjoying the forest canopy views. Dinners in our intimate dining room guarantee a journey of tastes and flavours as you explore our evening a la carte selection.

Not forgetting to wonder through our well stock cellar when choosing your wine for the evening. A 24 hour room service menu is available for those wishing to relax and dine in the privacy of their suite or villa.

Zinzi Restaurant
Vibrant and casual with distinctive international flavours, Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu, in an incredible forest setting.

The African inspiration, seen in the architecture and use of natural building materials, comfortably complements the global tribal décor of beautiful, intricate carvings and metalwork from India and the fascinating patterns of the Suzani tribal textiles.

The chefs at Zinzi Restaurant come from a variety of culinary backgrounds and each brings their own passion and creativity to the menu.

Taking inspiration from Africa and beyond they have created a menu that is a testament to the art of cooking simple yet flavourful food and presenting it in a beautiful and affordable way.

The Zinzi Menu changes seasonally to ensure that you not only get to eat seasonal produce but also enjoy the variety our chefs strive for when creating the dishes.

Ideal for sun-downers at the bar, or for a relaxed dining experience, Zinzi embraces the spirit of hearty cuisine and zesty ingredients with a choice selection of a la carte menu items.

Sage Restaurant at Hunter’s
An elegant dining experience fit for a king offering an Anglo French inspired a la carte dinner menu by candle light.

Offering a selection of textures and flavours to tempt your taste buds as you indulge in a bottle of wine from the cellar which has been stocked from the top wine farms in South Africa.

Perfect for that special occasion or celebration of life. Regret no children under the age of 10 years.

The Conservatory Restaurant at Hunter’s
Relax and indulge in our family friendly Bistro style dining in one of Hunter’s beautifully appointed dining rooms for either lunch or dinner.

Hunter’s chefs prepare a seasonal, light and tasty a la carte menu, offering a fusion of Anglo Italian country fare. We invite you to explore our carefully selected choice of South African produced Italian wine varietals, alongside some fine Estate wines from the winelands.

Wine Cellar
A winding staircase leads you to the hidden wine cellar at Tsala, where shelves carefully house a selection of vintage and younger wines you can enjoy during your stay. The Tsala wine cellar pays homage to the wine makers of South Africa, showcasing the best of each wine region.

From the cooler coastal Sauvignon Blancs to the rich Shiraz grapes grown on the slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch, each wine is carefully selected and cared for so that you can savour their wonderful flavours while enjoying the sunset over the forest.

Facilities and Wellness
Guests staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge have access to all the fantastic facilities we offer at the lodge. You can soak up the sun, shop, read, enjoy a glass of wine or socialise on our deck regaling your day’s adventures on the Garden Route.

Yoga, Gym and In-Room Pamper Treatments
Guests staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge have access to all the fantastic facilities we offer at the lodge. You can soak up the sun, shop, read, enjoy a glass of wine or socialise on our deck regaling your day’s adventures on the Garden Route.

Hunter’s Yoga and Pilates Studio
Join us to greet the rising sun and find a gentle flow to begin your day. Strengthen your core in our perfectly appointed easterly facing studio with wooden floors.

The studio is located at Hunter’s Country House next to the main swimming pool. Guests of Hunter’s and Tsala are welcome to join our daily morning yoga class or book a private yoga or Pilates session later in the day.

Hunter’s Gym
Hunter’s fully equipped gym offers running, cycling, rowing and stretching machines along with a selection of hand weights allowing for a well-rounded workout. The gym is located at Hunter’s County House next to the main swimming pool and open to guests of both Hunter’s and Tsala.

In-Room Pamper Treatments
Why not spoil yourself to a relaxing pamper treatment in the comfort of your suite. Unwind to the gentle sounds of nature allowing a sense of tranquility to cocoon you whether it be a manicure, pedicure, reflexology or massage.

