Treehouses are a hit all around the world, but there’s something extra special about spending a night among the branches under a blazing African sky that makes them even more special.
Perhaps it’s the hint of risk, the sounds of night birds and the roar of the lion echoing through the landscapes, or the mysterious munching sound emanating from below. Maybe it’s the sense of traveling back to times of the first explorers bravely going where none had ventured before.
Every traveler has their own reasons for taking to the trees during their southern African safari, and these are the best places to try out an African treehouse during your trip.
Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia
It’s to be expected that the highly acclaimed Tongabezi Lodge would feature a treehouse among its many luxurious offerings. This top-rated establishment is a great place to branch out with a treehouse experience for the first time, since it’s one of the tamer options available.
The room is more like a stilted penthouse than a traditional treehouse, with its back facing the cliffs and an open front overlooking the Zambezi River. Here you’ll find every comfort you could hope for among the branches of the riverside ebony trees.
It has an open-pan design with a claw-footed open air bath, huge four poster bed draped in plush linens, and both a seating area and lounge with glorious views over the surrounding landscape. Air-conditioning and luxurious wooden furnishings complete the picture.
Lion Sands Treehouses
South Africa’s Lion Sands Private Game Reserve offers three treehouses for more adventurous souls. These are located in isolated positions overlooking prime game viewing areas and truly nestled in the boughs of huge old trees.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect from each of them:
- Tinyeleti Treehouse is open to the wild on all sides and perches alongside the Sabie River – a hotspot for wildlife sightings of every kind.
- Chalkley Treehouse also offers an open air adventure set in the wide open spaces of the savannah.
- Kingston Treehouse is set against giant boulders and woodlands and is the only one of the Lion Sands treehouses that boasts a roof and glass walls, to provide a sense of ease for the more cautious traveler.
All three treehouses are safely out of reach of Africa’s denizens and feature only candle or lamplight as well as a gourmet picnic basket in lieu of dinner. You’ll be escorted to your sleeping spot by an armed ranger, who remains on call throughout the night and then collected in the morning for a game drive at first light.
To the Trees
There’s no doubt that treehouses and sleep-outs offer a supremely immersive experience for nature lovers visiting southern Africa.
If you’d like to try out this wonderful opportunity to spend time in a unique setting, get in touch to book your accommodation at one of these prestigious destinations now.
