Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Overview

This park was established in 1963 and is located near the Lesotho border in the Free State province. It famously got its name from the golden-yellow hues of the sandstone cliffs which are especially striking during sunrises and sunsets. Some of the main attractions of the park include the Cathedral Cave, the Brandwag Buttress, and the Golden Gate Valley.

Although the park is not popular for Big Five sightings like some of the other park, visitors can still see amazing wildlife roaming the grasslands, like eland, black wildebeest, springbok, and more. Enthusiastic birdwatchers are welcomed to the park, which has over 200 recorded bird species. 

Besides the various species calling this park home, there is also a rich variety of fauna and flora. The unique geology of the landscape exhibits dramatic sandstone cliffs, along with ancient San paintings. Various conservation efforts are implemented at the park to protect the unique ecosystems and endangered species calling this park home.

The park has several hiking trails varying in difficulty for visitors wanting to get closer to nature, including the Ribbok Trail, Wodehouse Trail, and Brandwag Buttress hike. Guided game drives and horse riding trails are also available, offering a unique experience to view wildlife.

When visiting Golden Gate Highlands National Park, visitors are encouraged to bring sunscreen, hats, hiking shoes, as well as warm clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable.