We stayed at the Zululand Tree Lodge in order to visit the Hluhluwe and Umfolozi game reserve. We prefer to drive ourselves when visiting National reserves, and with the Tree lodge being less than 10min from the reserve it served our needs perfectly.
The rooms are beautiful, situated almost in the treetops. The shower is great ( good water pressure, with lots of hot water.) The bed was very comfortable and there is plenty of storage. We also enjoyed the private and spacious balcony.
The units at the Tree lodge is not self catering, so my only negative comments are not really applicable to most travelers: The fridge did not cool anything down, and should be replaced. The lodge management should also keep in mind that some visitors will eat their main meals at the reserve (see my separate review of the Hluhluwe Umfolozi reserve), and will therefor just want to snack in the evenings. Some plates, cutlery and wine glasses will go a long way to make the unit more comfortable. A small table and chairs on the balcony will also be great. The refrigerator must have ice!!!
We only had breakfast on the last day of our stay, as breakfast is only served from 7am, and the reserve's gates open at 6am. As mentioned above: maybe have muesli and yogurt in the room for guests who would like to leave early. The breakfast was very good, with a great selection for almost all tastes. Fresh fruit juice was missing tough. ( They only had that horrible fake stuff.) The coffee could also be improved. Either get a espresso machine, or offer plunger / french press coffee; 1980's over-brewed filter coffee does not cut the grade.
Another disappointment was dinner. In the five nights we stayed there, not one night was there a "braai" (barbecue) in the lapa around the fire. This is a absolute must for a game lodge, and serving virtually the same old fashioned buffet every night get's tired very quickly. The wine list with half of the wines crossed out, was also a disappointment. When will hotels in SA realize that travlers have money to spend on good wine? ;)
Otherwise, good value and friendly staff.