Having a tree house in your backyard where you could chill with your siblings or friends was a fantasy for many back in the day.

Popularised by American television, it spread across the globe influencing young minds. Today, tree house holidays and vacation rentals are growing in popularity with would-be travellers hoping to live out their childhood dreams.

Part of the eco-travel trend, tree house stays offer travellers the unique opportunity to connect with nature and the environment while embracing sustainable living practices.

Travellers get to experience a sense of tranquillity that they wouldn’t find at a conventional hotel or vacation rental.

Treetop living offers an immersive experience surrounded by nature, providing a sense of tranquillity. The lush foliage and forest sounds create a peaceful ambiance, enhancing sleep and waking moments.

If you’re looking to embrace this natural side of travel, here are some affordable local tree houses to visit.

The Tree house in Pretoria, Gauteng

The Tree House in Pretoria. Picture: Website

The Magaliesberg region provides an ideal escape for those looking to get away from the bustle of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The Tree House, with deck and mountain views, is nestled against the Magaliesberg in a lush, tree filled, established neighbourhood.

According to the owners, it is peaceful and has a magnificent view over the city. It is also ideal for short to long stays, family visits or business trips.

The Tree House has 3 beds and one bathroom. It also has a private deck with braai, a modern open-plan interior and kitchen appliances, making it perfect for a self-catered stay for three people.

A stay at this tree house starts from R800 a night.

Luxury Treetop Lodge (Lala Ehlathini Bush Lodge) in Marloth Park, Mpumalanga

Luxury Treetop Lodge (Lala Ehlathini Bush Lodge). Picture: Website

Marloth Park is a 3 000 hectare wildlife conservancy and holiday town situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park, between Malelane and Komatipoort in Mpumalanga.

It is a popular stopover for tourists travelling to the Kruger National Park, Swaziland, and Mozambique, offering a chance to spot four of the renowned Big Five and Lala Ehlathini Bush Lodge (Sleep in the Forest) is the perfect retreat to sit on the deck in the treetops and watch the sunset as the bush babies come out to play.

The animals roam freely around the property and travellers can safely admire them from a safe vantage point as the entire lodge is built on stilts and if you’re lucky, you can even come eye-to-eye with some of the giraffes who roam through the property most days.

The vantage point of the tree house also allows for sweeping views as well as a safe vantage point to appreciate the wildlife, who visit the waterhole, without getting too close.

The house has everything you require for a luxurious bush escape and features 3 bedrooms, 7 beds, 1 bath and accommodates up to 6 people.

A stay at the tree house starts from R864 a night.

Forest Falls Treehouse, KwaZulu-Natal

Forest Falls Treehouse in Howick. Picture: Website

For travellers looking to escape the city life, Hilton is part of the Midlands Meander route and offers travellers the opportunity to take things slow.

Hilton is a small town that lies between Howick and Pietermaritzburg in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Staying at Forest Falls Treehouse, travellers can enjoy the serenity of nature on the edge of the Umgeni Valley.

Forest Falls Treehouse is not your regular house as it’s built at the confluence of two streams. Perched among trees, birds are constant visitors while the shy nyala often makes an appearance.

This self-catering cottage can be reached after a short walk in an indigenous forest down stairs built into a cliff face. The tree house, small and intimate takes 2 guests and has 1 bed and bath.

A stay at the tree house starts from R1 716 a night.

Driftwood Treehouse by the Sea, Eastern Cape

Driftwood Treehouse in East London. Picture: Website

For those looking to explore East London in the Eastern Cape, Driftwood Treehouse is a birders/surfers/artists paradise, overlooking Kwelera Nature Reserve and a short walk to the sea.

The tranquil environment of forest and sea will leave you refreshed. The tree house is also work/travel complaint perfect for those seeking to unwind.

Driftwood has 2 beds, 1 bath and can take up to 3 guests. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed, plus a single on request. The toilet is en suite and there is a bath. Downstairs is the kitchen, rustic covered braai area and a beach shower.

The kitchen diner is colourfully decorated with an under counter fridge, electric oven and two plate stove. There’s a sheltered barbecue area by the kitchen or cook under the stars in the garden.

A stay at Driftwood starts from R820 a night.

Knysna Lodge Glamping Cabin, Western Cape

Knysna Lodge Glamping Cabin. Picture: Website

An adventure destination, Knysna is a top holiday destination on the Garden Route in the Western Cape.

As you discover Knysna’s sandy beaches and forest trails, explore the area and rich cultural heritage, you can stay at the Knysna Lodge Glamping Cabin with amazing views.

The tree house is a completely private unit tucked away in the trees and offers the perfect vantage point for spectacular views of Knysna Lagoon. It also has a private covered Kol Kol wood-fired hot tub perfect for winter days.

This tree house comprises of two cabins next to each other and sleeps two to four people.

The cabins are nice and cosy and equipped with everything you will need including a comfy hotel bed with percale bedding, bath towels, fridge/freezer, microwave and toaster just to name a few.

There also is a covered braai even just to light a fire and enjoy the magnificent views day or night.

A stay at the tree house cabin starts from R906 a night.

∎ This list was sourced from Airbnb.