Melozhori Treehouse + Pods: A Luxe Off-Grid Wilderness Escape

The herds of springbok and giraffe casually strolling through the otherwise uninhabited landscapes at Melozhori Private Game Reserve make you feel like you’re a million miles away from civilisation, not to mention the deep silence, clean air and wide vistas of rolling hills and the Overberg mountains…

This 2 300-hectare spread of wilderness is actually less than 200km up the N2 from Cape Town, near Bonnievale. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway, where you can soak up the romance of the wilderness under a sparkling canopy of stars at night, either from a magical treehouse on a secluded hillside, or an eco pod hidden in the fynbos. 

The Treehouse

Built around a tree spanning two levels, with glass walls immersing you in the natural landscape, The Treehouse is an architectural wonder of low-key luxury. Perched on the slopes of a pristine valley in folds of hills, it feels as if you’re alone in the wilderness, apart from the resident wildlife, birds and geckos. Totally off-grid with solar-power running everything, it’s designed for easy self-catering and total privacy. Picture yourselves soaking in the wood-fired hot tub on the deck at sunset, while the fire burns down to embers in the pizza oven, for a simple but delicious supper. The solar system even runs to air-conditioning for those hot summer days (but only during daylight hours while the solar panels are active).

The lodgings

• one bedroom, sleeping two adults with an indoor fireplace 
• ensuite bathroom with a bath 
• shower on deck
• open-plan kitchen with an oven, microwave, stove, fridge-freezer
• open-plan lounge and dining area 
• two outdoor decks with a braai, firepit and seating area
• wood-fired hot tub
• 3-metre hammock
• wood-fired pizza oven
• air-conditioning
• Bluetooth sound system

The Pods

Perched on an untouched area of the reserve that overlooks game-dotted valleys (and well distanced from each other), Valley Pod and Waterfall Pod each offer an ideal setting for a private escape or romantic retreat, cooking for yourselves with simple braais or pizzas (in the wood-fired pizza oven). Built from natural materials in order to blend seamlessly into the landscape, they are also completely off-grid using solar power, with wood-fired hot tubs and wide hammocks for blissfully romantic evenings under the stars.

The lodgings

• one bedroom plus a sleeper couch for one small child by arrangement only
• ensuite bathroom (bath and shower)
• fully equipped kitchen
• open-plan lounge and dining area with fireplace
• deck with a braai and outdoor seating
• wood-fired hot tub
• 14-metre hammock
• wood-fired pizza oven
• air-conditioning during daylight hours (solar-powered)

Explore the reserve

One guided game drive is included for stays of two nights or longer, offering guests an opportunity to explore the wide open landscapes that are home to 38 different mammal species and 129 identified birds. Then you’re free to walk, run or cycle for miles on the network of roads in the reserve, without meeting a soul besides zebra and bontebok – there are no big-cat predators here so you and the zebra are safe.

Rekindle the romance in wild, secluded nature.

Child friendly? Yes, space for one small child (by arrangement)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi Yes
Sleeps 2 per unit
Cost The Treehouse: from R7 000 per night
The Pods: from R4 500 per pod per night
Good to know There’s a three-night minimum stay in peak periods, two nights in off-peak periods. A semi-catered option is available on request, providing ingredients for a braai or pizza night, plus breakfast and snacks.
Where to find it Melozhori Game Reserve, 5km from the N2 turn-off to Stormsvlei
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