Published: 11-Sep-2020
Fun-filled family holiday - Hudson Family
If you love nature, water, wildlife, and starry skies, Treedom is the perfect place for a family getaway.
If you love nature, water, wildlife, and starry skies, Treedom is the perfect place for a family getaway. Tucked away in the middle of the nature reserve on Langvlei Dunes, it is completely surrounded by forest, sky, and adventure.
On arrival, we were greeted by Debbie's megawatt smile, warm hospitality, and friendly Property Manager Raphael who loaded our bags onto the buggy to take them down to the Villa. No cars are allowed onto the property which adds to the magic of the experience.
The Villa is set on stilts and is beautiful with natural wood features, Moroccan tiles and all the creature comforts you could want - luxury linen, fireplace, gas braai, covered balcony, and stunning views. Add to that a delicious welcome platter of farm-fresh cheese, salami, bread, and fruit to make a great first impression. What I love about the Villa is the "inside-outside" feeling it has. You are so close to nature - it really feels as though you are sitting high up in the treetops.
There's a lot to do at Treedom as well as in the surrounding areas.
Here are some of our family highlights:
Making friends
I think one of the greatest things about family holidays is the friends you make along the way. Raphael, Debbie and Marc's right-hand man, has a son called Junior. And Junior is the most hospitable, friendly 4-year-old you could ever meet. He played with and entertained Cameron and Maia the entire stay, showing them how to collect eggs from the chickens, play on the buggies and explore the forest and lake.
Buggy ride:
Debbie treated us to a buggy ride around Treedom, the dunes, and down to the river. It was bumpy, muddy, fast and the kids loved every moment of it.
Firepit:
For us, a holiday is not a holiday unless you can sit around a fire and gaze up at the stars. The firepit is secluded and magical and there is a huge geometric hammock to swing on or climb on if you are a kid or kid at heart.
Monkeyland:
About an hour's drive from Treedom is Monkeyland - a monkey rescue sanctuary for previously captive monkeys. A knowledgable guide took us on a walk through the forest and we got to see and get up close to a variety of curious primates.
Boatride and picnic on Swartvlei
The highlight of the trip - a boat ride and picnic on the banks of the river hosted by Marc and Debbie. We set off from Pine Lake marina on a perfect day. We sped across the lake at an adrenaline-fuelled 80km/hr and then cruised leisurely down the river to our picnic spot. You could spend all day here. The kids played on the banks and we picnicked under the trees - a magical experience.
Definitely a memorable and magical experience and we can't wait to return.
Back to Things to do when holidaying in Wilderness
Useful links: A Luxury Villa on the Garden Route; Treehouse villa in Wilderness; Rates for our Treehouse Villa; Things to do in Wilderness; About Treedom; Visit Treedom