Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main restcamp.

Wildlife on view
This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals — black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra — and birds, including the rare Bearded Vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare Bald Ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Generaalskop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.

Hikes and Trails

  • Rhebok Hiking Trail (2 days and 1 night): maximum of 18 persons per group. Advance booking essential. Hikers provide all own necessities. Enquire at your reservations office.
  • Short nature trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours): no bookings required.
  • Game viewing at leisure in own vehicle.
  • Guided excursions, night drives, video shows and lectures during school holiday periods. Enquire at reception.
  • Environmental education courses (varying from 1 to 5 days).
  • Bowls, tennis, table tennis and snooker.
  • Horse-riding during peak periods.
  • Swimming in natural pool at Glen Reenen.
  • Abseiling and canoeing available for people using Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre

    Places of interest

  • The Van Reenen family graveyard
  • The Impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation
  • A bird hide at the Langtoon Dam
  • Interesting lookout points and viewpoints - Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint, the third highest point in the park; Oribi basin and Drakensberg view.

    ESSENTIAL INFO

    Climate
    Mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.

    Day Visitors
    With a public bypass road running through the park day visitors are welcome to drive through the park.

    Handy Hints

  • Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.
  • Hikers on day and overnight trails must always carry sufficient water.
  • Take cool and light clothing for summer and warm clothing for winter
  • Area prone to sudden weather changes.

    Office Hours
    07h00 - 20h00

    Closest towns
    Clarens or Bethlehem.

    Getting there
    Equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein.
    Easily accessible via excellent tarred road.
    Public road runs through the park.
    Roads in the park are tarred.

    BOOKING DETAILS

    Telephone: +27 (0)12 428-9111
    Fax: +27 (0)12 343-0905
    E-mail: reservations@parks-sa.co.za
    Click here for more info

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