Highland Gate by SA Golf Trader

HIGHLAND GATE

Visiting Highland Gate Golf & Trout

Tucked into the sweeping uplands of the Steenkampsberg mountains just outside Dullstroom, Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate feels like a carefully preserved secret: a place where wide skies, crisp air and an Ernie Els designed golf course combine with natural streams, trout dams, hiking trails and luxurious, dream homes to create a perfect long weekend or slow holiday. Whether you’re a keen golfer, an angler after rainbow trout, or someone who simply wants to switch off and breathe, Highland Gate rewards a curious traveller with understated luxury and big landscapes.

Getting there and first impressions

Highland Gate sits roughly two-and-a-half hours from Johannesburg, making it an easy drive for Gauteng escapees looking to leave traffic and heat behind for high-altitude tranquillity. The estate’s approach on Kruisfontein Road opens out onto rolling veld and a horizon of mountains, the clubhouse and course sit like a small village carved into the hillside. There is an all-weather tennis court and two new padel courts with remarkable views of the estate situated next to the clubhouse. Mist is a factor here and, on our visit, a thick blanket of early morning fog greeted us as we warmed up on the wide and spacious

driving range. This quickly dissipated as the round progressed. Click HERE for Google Maps directions.

The Golf Course

The estate’s headline attraction is its 18-hole Ernie Els signature golf course, widely regarded as one of the best in the region. Carved into the natural contours of the highveld, the layout makes intelligent use of elevation changes, lakes and natural veld to create holes that are scenic and strategically engaging. Expect firm lies, often windy conditions, and views that reward the walker as much as the golfer. Due to the topography and pace of play, golf carts are compulsory.

The bunkers are undergoing an extensive upgrade involving reshaping, the installation of Bunker Barrier lining and new sand. This creates better drainage and more consistent playing conditions, the project is making steady progress and the completed bunkers look fantastic. There’s a well-appointed pro shop, lessons and booking options through the club. If you play, plan for a cooler climate, mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer and bring a layer for wind. Click HERE to explore the course.

Trout Estate — a Dullstroom escape

“When golfers say they were torn between hitting their next shot and pausing to take a photo of the golf course or the surrounding scenery, you know it has to be a very special place. Highland Gate is definitely that kind of place”. Ernie Els

Fishing, hiking and low-key adventure

Beyond golf, Highland Gate offers trout fishing, the estate’s dams are stocked with trout and suit both casual fly-fishing and more serious anglers. If you prefer dry land, there are marked walking trails, mountain biking routes and birding opportunities across the estate’s open terrain; the mix of grassland, koppies and small wetlands attracts a variety of very unique species. For families or groups, the estate’s open spaces and activities make it easy to stitch together a day that mixes sport and relaxation.

Where to stay and what to expect

Accommodation at Highland Gate ranges from well-appointed self-catering houses and cottages to private homes available through holiday platforms and estate rental managers. Many properties feature large windows and decks that frame the surrounding views, and facilities commonly include braai areas, fully equipped kitchens and easy access to the

clubhouse and course. Click HERE for accommodation listings.

Dining and the Clubhouse

The Clubhouse on Highland Gate is more than a drop-in for golfers: it offers a veranda with panoramic views of parts of the course and a menu suitable for a hearty breakfast or relaxed lunch after a round. Locals and visitors praise the veranda as a pleasant spot to unwind with a drink while watching play. The Flycatcher Restaurant, situated in the Clubhouse offers golfers and visitors a variety of meal options including a picnic basket to be enjoyed at locations on and around the estate. If you plan to dine, check opening times or book ahead during busy holiday weekends.

Practical tips for visiting

• Book tee times and activities in advance. The golf course and some estate activities are popular on weekends and public holidays.

• Pack for the weather. Highland Gate sits at altitude; even summer days can be crisp and mornings brisk. Layers, a windbreaker, and sun protection are wise.

• Driving and vehicles. A standard vehicle is fine for the main access roads, but check with your host if you’re staying in more remote plots inside the estate. Some properties have limited street lighting. arrive before dark if you can.

• Cashless and bookings. Many estate vendors accept card payments; still, it’s good to confirm if

SPECIAL FEATURE - HIGHLAND GATE

smaller services prefer cash. Book accommodation and tee times early for long weekends.

A weekend itinerary (suggested)

Day 1 — Arrival and slow afternoon: Drive in mid-afternoon, settle into your cottage or house, unpack and take a short walk to get your bearings. Enjoy drinks on the veranda and a relaxed dinner at the clubhouse or self-catered braai as the sun sets.

Day 2 — Golf and exploration: Tee off early for a full round on the Ernie Els course. After golf, take a short trail or try some catch-and-release trout fishing. Finish the day with a long dinner and stargazing, the highveld skies are clear and dramatic at night.

Day 3 — Local town visit and departure: Drive into Dullstroom village for coffee, antiques and artisan shops before heading home. Dullstroom’s small cafes and bakeries are pleasant places to warm up and pick up local crafts.

Final thoughts

Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate is not a theme-park resort; it’s a well-crafted slice of highveld living that rewards visitors who slow down and soak in the landscape. Golfers will find a course that’s both demanding and beautiful; anglers and walkers will quickly discover why the estate is marketed as a nature retreat. For a weekend escape from city noise or a longer stay where days are measured by tee times, trout, and dramatic skies, Highland Gate is a reliable, scenic choice near Dullstroom. Before you go, check the estate’s official site for the latest booking and contact details, and consider calling ahead to reserve tee times or restaurant space.