A place to celebrate, unwind and share time within a unique architectural masterpiece, where the service is world class and the experience magical.
Set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest Tsala is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa. Like the monumental ruins of an ancient central African civilisation, Tsala’s impressive stone-masonry entrance flanked by water features leads to a magnificent foyer supported by Blackwood columns.
The elaborate afro-baroque décor’s earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings are inspired by the diverse cultures of Africa, with the sophistication of the Western World. The views are breathtaking, whether from the exotic dining room, intimate glassed-in lounge, or large open decks high above the forest floor. Tsala is a magical place, encircled by lush forests extending across rolling valleys, towards the distant hills.
Tsala is a place that fills your heart with warmth and steals your imagination with its design and breathtaking views, while the mystery and enchantment of the place enthrals you. Staying in your own private elevated hideaway is romantic and adventurous, along with its perfect location in the heart of the Garden Route, makes Tsala the ideal place to have a holiday or corporate getaway.
LOCATION
Situated in the heart of the Garden Route between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, Tsala is a wonderful location from which to explore the beauty the celebrated Garden Route or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge. Only 10km from Plettenberg Bay and 22km from Knysna along the N2, the signboards are clearly visible at the entrance to access road, which leads you to the security entrance to the Estate.
HISTORY
A place of architectural genius. Tsala exudes a mysticism that makes made it a destination people wish to explore and experience – it is like no other found in Africa. It has a legendary rhythm and ambience that emulates from its spectacular architecture and history.
THE LEGEND OF TSALA
The people of the north were hungry and thirsty as the great deserts were dry and arid, and dust rose in clouds to hide the sun as the animals migrated. Scribes wrote of the wonderful land of forests, rivers and the sea with snow-white beaches, and magnificent purple mountains; where the rains fell gently and the air was warm.
The beautiful people decided to move to the land of promise, those of great wisdom came, and those skilled in woodwork, metalwork, stonework and 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, they built their villages with the stone from the boulders at 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 the 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 of 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, and 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 reworking 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 potters’ 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 rising from the ashes. Protected and secure in the great tree trunks holding it safely high above the forest floor, linked together 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 and the sun shines brightly and the breeze blows softly.
Once again the waters flow, wine is brought up from the cellars, and nature’s abundance is harvested and prepared. Joy and laughter is heard again in this place where the mountains and the forests of the great Tsitsikamma come down to meet the sea.
The magical allure of Tsala is irresistible to those who appreciate exclusivity, fine fare, romance and adventure.
With beautiful private suites and villas, breathtaking views and forest seclusion, unique architectural design and excellent personal service, it is a fantastic get-away destination.
To ensure that guests never want for any comforts during their stay, the 10 suites and 6 villas are superbly equipped with all the modern necessities required for a 5 star experience.
Guests staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge have access to all the fantastic facilities we offer at the lodge.
You can soak up the sun, shop, read, enjoy a glass of wine or socialise on the deck regaling your day’s adventures on the Garden Route. Tsala is a perfect private luxury hideaways amongst the trees.
Tucked into the forest canopy, 10 luxury hide-away suites are the essence of indulgence and romance. Constructed of stone, wood and glass these beautiful tree-house suites comprise of a plush bedroom, an elegant sitting room with a fireplace and a spacious bathroom fit for royalty.
Extending into the forest is a private deck and your own infinity pool providing the ultimate privacy.
Meals at Tsala are exquisitely presented in the glass walled dining room whether for breakfast, lunch or intimate dinners. For those wanting to enjoy the sunshine – special dining deck, suspended above the forest floor, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a sumptuous breakfast or a lazy lunch.
Lunches can be a casual affair with a light lunch a la carte menu selection on offer with a crisp glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc whilst enjoying the forest canopy views.
Dinners in intimate dining room guarantee a journey of tastes and flavours as you explore evening a la carte selection. Not forgetting to wonder through well stock cellar when choosing your wine for the evening.
