Golden Gate Highlands National Park in Southern Africa
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Safely tucked away in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State, lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The 11 600 hectares parks name originates from the glorious shades if gold casted by the sun on the sandstone cliffs of the park.The area is famous for its captivating scenery, invigorating climate and the accommodation offered in hotel rooms, rondavels and self-catering chalets.
This kingdom of nature is home to a huge 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. The park is also home to various rare and indigenous flowers that include the Arum Lily, Watsonias, Fire Lilies and Red-Hot Pokers
The highest point in the park, Generaalskop, is a magnificent, vibrant tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.
Places of interest include:
- The impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation
- The Van Reenen family graveyard
- The Langtoon Dambird hide at the
- Lookout points and viewpoints - Zuluhoek, Generaalskop, the third highest point in the park, Oribi basin and Drakensberg view.
5 Things To Seek
- Bearded Vulture
- Bald Ibis
- Black Wildebeest
- Eland
- Oribi
Accommodation
Glen Reenen Restcamp
Rondavels with either one double and two single beds or Rondavels with two single and one stack bed or 2 single beds in loft. All with bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment.
Noord-Brabant Farmhouse
A rustic converted farmhouse with kitchen and bathroom facilities - 1 double bed, 1 sleeper couch and 3 single beds. 6km from the Glen Reenen Restcamp. Vehicles with high ground clearance required.
Family Cottages with 1 bedroom (one double bed plus double sleeper couch or 2 single beds for children) and one bathroom.
Family Cottages with 2 bedrooms (one double bed plus 2 single beds and some with additional double sleeper couch) and 2 bathrooms sleeping from 4 to 6 people.
Highlands Mountain Retreat
A luxury camp 2200m above sea-level.
Eight log cabins nestled in the foothills of Golden Gate that can accommodate 4 families of 4 each (2 bedrooms each en-suite) and 4 log cabins that can accommodate 2 persons each (1 bedroom).
Brandwag Resort
Situated at the entrance gate of the Park.
Facilities
• Picnic site for day visitors has ablution and barbecue facilities.
Glen Reenen Restcamp has a general dealer.
Activities
- 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.
Climate
Cool highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.
How to get there
Johannesburg - Take the N3 south towards Durban. Take the Villiers turn-off and follow the R26 through Villiers, Frankfort, Reitz to Bethlehem.
Bethlehem - Take the road to Clarens (R711) and from Clarens proceed to the Park. About 320km.
The Protea Hotel Golden Gate is situated at the entrance gate and Glen Reenen Restcamp about 12 km from there.
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