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About this place

Highlands Mountain Retreat is set high in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, in the rolling grasslands and sandstone country of the eastern Free State. The park is named for the golden light that falls on its dramatic sandstone cliffs and buttresses, and the retreat sits among open mountain scenery at the foot of the Maluti range.

The accommodation has a self-catering character suited to walkers and those who want a quiet base in the high country. Cool, clear air and sweeping views define the setting, and the surrounding grasslands are home to eland, black wildebeest, blesbok and zebra, while the cliffs above shelter raptors including the rare bearded vulture.

This is a place for slow days spent on mountain trails and evenings watching the sandstone glow at sunset. The altitude brings crisp nights, and winters can be cold, so the retreat suits travellers drawn to open landscapes rather than classic bushveld game viewing.

Get to know where you stay

Free State
South Africa

Keep exploring

Retreats in the Free StateGrassland staysHiking staysScenic drives staysStargazing staysGame drives staysMountain staysAccommodation in Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Availability

Any available room

3 rooms, sleeps 2 to 4

Check-in

Select date

Check-out

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October 2026

November 2026

A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.

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Where you'll sleep

Choose a room type. We confirm availability with SANParks once you send your dates.

Family Log Cottage FT4

Own kitchen

4 guests

Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - Check-in at Glen Reenen Reception - Fireplace - Kitchen - No smoking - One bedroom with 2 single beds - One bedroom with double bed - Two bathrooms (en-suite, with wc and shower) - Veranda with Weber braai

R 3,481 a night

Family Log Cottage FT4Z

Accessible unit · Own kitchen

4 guests

Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - Check-in at Glen Reenen Reception - Fireplace - Kitchen - No smoking - One bedroom with 2 single beds - One bedroom with double bed - Two bathrooms (en-suite, with wc and shower) - Unit accessible to the mobility challenged - Veranda with Weber braai

R 3,481 a night

Log Cottage FT2/4

Own kitchen

2 guests

Sleeps up to 2 adults. Features - Check-in at Glen Reenen Reception - Double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults) - Fireplace - Kitchen - No smoking - One bedroom with double bed - One en-suite bathroom (wc and shower) - Veranda with Weber braai

R 2,160 a night

Nature

What lives at Highlands Mountain Retreat

Grassland

These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.

Location

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Check-in and check-out

Check-in Time

14:00 - 18:00

Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.

Check-out Time

By 10:00

Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.

Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days

Refund schedule

  • 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
  • No refundwithin 30 days of check-in

Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.

For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.

Pet policyNo pets

Pet policy

Pets are not allowed

Travel insuranceInformation only

Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.

For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.

See travel insurance quotes

Spekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.

Before you book

Payment terms

Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.

Cancellation PolicyStrict

  • 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
  • No refundwithin 30 days of check-in

Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.

Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.

House rules

Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.

Liability

Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.

By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Highlands Mountain Retreat located?

Highlands Mountain Retreat is in Free State, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.

How many guests can Highlands Mountain Retreat accommodate?

FT4 (FAMILY LOG COTTAGE) sleeps 4, FT4Z (FAMILY LOG COTTAGE) sleeps 4 and FT2/4 (LOG COTTAGE) sleeps 2.

How do I book Highlands Mountain Retreat?

Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with SANParks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom. Nearby Spekboom stays book the same way if you want to mix nights inside the park with a stay outside.

Want to find out more?

Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.

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