Tsala Treetop Lodge

Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Treetop Suite
Treetop Suite
Treetop Villa
Treetop Villa
Dining room
Dining deck
Treetop Suite
Treetop Suite
Treetop Villa
Treetop Villa
Dining room
Dining deck

The hotel

Think a treehouse is just for children? Think again. Even the name Tsala Treetop Lodge evokes a sense of romance, magic, and seclusion. And that’s exactly what it delivers. A unique Garden Route getaway, it sits in a forest canopy with views down into the valley and across to distant tree-encrusted hills. Dressed in beautiful stone and wood, it takes you straight to nature – but this retreat is anything but rustic. In fact, its sophisticated design, glass-walled dining room, dedication to luxury, and stilt-topped villas with private pools overlooking the hills, put it firmly in the boutique hotel bracket. It’s not just the views and treetop setting that make this location special though; it’s also between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, by Knysna Elephant Park, making it an ideal spot for experiencing some of the Garden Route’s most popular highlights.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Romantic
  • Safari
  • Honeymoon
  • Room Service
  • Internet Access

Where is it

Suituated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Knysna Elephant Park is opposite.

Hotel information

10 suites and 6 villas. All with air-conditioning, under floor heating, WiFi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar, complimentary port, umbrellas, fireplace and safe. Treetop Suites are tucked into the forest canopy and offer a plush bedroom, sitting room with a fireplace, private deck and infinity pool.

Treetop Villas are built above the treetop canopy and have 2 en-suite bedrooms, outdoor and indoor showers, lounge with a fireplace, dining area with kitchenette, private deck and infinity pool.

Various deck areas for dining or drinks including a glass walled dining room. Wine cellar. Zinzi restaurant* (at the sister property). Lounge with fireplaces. Honesty bar. Complimentary WiFi access in the main lodge area. 24-hour room service*.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (587)
  • Very good (53)
  • Average (15)
  • Poor (6)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Haven of Hospitality

Nov 30, 2019 dbctman London, United Kingdom

Rarely have we stayed anywhere where hospitality has so obviously been the focus of everyone from our first welcome to the fond goodbyes. The treehouses are glorious with their plungepools and outside showers making them even more incredible. We will be back. Hopefully many many many times!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating What a find!

Nov 25, 2019 Englishwoman

From start to finish this place was amazing. Karin, the manager is fantastic. As a result of that all her staff follow her great example. We loved it. The rooms were out of this world and we were truly spoilt. Only wished we had booked a longer stay there - 3 nights wasn’t enough. Thank you one and all at Tsala, we loved it.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beyond expectation

Nov 19, 2019 Dean Q Dublin, Ireland

I had waited a long time to stay at Tsala after friends of mine had raved about it and it not only didn't disappoint, it exceeded all my expectations! The setting is so special, the suites are what dream getaways are made of and the staff are so genuinely lovely! Breakfast is ample,super fresh and super tasty! Zinzi restaurant, whether you are… Read more
I had waited a long time to stay at Tsala after friends of mine had raved about it and it not only didn't disappoint, it exceeded all my expectations! The setting is so special, the suites are what dream getaways are made of and the staff are so genuinely lovely! Breakfast is ample,super fresh and super tasty! Zinzi restaurant, whether you are staying at Tsala or Hunters is somewhere everyone who is visiting Plett should eat! We loved our little monkey neighbours who would come down and hang out with us in that late mornings whilst we had our coffees on the balcony over looking the lush tree canopy! The only downside to Tsala is never wanting to leave the suite to explore all of Plettenbergs incredible offering! 10/10! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent in every way.

Nov 16, 2019 Michaelmith Chelmsford, United Kingdom

There is not much more I can that others have not. As a regular reviewer I have become very conscious of looking for gaps in hotels etc. This hotel has everything. Even Karin and Cebb. Both are stars and so too the rest of the team that I apologise for not remembering. From the start we were greeted as past friends with a Gin and Tonic ready on… Read more
There is not much more I can that others have not. As a regular reviewer I have become very conscious of looking for gaps in hotels etc. This hotel has everything. Even Karin and Cebb. Both are stars and so too the rest of the team that I apologise for not remembering. From the start we were greeted as past friends with a Gin and Tonic ready on the terrace. Our room was fantastic although one of the monkeys had thrown a cushion off the terrace into the bushes. It’s was not me Karin I promise. The food that evening was excellent and it’s has to compete in some way with Zinzi next door. Do go here even for the the dinner if you cannot stay. The breakfast is good with basic continental and also a varied cooked selection. Dinner choice is good with both fish and meat and the canapés are wonderful. The chamber maids were so good at working around KI schedule and cleaned and made up the room regularly. The whole package that is delivered with this place is of high standard and enjoyable from start to finish. We didn’t want to go. Thank you to all the team. We discuss about the plunge pools that are not heated so be conscious they can be cold. That said the owner has already considered using a solar ripple bed to heat the water just enough to take the edge off and to be environmentally conscious. The whole place ask you to be supportive and conciliatory of the environment and the animals. Something that many of the properties we stayed in are insisting. However here it’s in their DNA. Thank you all. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxury in the treetops

Oct 31, 2019 KarenRobS London, United Kingdom

We stayed for 2 nights and this truly is a luxury resort. From the moment we stepped out of the car and were met by the General Manager, Karin, to the moment we left we were so well looked after. The treetop suite comprised a lounge, bedroom and bathroom, all of which were spacious and interestingly furnished. There also was an outdoor shower,… Read more
We stayed for 2 nights and this truly is a luxury resort. From the moment we stepped out of the car and were met by the General Manager, Karin, to the moment we left we were so well looked after. The treetop suite comprised a lounge, bedroom and bathroom, all of which were spacious and interestingly furnished. There also was an outdoor shower, outdoor plunge pool and two terraces. Everything you would expect to find was there plus a complimentary mini-bar with snacks. Turn down service is special and includes the lighting of a log fire and on the final night candles were lit in the lounge and bathroom. The grounds are large and in addition to the forest has gardens, a chapel and ponds. Also in the grounds are many birds, monkeys and deer. Breakfast was good quality with a variety of cold and hot choices. The staff were really friendly and helpful. A highlight for us was the monkeys causing havoc at breakfast although the staff were not amused! We are looking forward to returning. Read less