Zinkwazi Bush

01/05/2026

What happened at the Treehouse@zinkwaziBush - April 2026

After installing our solar panel system in 2019, we unfortunately started experiencing persistent roof leaks caused by the long screws used to secure the panels. Over time, the damage worsened, and the wooden roof structure began to rot due to exposure to the harsh bush elements.

It was a massive undertaking, but a necessary one. We removed the solar panels, completely dismantled the roof, and rebuilt it using a steel structure. We then installed an IBR roof and reinstalled the solar panels—this time without using screws to secure the system.

A week later, we’re so relieved and happy to say that what once felt like an impossible task is now complete—and it looks incredible.

A huge thank you to my husband, who somehow makes every challenge look effortless. I truly don’t know what I would do without you. And a big thank you as well to George Ackerman for your help—you made a great team.

I’ve attached a few pictures of the journey and the end result—but as always with maintenance, something else manages to creep in that needs attention right away.

21/02/2026

Die Dinokeng-Groot Vyf-reservaat bly ’n gunsteling vir naweek- en vakansiewegbrekers, maar net buite die reservaat se grense lê ’n pragtige omgewing wat wag om verken te word.

21/02/2026

27/01/2026

27/01/2026

As a follow-up to the great news we shared on 8 January 2026 about the pizza oven installed in the braai area at the Treehouse, here is a simple how-to guide.

1. Make a fire using charcoal in the braai.
2. Allow the charcoal to burn until it is hot and ready.
3. Once ready, carefully move the charcoal underneath the pizza oven.
4. Let the pizza oven heat up for about 10 minutes.
5. While the oven is heating, prepare your pizza base.
6. We use normal bread dough, which you can buy at Spar.
7. Divide the dough into balls, which will make it easier to roll out the pizza bases.
8. Add your preferred toppings to the base. We only made focaccia, which was really delicious.
9. Using the pizza spade, place the pizza into the oven.
10. Keep a close eye on it, as it cooks very quickly.

Enjoy

16/01/2026

08/01/2026

Upgrades at Treehouse@ZinkwaziBush

To enhance your stay, we’ve added a pizza oven to the boma area. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional braai or freshly made pizzas, both can now be enjoyed conveniently in one inviting space.

✨ Enhancing the Ambience at Treehouse@ZinkwaziBush ✨

We’ve added solar lights throughout the property to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, along with ambient string lights over the boma area to elevate your evenings under the stars. These thoughtful touches enhance both comfort and charm while keeping sustainability in mind.

We look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the improved ambience 🌿✨

✨ Plans for the Year Ahead at Treehouse@ZinkwaziBush ✨

In the year ahead, we plan to replace and extend the veranda roof to create additional space for solar panels, while also improving durability and ensuring a secure, leak-free structure for our guests’ comfort.

08/01/2026

What were we up to in 2025

✨ Exciting Roof Upgrade at Treehouse@ZinkwaziBush ✨

To improve your comfort and peace of mind, we’ve added tiles over the existing thatch roof. This upgrade provides better protection against rain, improved fire safety, and helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. It also extends the lifespan of the roof and allows for future solar improvements — all while keeping the natural bush charm you love.

We’re always working on ways to enhance your stay and look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy these improvements 🌿🏡

Benefits of Adding Tiles Over a Thatch Roof

• Enhanced Waterproofing
The tiled layer provides an additional barrier against rain, significantly reducing the risk of leaks during heavy or prolonged rainfall.

• Preserved Natural Insulation
The original thatch remains in place, retaining its excellent natural insulation properties while the tiles add extra protection.

• Improved Fire Safety
Covering the thatch with tiles greatly reduces fire exposure, offering added peace of mind for guests.

• Reduced Maintenance
The tiles protect the thatch from direct weather exposure, slowing deterioration and reducing the need for frequent repairs.

• Greater Roof Longevity
By shielding the thatch, the tiled covering extends the overall lifespan of the roof structure.

• Better Temperature Control
The combination of thatch and tiles helps keep the interior cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

• Improved Structural Strength
Tiles add stability and allow for safer access for maintenance and future upgrades.

• Solar-Ready Roof Design
A tiled surface makes it easier and more secure to install solar panels and related equipment.

A huge shout out to Coetzee and his team from Roofing
https://cidroofing.co.za/
- Pieter Coetzee is a South African entrepreneur who gained significant experience in the roofing industry by working at a previous roofing company for 9 years.

08/01/2026

Bucket list

08/01/2026

Guest review from Pieter & Herman Heunes- Bezuidenhout & family

Zinkwazi Bush Lodge An Unforgettable Bush Escape
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We stayed at Zinkwazi Bush Lodge from 18 December to 28 December, and it was nothing short of incredible.

The house is beautifully equipped with everything you could possibly need, making it feel like a true home away from home. The air conditioning was a real treat during the warm summer days and nights, ensuring absolute comfort throughout our stay.

One of the highlights was definitely the stoep patio which was an exceptionally enjoyable space where we spent many hours relaxing, sipping on an ice cold beer or enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the surroundings. Watching the abundance of wildlife roaming freely around the house was magical and truly special. Being able to feed the animals made the experience even more memorable, especially for the kids.

A special mention must go to the domestic helper Linah who assisted whenever needed. She is an absolute star and her friendliness and willingness to help added so much to the overall experience.

Rita & Flippie, the owners, are incredibly friendly and welcoming and the house itself is truly fantastic. Their hands on approach and availability made everything effortless. They were always just a phone call or WhatsApp away which really enhanced the entire experience.

The lodge offers a lovely spacious environment perfect for the whole family to relax unwind and reconnect with nature. Peaceful well maintained and incredibly welcoming this is a place we would return to without hesitation.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable bush getaway 🌿🦌

Best Regards,
Die Heunes-Bezuidenhouts Gesin️