Forest Creek Private Nature Estate
– For Sale
Set on 108 hectares of pristine mountain wilderness in the Steenkampsberg region of Mpumalanga, Forest Creek Private Nature Estate offers a rare opportunity to acquire a private nature retreat with an established hospitality operation. Whether you are looking for a private residence, a lifestyle investment, a boutique hospitality venture, or a combination of all three — this is a truly exceptional opportunity.
Property at a Glance
The Buildings
All structures were designed and built by the owners. The result is a cohesive collection of character-rich stone and thatch buildings, each positioned to maximise privacy and connection with the surrounding landscape. Interiors reflect two decades of considered furnishing and decoration.
Setting & Climate
The estate sits in a gorge in the northern Drakensberg — specifically the Steenkampsberg — with mountains enclosing three-quarters of the horizon. There are no thoroughfares through the property; it is utterly secluded. A perennial stream fed by springs runs through a Cloud Forest of Stinkwood, Fig, Cabbage and White Pear trees, with orchids and ferns in abundance. The valley is a natural water catchment; the spring water is piped directly from beneath the rocks and is of exceptional quality.
The climate is widely considered among the finest in South Africa: moderate summers (20–31°C) and mild winters (10–22°C), with an average annual rainfall of 760 mm. Snow occasionally dusts the surrounding peaks in winter without making the valley inhospitable — a rare combination.
GPS: S 25° 18.639′ | E 30° 17.937′
Wildlife & Birdlife
The estate supports an impressive complement of mammals and birds, largely undisturbed by human activity. A full game and bird list is available on request. The combination of perennial water, indigenous forest and open grassland creates exceptional habitat diversity.
Mammals
- Greater Kudu
- Eland
- Bushbuck
- Waterbuck
- Mountain Reedbuck
- Red & Grey Duiker
- Klipspringer
- Leopard
- Serval
- Civet & Genet
- Honey Badger
- Aardvark (Ant Bear)
- Brown Hyena
- Cape Clawless Otter
- Black-backed & Side-striped Jackal
- Bushpig
Birds (selection)
- Verreaux's (Black) Eagle – resident pair
- Lanner Falcon
- Narina Trogon
- Carmine Bee-eater
- Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
- Sunbirds (multiple species)
- Swainson's Spurfowl
- Various raptors
- Full species list available on request
A Word from the Owner
My wife Anita Gaye and I have in our journey lived in South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia — and chose Forest Creek as our final destination and home. We have been here for twenty years.
This unique property, owned by myself and a partner, is now being placed on the open market. Age and health being the dictate of our reason for doing so.
The buildings were built by me, with Anita Gaye decorating. They comprise five luxury suites, a small lodge, and our two-bedroom house. The Beach Cottage — a rustic but very comfortable cottage near the stream — completes the picture.
The drinking and washing water is tapped under the rocks from a spring and is the best quality water I have ever tasted. It is limitless. The bird life is prolific; we have a resident pair of Black Eagles as well as Lanner and other falcons. Bush pigs abound and are the only game I hunt — for sausages.
My wife and I would like to stay on for a year or two after a sale, but this is not conditional.
— Maurice Nichols, Owner & Builder, Forest Creek
Sale Structure
The land and buildings are owned by a private company of which there are currently two shareholders. The sale is structured as a purchase of 100% of the company's shares, which provides a clean and efficient transfer of ownership. The current owners are willing to remain on the property for a transitional period of up to two years post-sale if desired, though this is not a condition of sale.
A full game and bird list, financial records and further property documentation are available to qualified interested parties on request.
Enquire About This Property
Tel: +27 13 235 8925 | Cell: +27 73 256 4478
R36 Schoemanskloof Bypass Road, Mpumalanga, South Africa
All information provided in good faith. Prospective purchasers are invited to verify all details independently. Property is sold as a going concern via company share transfer. Subject to change without notice.
