South Africa Accommodation | Garden Route

Tsala Tree Lodge

A symphony of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of the Garden Route, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Eastern and European flavours blend with the cultures of Africa to reflect in the tastes, rhythms and colours of the hand crafted fittings and superb cuisine.
Elevated wooden walkways meander through the trees to ten exclusive and very private suites, all with plunge pools. The seductive structures rise to heights exceeding six metres, each one a harmonious combination of craftsmanship of ancient times and indulgent luxury of modern convenience. Discover the romance and magic of Coastal Africa. Member of Relais & Chateaux.

FACILITIES

A main lodge with a magnificent foyer featuring polished blackwood columns
Cosy lounge with views of the forest and valley
Handcrafted furnishings and fittings reflecting the skills and cultures of Africa
Large open suspended decks for dining and sunset viewing
Library featuring reference books on the area
Elevated boardwalks allowing movement between the main lodge and suites, high in the forest canopy
Superb, imaginative cuisine, reflecting the diversity of South African cultures
Cellar stocked with the best South African wines

LOCATION

In the heart of the Garden Route of the Western Cape, 10km west of the resort town Plettenberg Bay and 22km east of the lagoon town of Knysna.

ACCOMMODATION

10 individual , elevated suites in the forest canopy
Sitting room with wood fire, bedroom, spacious bathroom, outside shower
Private pool with observation deck and sun loungers
Elevated into the canopy 6 to 9 metres up on huge pole & stone pillar supports from the forest floor
Connected to each other and the main lodge by a series of elevated walkways

THE LEGEND OF TSALA

THE Beautiful People of the north were hungry and thirsty as the great deserts were dry and arid. Dust rose in clouds to hide the sun as the animals migrated. Scribes wrote of a wonderful land of forests, rivers and the sea with snow white beaches, a land protected by the magnificent purple mountains where rains fell gently and the air was warm.
The Beautiful People decided to move to this land of promise - those of great wisdom, those skilled in woodwork, metalwork, stonework, pottery, weaving, hunting and many other skills.

They reached the coast of paradise, and found it as the scribes had predicted.

STONE was discovered and wood, and water in abundance. The Beautiful People built their villages with stone from the boulders of Robberg above the sea, and with timber from the forests. Elephants were brought from the plains and trained to move the great logs of the towering forest giants. The women set to work weaving silk from the worms that fed on the leaves of the forest trees. Gold was found in stream beds and wrought into beautiful adornments. Iron was smelted and beaten into spears and all manner of implements. Clay was moulded into vessels. Vineyards were planted in the fertile valleys and wines of excellence filled the cellars. The beautiful people lived on the abundance of animals and fruit in the forest, and fish, mussels and oysters from the sea. The great flightless birds of the plains provided eggs and exotic feathers. Honey was collected as it dripped golden from the comb. Grain was ground to flour. All was at peace in the land of EDEN.

WHAT happened to the Beautiful People is lost in the mists of time.

EONS later, the ruins of an ancient sacred village were discovered in the forest on the edge of a great valley. The collective memory of the people was re-awakened. Descendants of those skilled and talented people began re-working the quarries at Robberg and masons dressed the stone as they had in ancient days. Invader trees were felled to preserve the verdant forests and to sculpt beams for buildings and furniture.

The potter's kilns were fired again and the anvils rang to the sound of metal being fashioned.

TSALA "the elevated resting place", rose majestic above the tree tops like the Phoenix from the ashes. A haven of ten luxury suites, protected and secure among the great tree trunks. Beautifully camouflaged high above the forest floor and creatively interlinked by a web of elevated walkways.

PEOPLE come from far and wide to find this place of peace and plenty, hidden in the forest, where the air is clear, the sun shines brightly and the breeze blows softly. It is a place of opulence and rejuvenation, discovery and wonder. Once again nature's abundance is harvested, prepared and enjoyed, local wines are brought from the cellar and sampled. Joy and laughter is heard again in this place where the mountains and the forest of the great Tsitsikamma come down to meet the sea.