Imagine a week spent relaxing on your own deck, elevated high above the forest floor, surrounded by your loved ones, chirping birds, and luxurious dwellings. No honkering car horns, no impossible deadlines, and no crowds to disturb your inner peace. Swap the stress and noise of the city for a peaceful stay in the trees at these idyllic treetop lodges in South Africa:

1.  Teniqua Treetops, Sedgefield

Teniqua Treetops is an elevated nirvana nestled within an indigenous forest near Knysna, along the picturesque Garden Route. The resort caters for families and romantic stays with 8 self-catering  eco-friendly treehouse. These are built on hand crafted platforms situated in carefully chosen spots spread out over 35 hectares of forest. There are 4 family treehouses that sleep 4 people each; two cater for families with young kids, offering a queen-sized bed and bunk beds in one room; and two cater for families with older kids, with 2 separate bedrooms.

The honeymoon suites offer blissful tranquillity with an en-suite bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a sunken bath on the front deck. All of the treehouses have fully equipped kitchen facilities, including cookers, microwaves, fridges, and utensils, as well as forest lookout decks, cosy lounge areas, and bathrooms. They are serviced daily. The resort also has a communal area with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, braai area, playground, wireless internet, and entertainment room. When you feel energised enough to leave your cosy hideaway in the trees, you can enjoy activities like bird watching, mountain biking, and forest walks.  Find out more.

2.  Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

Set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a little piece of paradise in Plettenberg Bay. Recreating the monumental ruins of an ancient African civilisation, you will be greeted by an impressive stone masonry entrance flanked by royal water features. The lodge offers 10 Tsala Suites and 6 Tsala Villas, fashioned out of stone, wood, and glass, offering sweeping views of the indigenous forest below.

The suites sleep 2 people each and offer a king-sized bedroom, an elegant sitting room with fireplace, lavish bathroom, and private deck with an infinity pool. The villas sleep 4 guests each and feature 2 king-sized bedrooms, stylish lounge with fireplace, a bathroom with free-standing bath, both indoor and outdoor showers, and a private deck with an infinity pool. The lodge extends its attention to detail throughout with its afro-baroque décor, earthy colours, and rich textures that emulate the diverse cultures of Africa. Elevated wooden walkways lead from the rooms towards the communal areas where you will find an elegant dining room, library, complimentary Wi-Fi in the main lodge. There is also a wine cellar, glass enclosed lounge, and outdoor dining decks peering over the treetops. Find out more.

3.  Treehouse River Lodge, Shongweni

Treehouse River Lodge is a tranquil sanctuary in the Shongweni Valley, just 30 minutes from Durban and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The lodge offers a variety of thatched log chalets with private wrap-around verandas, braai areas, and views of the river and gorge. All of the rooms sleep 2 – 4 people and have an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan, tea and coffee tray, television with DStv, CD player, heater, and electric blankets.

There are also 2 annexes, each with a kitchenette and extra bedroom with double bunks to accommodate more people if necessary. The rooms are serviced daily. A thatched lapa provides an idyllic setting for full English breakfasts in the morning. Other luxuries include a restaurant, bar, spa treatments, swimming pool, guest lounge, and laundry service.  Look forward to a weekend of horse riding, fishing, bird watching, cycling, and mountain biking, or simply enjoying the peace of your surrounds. Find out more.

Which treehouse would you like to make your own?