Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate is the perfect weekend retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, and also a favourite destination for golf days and conferences. The focus is not only on the championship level golf course, but also the wealth of leisure activities the estate offers, including hiking trails, fly fishing, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming and bird watching. The whole family is catered for in this rare and tranquil setting.
Enjoy a Round of Golf
Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate is one of the premier golf courses in South Africa. It boasts the most sought-after 18-hole Ernie Els golf course, which is a bucket list item for most South African golfers. Highland Gate frequently hosts championship events, golf tours and corporate golf days.
Mountain Biking
Highland Gate offers a number of mountain bike routes, with new routes being created on a regular basis. Enjoy the trails on the estate or head out on the neighbouring properties for an extended ride. The most popular routes are the 4Km easy family route, or, for those more technically inclined, the 43Km Kruisfontein MTB loop.
Fly Fishing
Dullstroom is renowned for fly fishing. Amongst many trout-fishing dams in the vicinity, Highland Gate Golf & Trout estate has some of the best dams. It has one instream dam and two out-of- stream dams. All dams are stocked with trout biannually.
Hiking
Highland Gate’s hiking trails meander through the rolling hills of the Steenkampsberg mountain range. The highlight is the hike along the escarpment, where visitors can view the spectacular 65m waterfall which cascades to join the Crocodile River. Because of the high altitude, fresh air and a misty climate, the landscape is reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. There are a variety of hiking trails within the estate. To begin with, there’s the easy 2Km Waterfall Trail. Otherwise, if you prefer something more challenging, there’s the moderate 4.5Km Bush Trail, followed by the most challenging 10Km Mountain Trail.
Bird Watching
The estate is home to a large variety of beautiful and rare species of fauna and flora. Species include the Ground Woodpecker, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, Southern Bald Ibis, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Wattled and Blue Cranes, Red-chested and White-winged Flufftails, Denham’s Bustard, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Blackwinged Lapwing, Cape Eagle-Owl, Yellow-breasted Pipit and Buff-streaked Chat. The optimal bird watching season is between September and January.
Tennis
Enjoy spectacular views of both the golf course estate while playing tennis at Highland Gate. The tennis court is situated next to the clubhouse, allowing players to relax with a drink and a meal after a game. Tennis rackets and balls can be hired at the local Pro Shop.
Go for a Picnic
Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate offers a range of beautiful picnic spots, whether it be on top of the mountain, alongside a dam or at a waterfall. Relax in the beauty of the surroundings with your picnic basket. Order a pre-packed picnic basket or make up your own by visiting the local bakeries and delis in Dullstroom.
Visit the Flycatcher Restaurant
The Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate’s clubhouse houses the Flycatcher Restaurant. Whether it be for breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner, the Flycatcher Restaurant is the place to go. Sit on the balcony and take in the magnificent views of the estate, or enjoy televised sports inside the restaurant or bar. Alongside the clubhouse there’s a playground for the kids. Whatever your choice, and whatever your age, there’s always a wonderful community vibe and much fun to be had.
Practice Your Swing
If you’d like to develop your short game or practice your swing, the Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate driving range is the perfect place for you. Get to know your clubs or simply enjoy the outdoors – after all, the more you practice, the better you become!
Stargazing
Highland Gate boasts some of the darketst skies in South Africa. With the absence of city lights in the area, the skies are spectacluar at night. Get to know the constellations and stars, or simply relax into the awe of the night skies. This incredible experience will leave you feeling a lot happier and calmer, if not humbler.
However you choose to spend your days at the Estate, a great way to end any day is to go for sundowners. Celebrate the day, the magnificence of environment, the country air, the setting sun and the beautiful night skies. There’s never a dull day at the Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate.
And PS…maps and route guides are readily available at the clubhouse.
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