Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Description
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park lies in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the north eastern Free State. Deriving its name from the vivid shades of gold cast by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs, Golden Gate Highlands National Park encompasses 11,600 hectares of unique highlands habitat. Visit in the winter and you may catch this amber landscape transformed into a white wonderland.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is home to a variety of animals, including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok, and Burchell's zebra. Bird watching enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spot the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs.
The Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp offers a cultural experience with Museum Tours that offer visitors the chance to taste traditional cuisine and learn about the equipment and weapons used by the Basotho people. The Cultural Route takes visitors on a journey to discover the Basotho way of life from the 16th century to present day, while the Herbal Trail educates visitors about the medicines used by traditional healers.
Activities
- The 2-day Rhebok Hiking Trail with a maximum of 18 people per group. Advance booking is essential and hikers provide all of their own necessities.
- Nature trails from 1 - 5 hours.
- Self-drives to view game, birds, grassland, and impressive rock formations that form part of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains.
- Holiday programmes during the April and December holidays.
- Environmental education courses (from 1 - 5 days).
- Tennis
- Horse riding
- Abseiling and canoeing available for people using the Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre.
- Picnic site for day visitors with ablution and barbecue facilities.
- Glen Reenen general dealer and filling station, curio shop, licensed restaurant, coffee shop, and ladies' bar.
- Swimming in the natural pool at Glen Reenen.
Map
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