A 24 hour room service menu is available for those wishing to relax and dine in the privacy of their suite or villa.
A winding staircase leads you to the hidden wine cellar at Tsala, where shelves carefully house a selection of vintage and younger wines you can enjoy during your stay.
The Tsala wine cellar pays homage to the wine makers of South Africa, showcasing the best of each wine region.
From the cooler coastal Sauvignon Blancs to the rich Shiraz grapes grown on the slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch, each wine is carefully selected and cared for so that you can savour their wonderful flavours while enjoying the sunset over the forest.
Vibrant and casual with distinctive international flavours, Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu, in an incredible forest setting.
The African inspiration, seen in the architecture and use of natural building materials, comfortably complements the global tribal décor of beautiful, intricate carvings and metalwork from India and the fascinating patterns of the Suzani tribal textiles.
Subtle texture form the canvas on the walls with understated contrasts brought in by the combination of the stone masonry, raw scratch plaster, rough neutral Earthcote and waxed plaster that has the feel of smooth old leather.
Handmade mud chandeliers preside in the interior, with clay balls brought to life by the sparkle of crystal. There are raw textured, natural fibre fabrics in combinations of wheat, stone, ebony and slate colours, and hand printed Suzani fabrics, worn leather and soft suede. Lizard print silver fabrics add a touch of contemporary fun and luscious velvets a sense of opulence.
The furniture is all custom made and slightly oversized, as comfort is key at Zinzi. Sitting around a low table on ottomans and cushions sharing a meze platter or on a wingback chair at an antique table with turned legs and a pewter chandelier – absolute relaxation is guaranteed.
The tables provide for ample space, with fabulous dishes beautifully displayed during each course.
designed cutlery curiously hidden in a cloth bag and beautiful glassware add to the imaginative dining experience. Ideal for sun-downers at the bar, or for a relaxed dining experience, Zinzi embraces the spirit of hearty cuisine and zesty ingredients with a choice selection of a la carte menu items.
Tsala means “elevated resting place’ in Swahili and that is exactly what you can do when staying here. Put your feet up, read a book, or pamper yourself with a massage in the comfort of your room. Tsala offers a variety of in-room treatments such as massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and reflexology.
Qualified therapists from reputable salons are at your service. Pamper treatments are available between 07h00 -19h00 and are subject to the availability of a therapist.
Tsala means “elevated resting place’ in Swahili and that is exactly what you can do when staying with us. Put your feet up, read a book, or pamper yourself with a massage in the comfort of your room.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC
Whether you wish to stay in and relax amidst the ancient enchanting forest, or to head out and explore South Africa’s celebrated Garden Route, experiencing Tsala is pure magic.
SWIM WITH SEALS
Get up close and personal with African fur seals. This exciting adventure takes you out to sea to snorkel with these fun loving creatures, watching them playing and frolicking in the waves.
If you looking for a fun ocean adventure, this is for you.
This tour is a first for Plettenberg Bay. It is an experience that will leave you with an invigorated appreciation of the beauty of the ocean and the wonderful animals that inhabit it.
MONKEYLAND
The world’s first free multi-specie primate sanctuary. At Monkeyland guests have the rare opportunity to walk amongst these fascinating creatures.
On the guided safaris you can expect to see a variety of primates, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar. The knowledgeable rangers will tell you about these fascinating mammals as you encounter them roaming free in the forest.
TENIKWA WILD CAT SANCTUARY
Take a walk with a cheetah, spend time with a serval or watch an elusive leopard stalk his prey!
Tenikwa offers a unique wild cat interaction where guests are able to go into the enclosures with these animals and see how they live and function in the wild.
This is a 1 hour experience and departs every ½ hour with a qualified guide. For those looking for a once in a lifetime experience then take a walk with a cheetah, African fastest land mammal.
The Cheetah Walk takes place in the early morning and late afternoon and is limited to 8 people per walk.
