Paardeplaats Nature Retreat

Remember the pre-1970 Kruger Park ambiance? No commercial noise, no cash registers. The smell of fresh air, wood smoke, paraffin, and creosote. The singing of birds and the cry of the jackal.

The laughter of children at play, while you cook a delicious meal on an open fire, and the friendly, helpful staff to escort you on arrival to your comfortable clean room. Add to this stunning escarpment, views and the freedom, peace, quiet, and safety of unspoiled nature, where the children can take Ouma and Oupa for safe, short, nature walks.

This is what we like to call “elegant simplicity” and “family therapy” à la Paardeplaats Nature Retreat, on the spectacular Longtom Pass/Route 37. Along the very tracks of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his dog Jock, lies Paardeplaats Nature Retreat, some 12 km from Lydenburg/Mashishing en route to Sabie.

Set high up in the Mpumalanga Drakensberg, at 2000 m above sea level with an annual rainfall of over 1000 mm per annum, this 770 hectare proclaimed nature reserve is a haven for birders, hikers, and serious nature lovers who enjoy elegant simplicity, so different from the city norms.

Built on the ruins of an 1870 miners' settlement is the restored 15-sleeper stone dwelling, set in total privacy overlooking a small trout dam, a beautiful valley, and mountains. Hidden amongst trees and the mining terraces are three restored stone units. Each room has a private view with its own unique character with stained glass windows.

We have six rooms available, but they can only be booked together as a whole unit. De Waterbrak, Gurneys, Kiepersol, and Jafrie can each accommodate two guests with either twin beds, a queen, or a king-size bed. Oribi can accommodate four guests in four single beds, and Suikerbossie can accommodate three guests in a king-size and a single bed. Please enquire about the rates for longer stays.

All six bedrooms are en-suite, with down or wool duvets on all the beds. Meals are prepared in the communal Miners Canteen with a kitchen so well-equipped that even professional chefs comment on it. Wood and gas stoves, two gas fridges and utensils to cater for up to 20 people, guarantee a farm-style cooking experience with most modern conveniences, except a microwave. When weather permits, the outdoor covered cooking hearth and large verandah is the place to relax and braai, soothed by the sound of running water and birdsong.

The fly-fisherman could be tempted to catch a trout, casting almost from the verandah, while the Jafrie Walking and Cycling Ramble is ideal family therapy for those who love nature. The not-so-lazy could pack a picnic basket or a rucksack and embark on one of seven different marked walking or mountain biking trails, totaling 25 km, or just amble down to the nearby waterfall.

One to six guests per two night weekend R4000. Seven to 12 guests per two night weekend R6000. Long weekend three-night stay, maximum of 15 guests R9000.