The Big City life can swallow you up whole if you don't get away. What better way to unwind than to immerse yourself in nature?

This is exactly what we had in mind with our selection of mountain retreats.

The best of both worlds

Imagine yourself on a high ridge overlooking the breathtaking views of northern Drakensberg. This is the spectacular setting of the Vergezient Mountain Retreat. The refreshing air and natural beauty will soon captivate you. Yet the most obvious aspect of the retreat is the deep silence. This will do much to place you in the ultimate state of tranquility.

Once your soul has rested, there are various walking and hiking trails to enjoy. You’ll get to bask in the varied landscape and flora of Vergezient. The trails vary in distance and difficulty. You won’t break a sweat with the walk up Heldersig and there are great views from every direction.

If you’re up for a more strenuous hike then you’ll be rewarded with San paintings.
You can also spot a variety of bird species, particularly the commonly-sighted raptor. The dams in the area - Sterkfontein, Woodstock, Spioenkop, and Bellpark - easily accommodate the avid fisherman or simply those wanting to enjoy a peaceful boat ride.

The eagle has landed…

Eagles’ Rock Mountain retreat near Himeville and Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal, is perfectly positioned on a mountain plateau overlooking the Umzimkhulu River. This pristine farming area is also one of South Africa’s premier wild-trout fly fishing destinations. This is due to the abundance of over 100 species of fly fish.

You can try your hand at fly fishing and search for that elusive 10 pounder. You can arrange to access the river and dams in season. A trip up Sani Pass is a must. It entails a cross border trip into Lesotho. So don’t forget those passports!

Thandimvelo Mountain Retreat is situated in the Steenberg Mountains near Lydenburg and overlooks the Kwena Dam. You can relax at the campfire at night while gazing at a blanket of stars. There are 5 tastefully decorated bungalows built on stilts. They all overlook the majestic mountains and valleys.

An open-air boma is situated in the center of the 5 bungalows. It’s perfect for nights spent around the fire and lazily stargazing.

The golden hills of Maluti

Huddled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the Free State, lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park owes its name to the hues of gold that radiated when the sun hits its sandstone overhangs. You’ll experience animals such as the black wildebeest, eland, blesbok and Burchell’s zebra in its natural habitat.

The retreat homes eight log cabins nestled in the foothills of Golden Gate, while its trails cater for the fervent nature-lover.

Deeply green in the Langeberg

Simonskloof Mountain retreat is 50km from Montagu in the Western Cape. This retreat was a 2002 Imvelo Awards finalist for responsible and eco-tourism. So you know you’re in good hands.

For the ultimate wilderness experience, try Nuy River gorge kloofing. Go bushwhacking, abseiling, boulder hopping and rafting. These all happen under the starry full moon sky. It’s traditionally run when there’s a full moon and is fully catered for.

Alternatively, you can engage in mountain-biking and wilderness hiking.

There are many hiking trails leading up the mountain slopes. At the top you’ll find panoramic lookout points up to 1300m above sea level! You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the Robertson Winelands, Hexriver Valley and the fruit farming Koo valley.

Alternatively, go venture out on your own and discover rhebok, klipspringer, porcupine and leopards – to name but a few. The sky is guarded by black eagles. A mountain retreat could be just what you need to refresh your stale city life.

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