About Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala Treetop Lodge is set on a private forested estate between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's ...
... scenic Garden Route. Tsala Treetop Lodge is a romantic and luxurious lodge, privately owned by the Hunter family.
Tsala Treetop Lodge offers high quality accommodation with lavish, luxurious suites and villas within a lush forested setting. The lodge caters particularly well for couples of all ages seeking privacy and tranquility. It’s great for exploring the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay and Knysna area with its many activities on offer.
Our view
Tsala Treetop Lodge offers high quality accommodation with lavish, luxurious suites and villas within a lush forested setting. The lodge caters particularly well for couples of all ages seeking privacy and tranquility. It’s great for exploring the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay and Knysna area with its many activities on offer.
Accommodation
16 rooms
Children
Suitable for 10+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Traveller reviews of Tsala Treetop Lodge
4 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 8 Apr 2022, 3 nights
"Tsala Treetop Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Oct 2018, 2 nights
"Absolutely Fabulous !"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Feb 2018, 3 nights
"Tsala Treetop Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 9 Feb 2015, 2 nights
"Fabulously different place to stay"
Overall rating: Excellent





























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Tsala Treetop Lodge: Our full report
Tsala Treetop Lodge is set on a private forested estate between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's ...
... scenic Garden Route. Tsala Treetop Lodge is a romantic and luxurious lodge, privately owned by the Hunter family.
Tsala Treetop Lodge stands in a lush forest setting within a large, gated estate, with stunning views across rolling valleys, towards the distant hills. Within the estate are also the main lodge, Hunter’s Country House and the top-notch, trendy restaurant, Zinzi.
The lavish, luxurious chalets at Tsala Treetop Lodge are particularly well set up for a romantic and exclusive honeymoon holiday in South Africa. Within the estate there is also the opportunity to organise weddings in the ‘Chapel in the Forest’, an intimate and beautiful chapel built in mid 1997, which can seat up to 50 guests.
The Tsala Treetop Lodge’s main entrance is built in stone supported by blackwood columns. A raised, wooden walkway through the forest leads to the 16 rooms, each with air-conditioning, a fireplace, a mini bar/fridge, a TV, a safe and a small desk with chairs.
- The 10 suites were built in 2000 and are linked together via a raised wooden walkway. They are constructed using stone, wood and glass and are decorated using earthy colours reminiscent of the surrounding nature. The suites have high walls, large windows, making the most of the treetop views, and polished wooden floors. Each suite has a separate bedroom, en-suite bathroom and lounge. Each bathroom has a separate toilet and indoor and outdoor shower. All the suites have a private deck, extending over the forest, each with their own private infinity plunge pool.
- The 6 villas were added later in 2007, and are similar in style and décor. The lavish villas, all above the forest floor, have two en-suite bedrooms. The bathroom comprises a double basin, a separate toilet as well as outdoor and indoor shower. Each villa has a dining room, a large lounge, which leads onto a little veranda, and a private deck with an infinity pool.
Although we didn’t eat at Tsala on our recent visit (May 2014) we have been told that breakfast is a highlight of the day! Choose from a continental breakfast with homemade muffins and croissants and a selection of fresh fruit, cheese and cold meats. Follow this with a cooked breakfast of eggs to order, omelettes and their speciality coffee. Light lunches are also served here and a 24 hour room service menu is also available. On the estate is Zinzi, an exclusive restaurant, which is open to guests as well as the public.
In the area around Plettenberg Bay, there are lots of activities to enjoy, including horse riding through the forest and hills, mountain biking, a treetop canopy tour and bungee jumping as well as a variety of animal and bird reserves. (NB: It’s essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the ‘Health & Safety’ section below for our comments on insurance issues regarding this activity.)
As well as adventures activities, for those who simply want to relax, there are many beaches in the area to chose from. During the months of July to November you may also have the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins and seals from viewpoints along the coast.
Geographics
- Location
- Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- Typically 3 - 4 nights is ideal here, although it’d be a good spot to relax for longer.
- Directions
- 10km from Plettenberg Bay and 22km from Knysna along the N2
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- When we last visited Tsala Treetop Lodge in May 2014, we didn’t try the restaurant at the lodge, however we had dinner at Zinzi, the exclusive restaurant within the estate, which is also open to the public. Zinzi also has a bar, a great spot to have a drink before sitting down to your meal.
Here guests can choose from a la carte items, including different choices of South African dishes mixed with international trends. Food at Zinzi is of a high standard and dinner here was the best that we had during our two weeks in the Cape – though the service was slow, given the relatively small number of fellow diners.
The menu during our stay (May 2014) featured a couple of choices of starter, main and desert. Expect starters like smoked venison carpaccio served with slow-roasted tomatoes, toasted cashew nuts, caramelized onions in a balsamic reduction, or cream of butternut soup served with toasted ciabatta.
Main courses might include dishes like roasted chicken breast served with Mediterranean vegetables, olive tapenade and sun-drive tomatoes, or grilled line-fish served with roasted fenugreek and onion masala potatoes, pickled green beans and a spiced dressing. Sharing meze platters are also popular here.
Typical deserts are chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, or strawberry shortcake served with fresh berries, berry compote and Chantilly cream. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Special interests
- Luxury
- Set in the forest canopy of the Western Cape, Tsala Treetop offers unique and opulent accommodation with a bird’s eye view of the treetops. A luxurious choice for your holiday, the lavish offerings include wraparound decking and private infinity pools for each suite.
- See ideas for Luxury in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Tsala Treetop Lodge welcomes children 10 years and older. Younger children are welcome at neighbouring Hunters Country House which welcomes children of all ages.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although Tsala accommodates children aged 10 years and older, we feel that this is a very adult lodge, where couples prefer peace and tranquility, so we would suggest it is more suitable for older children.
Communications
- Communications
- There is Wi-Fi access throughout the lodge.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Medical care
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from Tsala Treetop Lodge. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The estate is gated and manned by security guards 24-hours per day.
- Fire safety
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Extras
- Disabled access
- Laundry facilities
- Pressing, mending and laundry are available. The laundry is off the premises and is not available on weekends or public holidays; all articles of clothing are collected before 10h00 in the morning and they will be ready the following day.
- Money
- At Tsala Treetop Lodge guests can pay in a foreign currency, but not change foreign currency.
- Accepted payment on location
- Tsala Treetop Lodge accepts Cash, Visa, Master, American Express and Diners card. An additional fee is charged for the use of traveller’s Cheques or foreign currency.
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Tsala Treetop Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Tsala Treetop Lodge.
Other lodges in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

The Plettenberg
The Plettenberg is a smart, beautifully designed hotel on the rocks of Plettenberg Bay. Within walking distance from the town centre, it offers stunning views and luxury accommodation.

Hunters Country House
Hunters Country House is a luxurious lodge in spacious grounds. It’s an ideal base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route and is a great choice for families and couples alike.

Southern Cross Beach
The Southern Cross Beach House is a delightful beach front guest house overlooking the ocean at Plettenberg Bay.

Emily Moon River Lodge
The quirky Emily Moon River Lodge lies in a peaceful spot overlooking the Bitou River near Plettenberg Bay and its nearby attractions.

Periwinkle Guest Lodge
A stylish beachy themed guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay and within walking distance to the beach, Periwinkle offers a relaxing and friendly stay for a few days.

Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge is a comfortable owner-run guest house in a peaceful location in the heart of the Garden Route.

Fynbos Ridge
Fynbos Ridge is a small, owner-run guesthouse with a good environmental ethos. The accommodation is very comfortable and the location and views are exceptional.
When to go to Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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