Highlands Mountain Retreat

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Adorning the attractive foothills of the Free State's Maluti Mountain range is the sun-kissed Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its secluded Highlands Mountain Retreat. The best place to retreat too, with its wooden cabins, tucked into the mountainside, giving astonishing views of the surrounding Maluti Mountains. Spread over 11 600 picturesque hectares of a distinctive ecosystem, this distinct highland territory plays home to a diverse range of indigenous animals, birdlife, and a majestic view of the overlapping mountains.

Accommodaiton

  • Four-bed Log Cottage has one bedroom, with a double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults)in the living area. The bathroom is en-suite and the kitchen is fully equipped, while the living area has its own television (limited channels) and a fireplace. The verandah also serves as a braai (barbecue) area, with its own weber.

  • Four-bed Family Log Cottage has two bedrooms, one with double bed and the other with two single beds, including two en-suite bathrooms with toilet and shower. The kitchen is fully equipped and the living room comes with a television (limited channels) and fireplace. The verandah also serves as a braai (barbecue) area, with its own weber. 

Activities & Facilities

Sites of interest in the Highlands Mountain Retreat area include the Van Reenen family graveyard, the well known Brandwag buttress rock formation, the opportunity to go swimming in the natural pool, and various lookouts and viewpoints from which to spot the park's indigenous wildlife. A guided walk to Cathedral Cave is also offered.

There are no facilities at Highlands Mountain Retreat, you do have the use of the facilities at Glen Reenen rest camp or at the Golden gate Hotel. These include an atmospheric hotel pub with a log fire, picnic site for day visitors with ablution and braai (barbecue) facilities, the Glen Reenen general dealer and filling station, Brandwag curio shop, Vulture restaurant, coffee shop and ladies' bar.

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Rates & Pricing

Log Cottage (FT2/4)
Num. people incl in base rate:
2
Max. number of people in the unit:
2
Rate per extra adult:
571
ZAR
Rate per extra child:
285
ZAR
Family Log Cottage (FT4,FT4Z)
Num. people incl in base rate:
2
Max. number of people in the unit:
4
Rate per extra adult:
0
ZAR
Rate per extra child:
0
ZAR

Please note the pricing above excludes the following:

  • Entry/conservation fees (payable on arrival at your destination)
  • Transport, transfers and flights
  • Late arrival transfer fee (if applicable for your destination)
  • Meals, snacks and beverages
  • Safari Game Drives (unless indicated on your itinerary)
  • Baby cot/bed

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Your SA national park experts

Our dedicated team are experts in SANParks.  They have initimate knowledge of all restcamps and will assist you with your booking.

They are fluent in both English and Afrikaans.
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What our guests have said about this accommodation

