Highlands Mountain Retreat

Huddled in the picturesque rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State, lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This 11 600 hectares of distinctive ecosystem is true highland territory, providing home to a diversity of animals like the black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra.

Birds, including the uncommon bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which propagate on the ridges in the sandstone cliffs. The park named and known from the dazzling hues of gold radiated by the sun on the park's sandstone overhangs, especially the commanding Brandwag rock. Ribbokkop, the utmost peak point in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, discloses a spectacular tapestry of red, yellow and purple shades as its warm hues unite with the cool mountain shadows towards nightfall.

With your eyes closed, your mind still and senses completely relaxed, breathe in the cool, refreshing mountain air and gradually allow your eyelids to open. Absorb the breath-taking view of the overlapping mountain range, all the while conscious that you are standing 2200m above sea-level, the only point in South Africa at this height.

Highlands Mountain Retreat is a fantastic escape for the body, mind and soul, the recently released Retreat is a lavish camp in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park that has without doubt been worth the wait.

Home to eight log cabins nestled in the foothills of Golden Gate, Highlands Mountain Retreat is a an unquestionable must visit for all. A network of hiking trails have been established for the fervent nature-lover & bird watcher as well as game viewing from the privacy of your own vehicle or from the back of a horse are just some of the relaxing activities at Highlands Mountain Retreat.

Accommodation at Highlands Mountain Retreat consists of 8 luxury log cabins that can accommodate romantic couples to happy families. All accommodation at Highlands Mountain Retreat is serviced daily and supplied with bedding, towels and soap.

Log Cottages - One double bedroom with double sleeper couch in lounge

One en-suite bathroom (wc and shower)

Fully equipped kitchen

Fireplace and TV

Veranda with Weber barbecue

Family Log Cottages - One double bedroom and one bedroom with 2 single beds, Two bathrooms (en-suite, with wc and shower), Fully equipped kitchen

Fireplace and TV, Suitable for the disabled.

Areas Of Special Interest near Highlands Mountain Retreat

* The Van Reenen family graveyard * The Impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation * Vulture Restaurant * Cathedral Cave (Guided Walk) * Interesting lookout & viewpoints

Five animals to look out for near Highlands Mountain Retreat

1. Bearded Vulture

2. Bald Ibis

3. Black Wildebeest

4. Eland

5. Oribi