Functions & Events
Tsala offers opulent accommodation, the ideal location, wonderful dining and a variety of creative event ideas. Each event held at Tsala unique and extraordinary.

Let our experienced team make your event or launch happen to perfection. Tsala has so much to offer to ensure your function is a spectacular, resounding success.

A myriad of options for that perfect event
Tsala offers opulent accommodation, the ideal location, wonderful dining and a variety of creative event ideas. Each event held at Tsala unique and extraordinary. Let our experienced team make your event or launch happen to perfection. Tsala has so much to offer to ensure your function is a spectacular, resounding success.

Forest Fantasy Weddings on the Estate
We know that your wedding day is the most important day of your lives together. We tailor all the arrangements just as you’d like them, paying special attention to every detail, and making the day seamless and memorable.

Tsala’s team believe that every bride and groom deserve their dream wedding to become a reality. Our expert staff can take care of every detail of your wedding day, or should you prefer to spend only a part of your special day in one of our venues, we can happily arrange that too.

Your weddings requirements will be tailor-made by our wedding planner to suit your specific needs. Our intimate “Chapel in the Forest” is the perfect setting. Vows are proclaimed while being framed by floor to ceiling windows overlooking a valley of indigenous forest.

The “Chapel in the Forest” can seat up to 50 guests to share this special moment with you. For the reception, choose either Tsala’s unique dining room or the wonderful Zinzi Restaurant, two bespoke venues that can be transformed into the reception venue of your dreams.

Corporate Travel
Tsala lodge exudes relaxation, revived energy and adventure. We are experienced at tailor-making corporate events to suit your unique, specific requirements. Our professional Tsala team masterfully execute the events from beginning to end, just as you planned it, to produce the most desirable results.

In the day and age of technology and fast paced living it is crucial for organisations to take the opportunity to escape with their teams or clients. Tsala lodge exudes relaxation, revived energy and adventure.

We are experienced at tailor-making corporate events to suit your unique, specific requirements. Our professional Tsala team masterfully execute the events from beginning to end, just as you planned it, to produce the most desirable results.

Let us create your distinctive conferences, incentives and events
In the day and age of technology and fast paced living it is crucial for organisations to take the opportunity to escape with their teams or clients. Tsala lodge exudes relaxation, revived energy and adventure.

We are experienced at tailor-making corporate events to suit your unique, specific requirements. Our professional Tsala team masterfully execute the events from beginning to end, just as you planned it, to produce the most desirable results.

A corporate breakaway at Tsala, with its unique luxury accommodation, fine cuisine and excellent service ensures that your conference, meeting or event is productive, motivating and very enjoyable.

With a variety of conference and meeting areas available, Tsala boasts state of the art equipment such as digital projectors, screens, fax, email facilities, Wi-Fi, flip charts, and on-hand technical assistance.

Our close proximity to George airport and Port Elizabeth make it an ideal destination. A conference event at Tsala will leave your delegates with wonderful memories and renewed energy to tackle another day at the office.

Tsala affords a wonderful opportunity for hard-working employees to recharge batteries, and experience an environment that will spark new ideas and revive their personal energy.

Tsala offers a selection of wonderfully fun incentive ideas aimed at creating results-driven environments to ensure the most is achieved out of the participation of your guests. Guest appearances and speakers, activities and entertainment can all be organised in order to create a memorable, rewarding stay.

Tsala affords a wonderful opportunity for hard-working employees to recharge batteries, and experience an environment that will spark new ideas and revive their personal energy.

Tsala offers a selection of wonderfully fun incentive ideas aimed at creating results-driven environments to ensure the most is achieved out of the participation of your guests. Guest appearances and speakers, activities and entertainment can all be organised in order to create a memorable, rewarding stay.

Enchanting Private Honeymoons
Every day spent in your enchanting private suite or at the relaxed main lodge, will be filled with intimate moments, unforgettable scenery and memories shared for a lifetime.