Lizette Jacobs
We had a magnificent view!!! The chalets were well equipped. The spot is in a very private area and well maintained. It is a camp worth recommending. The road to the chalets are in a good condition. The game is plentiful.
LANDI DREYER
We experienced real weather with lovely cloud formations and lighting displays. Lots of game especially Eland and lots of babies, also some snakes! Our accommodation was in need of repair & maintenance (eg front door didn't close properly and the bathroom dark).
ESTER SCHOEMAN
Thank you. Very enjoyable.
J BOSCHARD
Enjoyed our stay very much. The accommodation was clean and attractive and the view was spectacular. We saw a variety of animals and enjoyed some good walks.
Lombaard Reinet
Wow what a great experience. It is surely one of the most beautiful places in our country. Cabins were well heated, exept for the bathroom. the only thing that could need some attention is the shower, seeing as you have to run around to actually get wet. haha. other than that I had the time of my life. I was there alone and never felt in danger or unwelcome. Thank you Highlands Mountain Retreat for a fantastic weekend!
Willem Heckroodt
Great park to visit.
Dina Pellegrin
Highlands Mountain Retreat is well named a peaceful retreat log cabins spacious views tremendous staff unobtrusive --we will be backThe cherry on top ws when we left on Sunday morning we saw the flock of vultures circling overhead
Dina Pellegrin
The log cabins all afford a magnificent view , the daily service is unobtrusive the limited number of cabins make it very relaxing and peaceful - seeing the flock of vultures on our last day was a great bonus. Will Return
Landi Dreyer
The Highlands Mountain Retreat is a wonderful find for us and we will definitely return for a longer stay. It is a plus that there are no predators and we enjoyed a lovely two hour hike early morning.
Liza Odendaal
Amazing! Definitely recommending the retreat.
Moira
BENNIE
View awesome. So quiet and peaceful. Truly a fantastic getaway. Cabin very cozy, clean, spacious. Best holiday ever. A must see. Will visit again, and again and again.......
Jones-Hockley / Coleman
I would recommend HIghland Mountain Retreat to any person wishing to have the most relaxing break ever. The most tranquil surroundings I have ever experienced. The highlight was the horse trail into the cave and to the top of the mountain. The accommodation is superior, it is most definitely a home away from home. We will be back.
Jaco Erasmus
We stayed in the Highlands Mountain retreat for a short honeymoon and can REALLY vouch for the romantic atmosphere and exceptional sights.
Sanneli Kruger
Our stay in the Mountain Retreat was Great. The views from the balcony was amazing and the log cabin itself had everything in you needed. Great opportunity to get away from your busy life and just relax and take in the views. Would recommend the log cabins to anyone looking for peace and quiet.
Joseph
Besides a picturesque landscape and serene silence, the weather couldn't have been more romantic.The cold and wet outside ensured a warm and cozy inside.A must for any bucket list.
mrs .j.a. van beurden
this was amazing but even very cold on the top of the mountain. we really enjoyed the amzing view from our cabin. everything was neat and clean
mrs .j.a. van beurden
this was amazing but even very cold on the top of the mountain. we really enjoyed the amzing view from our cabin. everything was neat and clean
Caroline Hawkins
I loved it here! The log cabin was luxurious and comfortable, no corners had been cut. We made our own fire on the corner fireplace to keep cosy at night. The kitchen was fully equipped, and shower was hot and strong. The views were fantastic, being so high up, you have uninterrupted views of the National Park. Remember to take your binoculars - you can see zebra and wildebeest roaming in the hills. Great place to do walking trails, and perfect for a relaxing break. Staff were also super friendly. Definitely worth a visit!!
Caroline Hawkins
I loved it here! The log cabin was luxurious and comfortable, no corners had been cut. We made our own fire on the corner fireplace to keep cosy at night. The kitchen was fully equipped, and shower was hot and strong. The views were fantastic, being so high up, you have uninterrupted views of the National Park. Remember to take your binoculars - you can see zebra and wildebeest roaming in the hills. Great place to do walking trails, and perfect for a relaxing break. Staff were also super friendly. Definitely worth a visit!!
Jane Fenner
Haven
Frew Clive
It was a lovely experience. Thanks
Frew Clive
It was a lovely experience. Thanks
Mandi de Jager
Die wegbreek na die Drakensberge was fantasties. Die hut waarin ons gebly het was hoog op die berge en dus het die koue ons erg gevang - maar met dit kagel en die verhitte mat onder kinders se "sleeper couch" is dit vinnig gebreuk. Die bokkies het by ons kom kuier en DIT was vir my kinders een van die top punte. Die top punt van top punt was natuurlik die speel in die sneeu. Die algehele ondervinding was genotvol. Dankie
Dr Maarten Potgieter
Fantastic. Friendly staff. Excellent staff... beautiful views. 10/10
J Linstrom
The log cabin and the fire place were fantastic. It was bitterly cold while we were there so we didn't see many animals. I think i would have liked to have known that it is not ideal for children. My daughter was bored stiff and this made it very trying during the weekend. I think it would suit just adults.
Gerald Gadd
Thoroughly enjoyed the couple of days - thank you.One lady at Glen Reenen reception can improve her client skills (rude & unfriendly). Not all equipment in all chalets - e.g. tin opener, etc. Some drains blocked.Venue is fantastic.
Brigitte Purchase
After paying in full for a family of five, we were allocated a tiny one-bedroomed cabin (with two children sharing a pull-out couch in the lounge and the 3rd on a mattress). We were only given 4 sets of cutlery, crockery, glasses etc and the tiny square table was too small so we could not each any meals together as a family. The front door was held together with duct tape letting in a drought so we froze in the middle of winter! The kitchen was under-equipped (no bottle-opener, no can opener, no sharp knife, jug chipped, only one server). Our discomfort led to an early check-out.
Pam
Absolutely beautiful, we had a wonderful break with lovely walks and stunning views. Accommodation was outstanding, the Log cabins are just beautiful.
ALETTA
