Tonglen Mountain Retreat

Outside of Dullstroom, set on the highest mountain, overlooking the magnificence of Mpumalanga, exists a place unlike any other: Tonglen Retreat.

Tonglen Retreat: An incredibly special place where guests can practise their health crafts such as yoga/pilates in our workshop area.

Organically furnished with pieces collected over 20 years from all over the continent and artwork designed by fabulous local artists looming in handmade stone cottages. Guests know they have stepped into a masterpiece upon arrival.

With a huge space to roam on the 300-hectare farm, nature lovers come from far and wide to walk, run, bicycle, hike or merely meander gently for hours on end. As an ancient piece of ground, we have many relics to be discovered, one being the Koi San runes part of Adams Calendar. Meditative labyrinth walks in the beautifully designed labyrinth on the edge of the cliff facing the eastern sunrise. Hiking trails and trail runners practice space as it is safe to run on around 300 hectares of our property. A training ground for cyclists, hikers and runners who need altitude training.

The space is comprised of a self-catering Cottage (sleeps 6) and four Khaya's (sleeps 2 in each - 8 total).

The Khaya's are designed for groups as they have a separate fully functional industrial kitchen stocked with everything you need perfect for catering or feeding the family.

The centrepiece of the farm is our Dharma centre, which is a lounge & workshop area with a double-sided fireplace, this is where the magic happens.

Most rooms furnished with a fireplace and a host of creature comforts that will put you at ease without affecting the rustic charm of the place. Peculators for coffee, super rustic.

Professional staff are always on hand to ensure you have everything you need to have a meaningful experience.

Fresh spring running water always accessible for drinking and bathing. (Our showers are powered by a donkey broiler which we maintain for you).

As an eco-friendly and conscious operation, we try to use minimal energy and expel as little waste as possible on the farm. Electricity only located in one or two areas (only turned on in the Dharma Centre at certain hours). Evenings are lit by beautiful candlelight lanterns and warm fireplaces fuelled by our own wood cut from our blue gums.

Hiking, cycling, trail running, bird watching & guided walks.

PLEASE NOTE:

Cleaning Service: R 270.00 per day

No card facilities

No hairdryers

No high noise pollution - no quad bikes - no motor bikes

ONLY accessible by 4x4

There is no electricity on the property. We run a lister engine that provides lights and plug points to charge cell phones from 8 – 10 am and from 7 – 9 pm. If you have a battery pack please bring it along, as you’ll want to take lots of photos of the beautiful property.

Showers are heated by donkeys (a fire-heated geyser.) The donkeys will be heated at a specific time for you to have a hot shower.

Please be mindful of the fact that this is a pristine and remote location, and all garbage must be removed by the staff. Reduce your waste where possible.

Tonglen is an incredibly special place and we would love for you to experience it in all its beauty - unplug from the pace of your daily life, switch off from the constant connection to social media and embrace the close-to-nature ethos of Tonglen.