Highlands Mountain Retreat Highlands Mountain Retreat Highlands Mountain Retreat Highlands Mountain Retreat Highlands Mountain Retreat Highlands Mountain Retreat
  • Guest Rating: (15)
  • Accommodation Type: Self-Catering
Bookings / Enquiries
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A great escape for the mind, body and soul... the Highlands Mountain Retreat, is a luxury camp 2200m above sea-level in Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Close your eyes and allow your senses to totally relax. Breathe in the crisp, fresh mountain air and slowly allow your eyelids to open. Take in the awesome view of the overlapping mountain range, all the while knowing that you are standing 2200m above sea-level, the only place in South Africa at this height.

Home to eight log cabins nestled in the foothills of Golden Gate, that can accommodate 4 families of 4 each (2 bedrooms each en-suite) and 4 that can accommodate 2 persons each (1 bedroom), making this camp, a definite must visit for all.

Accommodation at Highlands Mountain Retreat
Please note check-in is at Glen Reenen Reception.

Gate Times
The gates in Golden Gate do not close. The road running through the Park is a public road which does not allow for the installation of any boom gates. Gate control is done at both receptions (Golden Gate Hotel and Glen Reenen Rest Camp) on arrival.

Log Cottage (FT2/4):
- Check-in at Glen Reenen Reception
- Double Sleeper Couch (not suitable for adults)
- DSTV (Limited Channels)
- Fireplace
- Kitchen
- One bedroom with double bed
- One en-suite bathroom (wc and shower)
- Veranda with Weber braai

Family Log Cottage (FT4Z):
- DSTV (Limited Channels)
- Fireplace
- Kitchen
- One bedroom with 2 single beds
- One bedroom with double bed
- Two bathrooms (en-suite, with wc and shower)
- Veranda with Weber braai

A unit is accessible to the mobility challenged.

Important Notice
1. Accommodation rates do not include Conservation Fees which are payable at the entrance gates.
2. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Rules & Regulations of National Parks before making a booking.

Other Accommodation options in Golden Gate Highlands National Park:
- Glen Reenen Restcamp
- Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp

Alternatively Clarens Accommodation options range from guest houses to self catering apartments.

Health and Climate:
Mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.

The winter temperatures in Golden Gate can plummet to a mere -9 to -15 degrees C and that snow is a regular occurrence in the park.

Golden Gate primarily falls in a summer rainfall area (Sept to April) and the annual rainfall is approximately 760 mm per year. In very wet years this figure can rise to 1250 mm.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancelling or downgrading of a reservation 45 days or less prior to (or on) arrival will result in cancellation fees according to a sliding scale (based on the total reservation cost) which varies between 50% and 100%.

In the event of a non-arrival, the accommodation will be held until 9:00 the following day after which the reservation will be cancelled and the full amount paid for the reservation will be forfeited.
Pay particular attention to deposit due dates provided and keep bank processing delays in mind when considering EFT as payment option. No extension of payment due dates will be granted.
If the arrival date of the itinerary is postponed prior to or on date of arrival and then cancelled at a later stage, the fees that applied at the time of amendment will be enforced if the amount is greater than the new cancellation fees.

- cancellations of 30 days and more from the time of arrival: 100% refund
- cancellations between 29 to 15 days from the time of arrival: 50% of total cost be refunded
- cancellations 14 days or less, a no-show or early departure: 0% refund
Facilities & Services available:
Hiking / Walking Trails
Horse Riding
Swimming Pool
Tennis Court

Highlands Mountain Retreat is a Self-Catering in Clarens Free State South Africa
Directions:

From Johannesburg take the N3 south towards Durban. At Villiers turn-off and follow the R26 through Villiers, Frankfort, Reitz to Bethlehem.

From Bethlehem take the road to Clarens (R711) and from Clarens proceed to the Park. About 320km.

Glen Reenen Restcamp is about 12 km from the entrance gate. Please check-in and you'll be directed to the camp.

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Rooms and Units Available at Highlands Mountain Retreat
Family Log Cottage (FT4)(FT4Z)
Check-in at Glen Reenen Reception, DSTV (Limited Channels), Fireplace, Kitchen, 2 single beds, double bed, Two bathrooms, Veranda with Weber braai.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Log Cottage (FT2/4) - 2 adults and 2 children
Check-in at Glen Reenen, Sleeper Couch, DSTV (Limited Channels), Fireplace, Kitchen, double bed, en-suite bathroom (shower), Veranda with Weber braai.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Latest Reviews
Amazing!
Mariska Labuschagne Aug 2019
The accommodation is simple with all basic needs, but one doesn't stay there for luxury stay as the views are spectacular.
I would advise that you take warm clothes in the winter months as temperatures drop below zero with a cold wind at night. If you are able to take your own wood, do so. The cost of wood from the reception shop is very expensive and the bags are small. You will need on average 6 bags per night.
Be aware that baboons are around and they have no fear of people. Keep all doors and windows locked at all times, even if you are standing right by them. The baboons will ignore you and go inside to raid for food no matter how much you scream and shout.
I will definitely go back as the location is amazing and its a great place to get away for some peace, quiet and sweet fresh mountain air.
Richard Evans Jun 2019
Eastern Free State, South Africa, is the most beautiful creation.
Elize Mathee Mar 2019
Highlands Mountain Retreat is a truly special place. Accommodation was good and clean and the views totally breathtakingly beautiful.
Peaceful, beautiful and good for the soul. We will definitely return.
SIMONE DOS SANTOS Jan 2019
The Highlands Mountain Resort is amazing, it's beautiful, tranquil and exactly what one need to relax, the only thing that needs upgrading of the the lounge furniture, it's very uncomfortable to sit on and the shower heads in the shower need updating as one can't move the shower heads or adjust them for comfort. Otherwise very comfortable log cabins.
Isabella Vieira Oct 2018