WHALES, DOLPHINES AND SEALS WATCHING
What better way to see these beautiful sea creatures than by boat, with a knowledgeable guide who will share interesting information about why they are so important to the balance of nature.
In summer you have a very good chance of spotting the rare, gregarious Humpback Dolphins found in only certain areas of the South African coastline.
You can also likely to see Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphin. We will take you to the Robberg Seal Colony, the natural habitat of about 5,000 noisy, fun-loving seals.
Another exciting activities are waiting for you staying at Tsala Treetop Lodge:
- Boat trips through the Keurbooms River in Plett and the Knysna lagoon
- Sailing aboard a luxury yacht for a cruise through the Knysna Heads
- High Speed Boating
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Bungy Jumping
- Sky Diving
- Horse Riding
- Shark Cage Diving
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Golf
- Cultural Tours
Have an elephant interaction at one of two elephant sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are havens of protection to these elephants that allow you the opportunity to interact with, and learn about, Africa’s magnificent giants.
Birds of Eden is the Garden Route’s very own world class free flight bird sanctuary. The unique two-hectare dome spans over a gorge of indigenous forest and is sanctuary to a myriad of birds that can be viewed up close.
The Keurbooms River in Plett and the Knysna lagoon are two of the most picturesque waterways on the Garden Route. Take a leisurely boat trip to kickback and experience the pristine natural beauty of the area.
For those looking for extreme excitement – Bloukrans Bungy Jump is it. Bloukrans is the World’s Highest Commercial Bungy Jump at a whooping 216m.
Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are rich in culture and heritage. A unique experience is to head into local townships to experience the incredible vibe and energy that exists amongst local residents in the area.
For the avid golfer there are a number of top class, and PGA recommended, golf courses in the area.
Nothing says romance quite like a crystal infinity pool, champagne on a private deck overlooking the forest, a cosy fireplace to snuggle at and the magic of being on honeymoon with the love of your life.
Either take a ride through the forests and hills of the surrounding area or experience a horse safari on a nature reserve and catch a glimpse of some of Southern Africa’s wild animals.
Experience the sea in a kayak and get a glimpse of Plettenberg Bay’s beautiful mountain scenery and dramatic coastline from the ocean.
At Monkeyland guests have the rare opportunity to walk amongst these fascinating creatures, that remind us so much of ourselves.
The mountain bike rides are breathtaking journeys through the forest with easy jeep tracks or single-track routes.
There are a myriad of specialty stores, areas with a variety of galleries and boutique style shops that will keep any shopper busy, and husbands why not grab a coffee in a local coffee shop and watch the world go by.
Set sail aboard a luxury yacht for a cruise through the Knysna Heads, while enjoying a glass of South African sparkling wine and a seafood platter.
Experiencing these majestic beasts in their natural environment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a wonderful privilege and an extreme adventure.
Free-fall over one of the most scenic drop zones in the world.
Plettenberg Bay is not only one of South Africa’s most beautiful bays, but also one of the most perfect surfing destinations on the Garden Route.
This exciting adventure takes you out to sea to snorkel with these fun loving creatures, watching them playing and frolicking in the waves.
The hotel tailors all the arrangements just as you’d like them, paying special attention to every detail, and making the day seamless and memorable.
Children staying at Tsala are in for a treat. The younger ones get to stay in their own tree house in the enchanted forest, pampered and cared for like the princes and princesses of their dreams. Tsala has ten suites catering for children ten years and older in a safe, magical environment.
There are also six two bedroomed villas for families catering for children eight years and older, the perfect setting for spending relaxed family time.
Children staying at Tsala are treated with special turn-downs, bedtime stories and children’s meals at Zinzi restaurant ensuring that they are comfortable and having fun, so that parents can relax and enjoy their holidays. For the older children Plettenberg Bay offers activities and things to keep them occupied throughout their stay.
TSALA TREETOP LODGE
Off N2 10km W Of PlettenbergPlettenberg Bay6600South Africa