The Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the foothills of

The Golden Gate National Park nestles in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park. derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the parks sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag Rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp.

The Golden Gate National Park consists of 11 600 hectares of unique environment and is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals – black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchells zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Ribbokkop, 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.

Accommodation in Golden Gate National Park

• Glen Reenen Rest Camp
• Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre
• Highlands Mountain Retreat

Attraction in Golden Gate national Park

• The Van Reenen family graveyard
• Basotho Culteral Village
• The Impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation
• Vulture Restaurant
• Cathedral Cave (Guided Walk)
• Interesting lookout points and viewpoints - Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint, the third highest point in the park; Oribi basin and Drakensberg view

Accommodation in and around Drakensberg (East Griqualand)