I recently stayed at the Highland Mountain Retreat. The accommodation was good with everything one may need to make your stay comfortable. The view was spectacular. I looked forward to some quiet time but sadly the cleaners that arrive early in the morning and depart late in the afternoon, continually conversed loudly with each other. The only real time of peace and quiet was at night. Other than that, I had a lovely time and would recommend this venue for busy people in need of a quick break.
CJ de Jager
It was a great experience to visit the park. The mountains are beautiful. The Highlands Mountain Retreat was a good choice and you feel as if you are on top of the world. Great to have a fireplace where one can spend the cold evenings.The Park was smaller than anticipated with only 2 short routes to travel with the car. Not a lot of wildlife with only a few birds. The roads are well maintained. The toilet facilities at the main office for the use of guests are below standard. Overall a great experience but not one to repeat that often. We also did not feel that the 2 days was too short.
CJ de Jager
It was a great experience to visit the park. The mountains are beautiful. The Highlands Mountain Retreat was a good choice and you feel as if you are on top of the world. Great to have a fireplace where one can spend the cold evenings.The Park was smaller than anticipated with only 2 short routes to travel with the car. Not a lot of wildlife with only a few birds. The roads are well maintained. The toilet facilities at the main office for the use of guests are below standard. Overall a great experience but not one to repeat that often. We also did not feel that the 2 days was too short.
Julius Lloyd
We absolutely enjoyed our stay, the spectacular view from the cabin and the staff's proficiency. Please stock up the shop. I had to drive all the way to Bethlehem to by fire lighters!!!! Wed will be back.
Bill Braine
This is the second time we have visited the place and have been very impressed, its a lovely view and very comfortable even in the coldHad my American cousin with us who was delighted with the experience.
George Tossel
We enjoyed staying in a log cottage and enjoying beautiful nature and most of all a peacefull and quiet environment. We would like to visit again in future.
Mariaan Terblanche
Goeie DagDit was 'n pragtig bly plek netjies die uitsig laat mens besef daar is 'n ONS VADER en mens raak stil van die natuurskoon.Ons sal net graag meer diere daar wil sien!!Sal weer daar gaan draai dankie
federica de Micheli
I want really to commend you all for offering such high standards of accommodation and hospitality. Everythig was really perfect. Exceptional value for money and PLEASE do not change: = making it more expensive or lowering the standards. I am in the safari industry and rarely I have found what I found at this retreat. Thank you to all the team!
federica de Micheli
I want really to commend you all for offering such high standards of accommodation and hospitality. Everythig was really perfect. Exceptional value for money and PLEASE do not change: = making it more expensive or lowering the standards. I am in the safari industry and rarely I have found what I found at this retreat. Thank you to all the team!
Stephanie Venter
The Highlands Mountain retreat is the ideal place for a break away. The amazingly beautiful surroundings, together with the opportunity for adventure behind every corner, made for a perfect weekend.We will be back as soon as possible.Would love to see this landscape covered in snow.
4.9
out of 5 based on
Mar 28, 2024
Safari.com was helpful start to finish
Safari.com was helpful start to finish. The sign up process was clear, the support was great as we tailored our experience. Directions were perfect to get there. Everything in the safari was as we thought it would be and even better. It literally was the trip of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations.
Sandy
,
CA
Mar 28, 2024
Heleen 's service was superb
Heleen 's service was superb: prompt, friendly and efficient. She altered my reservation promptly and efficiently. She warned me that SAN Parks might not be able to accommodate my wishes, but all is well.
Margret Slyper
,
ZA
Mar 28, 2024
A superb experience
Dear Jayson, You are a star. The very professional pieces of advice and the optimal design of the schedule that turned our holidays into an extraordinary experience. Thank you so much! Leopard Hills are indeed the boutique luxury camp that you recommended. People there are incredible friendly and knowledgable. The guide was excellent. And the cook, she was a friendly star too. The flight connections went well, despite that rather long drive, and the very early morning start. Wake up calls at 4 AM should be forbidden :) Mauritius was great, Club Med The Plantation Albion was the perfect choice. (The other Club Med @ Cannonier we visited only and were glad we didn’t chose that one…) Thank you again for the superb organisation.
Michael Solomon
,
DE
Mar 28, 2024
Shamiel was very helpful with advice on…
Shamiel was very helpful with advice on our trip and responded promptly to all my queries.
customer
,
AU
Mar 27, 2024
I have enjoyed working with Safari.com
I have enjoyed working with Safari.com! We are bringing a big group, and they have been amazing coordinating the different changes we have had to make. We will work with them in the future!
Melinda Hudson
,
US
Mar 26, 2024
This is the second trip we book with…
This is the second trip we book with Candis from safari.com. Candis is super knowledgable, is extremly customer service and experience focused and did everything possible to organize the trip as we wanted it. I can highly recommend booking a safari with Candis and safari.com
Jana
,
CH
Mar 25, 2024
These will be mine second time going to…
These will be mine second time going to Africa, the first time I booked everything with safari.com and pascal helped. He was amazing everything went perfect. Now going back to Botswana and pascal did everything again very fast and perfect. I had the best time and everything was super vip, and can’t wait to be back.October can’t come soon enough.
Tricia moyses
,
US
Mar 25, 2024
So far, great service
This review is for the booking only as we have not taken our trip yet. Safari expert Sara Van Coille has been great to work with. We booked later than we planned and she was able to come up with an itinerary that was perfect for our group. Sara has responded to all our questions and was very quick to get back to me. From our experience so far, we would definitely recommend Safari.com
Kevin P
,
US
Mar 25, 2024
Shamiel from Safari.com was awesome as…
Shamiel from Safari.com was awesome as everyone says. He got us exactly what we wanted at a very reasonable price. We will be back.
Michael M
,
US
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