Crystal Mountain Retreat

Crystal Mountain Retreat is located on Franshoek Farm, a working farm and polo school situated 24 km outside Ficksburg, in the crystal-strewn Witteberg Mountains, whish is a spur of the Maluti Mountains on the Lesotho side of the mighty Drakensberg escarpment. It nestles in a bowl of mountains which include the three highest peaks, and the second largest cave, in the Free State.

There are many different walking trails, mostly very easy, passing waterfalls, rivers and streams, caves, dams, and wonderful mountain views in every direction. The mountains are covered in fynbos and proteas, one of only two areas outside of the Western Cape where fynbos can be found. There are also wonderful drives in the area, with stunning views of the Maluti Mountains.

It is only three and a half hours' drive from Johannesburg or five hours' from Durban. It is very quiet, safe and secure as we are far from any roads, with no through traffic at all. It is very dark at night as we are not close to any towns, and as a result the stars at night are breathtaking. We provide warm and comfortable accommodation in your own private suite, with luxury bathroom facilities, and a private deck with great views. There is also a DVD, CD player and television in the room.

We have the cleanest mountain air, and wonderful tasting pure spring water of a bottling quality. The famous Malutizicht water is bottled just over the ridge. We also offer individually cooked meals to suit your taste, with organically grown vegetables and tasty salads, made with many varieties grown from Italian seeds, from our own garden in season. You can also enjoy a good old braai on our stoep.

Other attractions in the area include the quaint towns of Clarens, Fouriesburg and Ficksburg, plus all the well-known Drakensberg and Maluti Mountain resorts. The area has easy access to Lesotho and Afriski Resort, and there is also a game farm next door where game drives can be arranged.