Families are in for a treat
Children staying at Tsala are in for a treat. The younger ones get to stay in their own tree house in the enchanted forest, pampered and cared for like the princes and princesses of their dreams.

Whale & Dolphin Watching
What better way to see these beautiful sea creatures than by boat, with a knowledgeable guide who will share interesting information about why they are so important to the balance of nature.

Dolphin Season – In summer you have a very good chance of spotting the rare, gregarious Humpback Dolphins found in only certain areas of the South African coastline.

You can also likely to see Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphin. We will take you to the Robberg Seal Colony, the natural habitat of about 5,000 noisy, fun-loving seals.

Whale Season – In winter there is a very high likelihood that you will see the Southern Right and Humpback whales. Tours include the Robberg Seal Colony (home to +/- 5000 seals) and other marine life of the day.

Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden is the Garden Route’s very own world class free flight bird sanctuary. The unique two-hectare dome (the World’s largest) 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. The aviary is open for you to roam around, no guide is required so you may spend as much time as you like watching the birds.

Monkeyland
At Monkeyland guests have the rare opportunity to walk amongst these fascinating creatures, that remind us so much of ourselves. On the guided safaris you can expect to see a variety of primates, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar.

The knowledgeable rangers will tell you about these fascinating mammals as you encounter them roaming free in the forest. They also point out, identify and explain the many wonders of life in the forest, from the rich diversity of bird life to the intricate workings of the forest itself.

Swim with the seals
This exciting adventure takes you out to sea to snorkel with these fun loving creatures, watching them playing and frolicking in the waves. If you looking for a fun ocean adventure, this is for you.

This tour is a first for Plettenberg Bay. It is an experience that will leave you with an invigorated appreciation of the beauty of the ocean and the wonderful animals that inhabit it.

Sailing
Set sail aboard a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise through the Knysna Heads, while enjoying a glass of South African sparkling wine and a seafood platter. An experienced crew will take you sailing on the famous Knysna Lagoon in the Garden Route.

Sailing out past the Heads and towards Buffalo Bay witnessing incredible rock formations, caves, pelagic birds, whales and dolphins unique to this internationally acclaimed Eden.

Boat Trips & River Stand Up Paddling
The Keurbooms River in Plett and the Knysna lagoon are two of the most picturesque waterways on the Garden Route. Take a leisurely boat trip to kickback and experience the pristine natural beauty of the area.

Stand-up paddle through the deep ravines & indigenous forest on the quiet beauty of the Keurbooms River with the call of the Fish Eagle and the flash of the Knysna Loerie (Turaco) overhead for company.

Fishing Charters
Deep sea fishing charter trips in Plettenberg Bay are a day out in the deep waters bringing you into contact with tough fighting fish and an incredible diverse ecosystem. Often seen on the trips are whales, dolphins, seals, marine birds and the majestic Great White Shark as an added bonus of what this region has to offer.

Golf
For the avid golfer there are a number of top class, and PGA recommended, golf courses in the area. Designed by some of the best golfers in the world, like Ernie Els, the opportunity to play these golf courses is well with worth the time.

Horse Riding
Feel the grass and bush brush past you, breathe in the fresh air around you and listen to the sounds of Africa. Either take a ride through the forests and hills of the surrounding area or experience a horseback safari at a local nature reserve and catch a glimpse of some of Southern Africa’s wild animals.

Cycling
The Garden Route offers great road cycling terrain, waterfront views and off-road tracks, enabling you to create your own personal sight-seeing tour, while getting some exercise at the same time.

There are several mountain bike trails on offer in the area between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay for those looking for a little off road adventure. Whether you bring your own, or rent once you arrive, cruising around Plett on two wheels offers a whole new perspective.

Hiking & Robberg Nature Reserve
One of the best ways to explore the scenic beauty that Plettenberg Bay has to offer is by hiking the national parks, beaches and trails.

