Do you still dream of the days when you were able to climb a tree and hide out between the branches for hours? Tree houses have always had a certain charm to them and luckily adults can also enjoy this unique hideout. South Africa is home to some spectacular tree houses, from luxurious treetop lodges to rustic elevated huts with endless views, and TravelGround has rounded up some of these spots for you to escape to!

Sycamore Avenue Treehouse Accommodation, KwaZulu-Natal

The tree house straight out of our dreams! Sycamore Avenue offers six eccentric and romantic tree houses in the Midlands Meander. Each tree house has a spa bath, cosy fireplace and private balcony from where you can enjoy the view of the Drakensberg Mountains. The tree houses are not equipped for self-catering, but breakfast and dinner are prepared by the resident chef.

Teniqua Treetops, Western Cape

This treetop resort consists of eight eco-friendly suites in the Knysna Forest. Each suite is equipped for self-catering and some of the suites even boast sunken baths for an extra special experience in this indigenous forest. There is a communal swimming pool, playground and entertainment room at the resort. 

Bonamanzi Game Reserve – Tree Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

Situated in the Bonamanzi Game Reserve, this self-catering lodge offers a wooden tree house on stilts. The tree house sleeps six guests and is equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable holiday. The tree house is private and about three kilometres from the main reception area where you can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant and make use of the other facilities.

Tsala Treetop Lodge, Western Cape

This five-star hotel is situated amidst the treetops of an indigenous forest near Plettenberg Bay. The hotel is designed so that you can enjoy the peaceful setting of the forest, and each suite and villa has a private deck with an infinity pool. Wooden walkways connect the main restaurant, lounge area and the outside deck while the forest serves as the backdrop.

Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge, Limpopo

Gather your friends and family for a unique getaway to Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge near Hoedspruit. These elevated tree house chalets can be booked separately or together for a group. The comfortable chalets each have a private deck from where you can watch the giraffe, zebra and other game roaming around the camp. There is a central communal building, boma with a braai and a splash pool with a game viewing deck.

Under Milkwood Chalets, Western Cape

These tree houses are situated on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon and have access to a beach where you can enjoy water sports or just marvel at the spectacular view! There are fifteen self-catering chalets, including a very romantic honeymoon suite between the leaves. The resort is famous for its luxurious amenities and the units are serviced daily, so you can truly relax in this tranquil setting on the Garden Route.

Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge, Limpopo

The Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge is built to celebrate its spectacular surroundings and this exclusive tree house lodge wants to give each guest a personal experience. There are ten tree houses built around a canopy of trees and wooden walkways lead to the units. You can enjoy the view and the herds of animals passing below from the spacious balcony and your outdoor shower.

Ballots Tree House, Western Cape

This fairytale tree house is situated between milkwood trees on the Ballots Bay hillside on the Garden Route. Its secluded location ensures the perfect getaway for nature lovers and those wanting to escape the city. You have access to a sheltered pebble beach where you can cast a line and enjoy a swim. The self-catering house sleeps four adults and two children and is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable break. There are multiple decks where you can sip on a sundowner and marvel at the view!

Luara Wildlife, Limpopo

Luara Wildlife is home to a free-standing tree house on a picturesque farm on the outskirts of Thabazimbi. The tree house is ideal for a family of four and has an outdoor kitchen where you can prepare a meal high up in a tree! A viewing deck overlooks the dam and you can view game from there. The farm is also a short drive from the Marakele National Park for more game-viewing opportunities.

The Hermitage Valley Treehouse, Western Cape

An escape to this quaint tree house on the outskirts of Swellendam looks ideal! It is situated on the host’s off-the-grid smallholding with horses and other animals roaming around the cabin. It sleeps two to three guests and is equipped for self-catering. The outdoor shower and sauna adds to this unique experience! You can enjoy a swim in the farm dam and enjoy walks on the farm.

Avoca River Cabins, Eastern Cape

Nature lovers will be in heaven at Avoca River Cabins in the Sundays River Valley near the Addo Elephant Park. There is a wonderful treetop cottage between the Blue Gum trees on the farm and it has two bedrooms and plenty of space for the entire family. The lounge and bedrooms open onto a balcony with braai facilities, patio furniture and a beautiful view. It is a self-catering unit, but breakfast and dinner can be arranged in advance.

Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa, Western Cape

Nestled in the Tulbagh Valley, Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa is a fruit and wine farm in the foothills of the Saronsberg Mountains. Here you will find four tree house suites and a self-catering tree lodge. The tree houses are ideal for a romantic getaway and boast spa baths and private balconies with gorgeous views of the mountain, orchards and game. This farm offers an array of activities, from spa treatments and cycling to afternoon tea in the garden!

Tree House, Kunene

This remarkable tree house in our neighbouring country deserves a special mention! Tree House is an exclusive tented tree house on the western border of the Etosha National Park in Namibia. It only sleeps two guests and you receive a cooler box with refreshments and a cold dinner platter. You are also welcome to make use of the facilities at the main lodge six kilometres from from there. A nocturnal game drive can also be arranged at an extra cost.

So, make your tree house dreams come true and start planning your treetop getaway ─ you deserve it!

Feature image: Tree House (TravelGround.com)