SANParks.org Forums

Welcome to the forums!

Your question is slightly too early, I'm still only starting to sort my photos. I have a photo showing both the hotel and Glen Rheenen camp...
It's a little walk, maybe 10~15 minutes, but you can of course use the car.

Glen Reenen & Brandwag are a few (+ - 2 ?) km apart , a tar road - the main road between Clarens and Phuthadijhba - connects them .

Click on it for a large version. To the right you can see the Brandwag hotel and chalets, on the left is Glen Reenen. This pano was taken from the route to the Echo Ravine.

Beautiful shot DQ!!! The hills look like so much velvet....it was green velvet when we were there....

i hope to visit clarens in june 2010, staying at a guest home or b&b. can i:
* do a day trip to golden gate nat'l park from there? specifically, i'd like to do a full day of hiking?
* as above, can i do a day trip to the drakensberg mountains (northern part, natal, i believe it's called, where the amphitheatre is located)?
* i don't plan on renting a vehicle - are there buses and/or mini-buses/taxis that will take me to the entrance point of each of the parks?
* i understand that it's winter there in june - what sort of temperatures should i expect?

Public transport in South Africa is very limited, especially in the rural areas. I think you will be much better off renting a vehicle and driving on your own. I would not suggest taking a minibus taxi.

A day trip to Golden Gate from Clarence is very possible. Why not stay in the park itself ... link

Expect cold, very cold weather and snow. Temperatures regularly plummet to below freezing. If you plan on hiking, you will have to take all safety precautions, and inform authorities ...

Reaching the Amphitheater is possible, but I would suggest that you rather book yourself accommodation nearer, than drive from Clarence and back. There are some excellent accommodation available in that area.

Hello,
we (2 adults & 2 children) want to visit Golden Gate and are looking towards Glenn Reenen or Bosotho Rest Camp to spend te night. Does anybody has any experiance with them and can help us making a choise.
We will be there during winter-time, do you know if heating in a Rondavel is a problem?

Thanks,
Yobe

Hi Yobe...Welcome!!!

We had a wonderful time in Glen Reenen In GGHNP...in March...don't know about heaters, tho....

See Here for some pics

Hi and welcome to the forums Yobe!

I have 2 questions, when do you plan to go, and how old are the children?
Glen Reenen does have more options for children , including a playground and walks.
And which season do you intend for your visit?

Hi DuQues

Thank you for responding our question.
We're planning to go there at the end of july 2010. Our children will then be 11 and 13 years of age.

greetings

Hi there campers! Hope someone can help me. We have booked to arrive at Golden Gate on 29 January. I have a 2 year old and was wondering about the following:
1. Are there baths in the ladies ablutions?
2. Have the ablutions been upgraded because I have read some negative comments on the forum.
3.Is there a laundry with washing machines - we are there 10 days and I will have to do some washing
4. Has the camp been fenced off? If not what is the safety like?

Hi Orangek

My husband and I did duty (we are honorary rangers) in the camp in Dec 2008 the abultions had just been rebuilt and yes there is a special raised bath for babies/toddlers please remember to take a plug as this appeared to be an ongoing problem whilst we were there, I think we must have replaced them at least 4 times as people tend to take them with them for some reason. At the time there were no washing machines but there is a laundry where hand washing can be done. The camp is not totally fenced off but the access points are gaurded at night, I never at any time felt unsafe. Hope you have a great time in the stunning park.

Believe me, SANParks make effort effort to ensure security. Hope you have a great time, with as little laundry as possible!

Hi YOBE

The Basotho CV is definitely something different but I agree Glen Reenen has more options for kids.

Winter in the mountains is very cold but Glen Reenen chalets are equipped for that with electric blankets on the beds and heaters. Some of the cottages have excellent fire places inside! I haven't stayed at Basotho yet so can't comment.

Another advantage of GR is it is close to the beautiful town of Clarence and if the weather does not allow hiking or outdoor activities a visit to the town is a must!

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I went into the Sanparks office and they did not give me the info you have. This forum is a wonderful tool for those of us who have not been to some of the parks. I have done most of them so if you ever need any info I hope I can assist in return.