TSALA TREETOP LODGE
SET AMIDST THE TREETOPS OF AN AGE-OLD INDIGENOUS FOREST
Tsala is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa and the promise of a memorable stay. Built high in the trees of the Tsitsikamma forest and linked by elevated wooden walkways, Tsala Treetop Lodge is situated close to the seaside resorts of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, on the scenic Garden Route of the Western Cape. The Lodge is a uniquely fascinating retreat, offering luxury accommodation and private relaxation, surrounded by wooden courtyards and infinity pools overlooking the forest canopy. The afro-baroque décor, with its earthy colors, rich textures and handcrafted fittings, draws its inspiration from the diverse cultures of Africa.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Lodge consists of 10 suites constructed of stone, wood and glass, all with luxurious bedroom, elegant sitting rooms with open fireplaces, and spacious bathrooms. Extending into the forest are private decks for al fresco dining, and each suite has its own infinity pool. There are also 6 two-bedroom villas featuring contemporary, deluxe designs. These Treetop Villas are fully furnished, expansive lounge areas, and plunge pools with private decks and loungers overlooking the forest. The double bedrooms are similar in size and appointment, each with a luxurious bathroom, separate toilet and indoor and outside showers on a private deck overlooking the pristine native forest.
Dining
Meals at Tsala are exquisitely presented in the glass walled dining room. For those wanting to enjoy the morning sunshine – the spectacular dining deck, suspended above the forest floor, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and sumptuous breakfast. Let the kitchen prepare a gourmet picnic to be taken to a venue of your choice and return to your Treetop escape to enjoy a fabulous dinner at the nearby Zinzi restaurant or Sage at Hunter’s Country House.
ACTIVITIES
The area is well known for its recreational activities such as water sports, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, to name just a few. Only 10 km away is Plettenberg Bay with its fantastic beaches and exciting trekking through the rocky Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve. The town of Knysna, situated 20 km from Tsala Treetop, is well worth a visit, being one of the Southern Cape’s best known seaside holiday destinations; ideally located between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon. The town also offers many activities and a wide variety of attractions with the most famous of these being the “Heads” – two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon that connects the estuary to the sea. Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast, and in the world, that supports an oyster hatchery, and the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the most succulent in the world. The breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park, with its world-renowned Otter Trail, and famous for its native forests and dramatic coastline, is 90 km from Tsala.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The area around Knysna and Plettenburg Bay provides fantastic opportunities to photograph birds, landscapes and seascapes, rugged scenery, exposed rock formations and massive crashing waves that make this a high priority site to visit. Offering breathtaking views as well as the opportunity to see Bottlenose Dolphins, Humpback Whales and the elusive Cape Clawless Otter. Birdlife is also excellent, making this a favored spot for birders. Robberg Nature Reserve, situated on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, forms a long narrow peninsula that stretches out for approximately 4 kilometers into the sea. The terrestrial nature reserve is bordered by a productive and critically important marine protected area that host’s whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and numerous critically endangered line-fish species.
Birdlife is prolific and a number of fynbos endemics can be found on the reserve. The Cape Fur Seal colony is most active in the early morning and late afternoon and dolphin pods cruise the shoreline in early to mid morning and later in the afternoon. The Seal colony may be photographed either form the cliff tops or from a marine mammal watching boat that departs from Plettenberg Bay. At the high points overlooking the coastal inlets early morning and late afternoon are great spots to photograph pods of dolphins, seals and sharks as they cruise the backline of the breaking waves.