Pack a picnic and plan a day trip to Robberg Nature Reserve or the one of the beautiful walks along the coast in Nature’s Valley or the Kranshoek Coastal Walk, and enjoy walking through indigenous forests, along one of Plett’s Blue Flag beaches, or head out to Tsitsikamma and choose one of their meandering coastal trails.

Robberg Nature Reserve, situated 8km south of the town of Plettenberg Bay, is not only a nature reserve, but also a national monument.

Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula.

The reserve extends 1.8km offshore, providing protection to a range of vulnerable fish species. You can expect to see inspiring landscapes, exciting dolphin and whale sightings in season, a wide variety of bird species and the resident Cape Fur seal colony.

Beach Walks
Beach walking in the Garden Route include some of the most breath taking Blue Flag beaches in the world. Plettenberg Bay specifically has some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa. The town’s 20 kilometres of picturesque Indian Ocean coastline features pristine, unspoilt sandy beaches.

Plett’s beaches have been nominated 5 years in a row for the award for Africa’s top beach destination. Boasting six premier “Blue Flag” status beaches, including Robberg 5, Lookout Beach, Keurboomstrand, The Dunes, The Singing Kettle and Nature’s Valley.

Surfing
Plettenberg Bay is not only one of South Africa’s most beautiful bays, but also one of the most perfect surfing destinations on the Garden Route.

Experienced surfers can head to the beach and enjoy some awesome rides while those wanting to learn have access to some of the best surf instructors in South Africa.

These instructors will offer you a carefully designed programme that will have you up and riding in no time. We warn you, once you’ve experienced the thrill of dropping down the face of a wave and riding one of nature’s wonders, you’ll be hooked for life!

Kayaking
Experience the sea in a kayak and get a glimpse of Plettenberg Bay’s beautiful mountain scenery and dramatic coastline from the ocean.

Kayaking with an experienced guide from Central Beach to Robberg Nature Reserve your guide will introduce you to Robberg Nature Reserve and it’s wonderful marine life in the bay. During whale season you may encounter these majestic mammals on your tour.

An alternative unguided option is to river kayak on the Keurbooms River venturing up the gorge to Whiskey Creek. Perhaps take a picnic with to make a full day of it.

Bungy Jumping
For those looking for extreme excitement – Bloukrans Bungy Jump is it! Bloukrans is the World’s Highest Commercial Bungy Jump at an incredible 216m.

Bloukrans utilizes pendulum bungy technology ensuring you the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible. Once you are secured in a full body harness, you walk along a specially designed catwalk (216m long), which is suspended beneath the road surface.

This leads you to the top of the arch – 216m above the Bloukrans River. Here you will be given final instructions by the highly experienced staff, a countdown and BUNGY!

Ziplining & Canopy Tours
Experience a World of Diversity in One Forest – Situated in the Garden of the Garden Route and heart of Tsitsikamma, Stormsriver Adventures offers visitors Africa’s First – Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour.

Enjoy being suspended 30m above the forest floor on the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, cable sliding from ten platforms, tree to tree while discovering the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Tsitsikamma Indigenous forest.

Surrounded by birdlife and giant trees like the Outeniqua Yellowwood, known to us as Uncle Sam who is over 600 years old.

Sky Diving
Free-fall over one of the most scenic drop zones in the world. A leisurely, scenic plane flight of 20-minutes to 10,000 feet, over the Knysna forests and Plettenberg Bay coastline. Then the adrenaline starts to pump as you exit the plane with your Tandem Master and experience the rush of a 35 second free fall at 200KPH.

Shark Cage Diving
Experiencing these majestic beasts in their natural environment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a wonderful privilege and an extreme adventure all rolled into one.

Mossel Bay (162km from the lodge) is renowned for its Shark Interactions and is perfect for those looking to meet these misunderstood giants of the deep.

Website: www.hunterhotels.com

Rooms: 16

Price: from 475 EUR per night