Paardeplaats Nature Retreat

Paardeplaats Nature Retreat is a 770-hectare proclaimed nature reserve situated on the Longtom Pass/Route 37, approximately 12 kilometers from Lydenburg/Mashishing, en route to Sabie. It is set high up in the Mpumalanga Drakensberg at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, with an annual rainfall of over 1000 millimeters per annum. The retreat is built on the ruins of an 1870 miners' settlement and offers a unique experience of unspoiled nature, peace, quiet, and safety.

The retreat features a restored 15-sleeper stone dwelling overlooking a small trout dam, a beautiful valley, and mountains. It is set in total privacy and surrounded by trees and mining terraces, where three restored stone units are hidden. Each room has a private view with its own unique character and stained glass windows. The six available rooms can only be booked together as a whole unit and include De Waterbrak, Gurneys, Kiepersol, Jafrie, Oribi, and Suikerbossie, accommodating a total of 15 guests.

All six bedrooms are en-suite and equipped with down or wool duvets on the beds. Meals are prepared in the communal Miners Canteen, which features a well-equipped kitchen with wood and gas stoves, two gas fridges, and utensils to cater for up to 20 people. An outdoor covered cooking hearth and large verandah provide a farm-style cooking experience with most modern conveniences, except for a microwave. The retreat offers opportunities for fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking, with seven different marked walking or mountain biking trails totaling 25 kilometers.

The rates for Paardeplaats Nature Retreat are as follows: one to six guests per two-night weekend: R4000, seven to 12 guests per two-night weekend: R6000, and a long weekend three-night stay for a maximum of 15 guests: R9000. The retreat is essentially a venue for families and groups of friends, offering a self-catering facility in the form of a well-equipped communal kitchen and lounge shared among the guests, unless all four rooms are booked.