Like the gossamer fog that wafts around its haunting peaks, or the ghostly shadow of a black wildebeest galloping through its mountain mist, Mount Anderson Ranch contains a thing of beauty, something so other, that it’s almost impossible to define. But for certain is its seclusion: Set in Mpumalanga near the Kruger National Park, Mount Anderson Ranch is a solace from the madding crowd, a refuge within the Drakensberg (‘Dragon Mountains’), where memories of city life are as ethereal as wind rushing through tall grass, or a rainbow trout rupturing a smooth, glassy sheet of water.

Those hankering after solitude in pristine nature would be hard-pressed to find a South African retreat more private – and exquisite – than Mount Anderson Ranch. Here no more than six pampered guests enjoy exclusive use of Golden Cottage – the ranch’s single homestead – its 8 000 ha (20 000 acres) of African bushveld and 2 500 m (7 500 ft) Mount Anderson Peak.

Explore the ranch’s rare wildlife on horseback and 4x4, or brave a mountain bike safari through rolling, sap-green grasslands with a personal ranger. Cast a line in any of our immaculate weirs and rivers and try your hand at fishing for trout. Or hark back to the hell-raisin’, pistol-totin’ gold rush days of highway robbers and bawdy barmaids by exploring our 19th century miners’ village; or delve into our rich primordial excavations: a San Bushmen rock art site and ancient Indian ruins built to mirror the heavenly constellations.

 Mount Anderson Video