Golden Gate Highlands National Park
All-in-One
This page displays all information relevant to this park/camp, except the following:
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp.
This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a 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, 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.
Areas Of Special Interest
- The Van Reenen family graveyard
- 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
5 Things To Seek
- Bearded Vulture
- Bald Ibis
- Black Wildebeest
- Eland
- Oribi
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Accommodation
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
Rondavels, Longdavels and Guest Cottages with either one double and two single beds or two single and one stack bed, bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment.
Camping
Caravan and camping sites in beautiful shaded grounds at Glen Reenen.
Ablution and barbecue facilities, scullery.
Power points in ablution block and some camp sites.
A maximum of 6 persons, one caravan/tent and one vehicle or one auto villa permitted per site.
Telephone +27 (0)58 255 0000 and Fax +27 (0)58 255 0901
Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp
"The Free State landscape gladdens my heart, no matter what my mood. When I am here I feel that nothing can shut me in, that my thoughts can roam as far as the horizons.” - Former State President Nelson Mandela wrote in his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.
It is here where Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp nestles on the eastern side of the amalgamated Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The camp resembles an 18th century Basotho Village. The surroundings take you back from the pathway of previous times to the modern days, here the Basotho lifestyle, architectural and hospitality is the order of the day.
The Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp offers comfortable self-catering accommodation with splendid views where game viewing is practically enjoyed without the trouble of having to embark on a game searching journey.
The Camp also has communal braai facilities that are shared amongst families sharing the kraal and also private webber braai facilities for every chalet.
Kgotso! We greet You in Peace, come stay with us, dance to our rhythm, sip from our traditional beer, consult our Ngaka (Traditional Healer) and come to Lekhotla (the gathering place for men).
The tranquil and healing cultural heritage experience awaits you, Kgotso!! Pula!! Nala!!
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Close your eyes and allow your senses to totally relax. Breathe in the crisp, fresh mountain air and slowly allow your eyelids to open. Take in the awesome view of the overlapping mountain range, all the while knowing that you are standing 2200m above sea-level, the only place in South Africa at this height
A great escape for the mind, body and soul... the recently released Highlands Mountain Retreat, is a luxury camp in Golden Gate that has certainly been worth the wait. Home to 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 that can accommodate 2 persons each (1 bedroom), making this camp, a definite must visit for all.
Golden Gate Hotel
A spectacular sight awaits those who seek out Golden Gate Highlands National Park which was proclaimed in 1963. This paradise of sandstone cliffs is definitely a jewel of the Northern Free State, with its delightfully crafted landscapes and interesting range of roaming wildlife. Guests can experience anything from mild or hot summers to freezing winters sometimes snowy.
When it comes to accommodation, visitors can indeed have their pick of the finest choices not the least of which is this hotel. From the moment that you are welcomed at the hotel, you will know that you are about to experience unique scenery on vicinity.
This hotel is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the northern and eastern Free State landscape. The scenic grassland also home to numerous wildlife and bird species.
The experience of being accommodated at this luxurious hotel which doesn’t only provide ideal services and facilities to its guests, but also situated at the perfect location where you can experience wildlife first-hand.
The hotel offers conferencing and a banqueting venue, as well as a variety of indoor games and facilities for those who choose not to "rough it out" in nature. It does not get any better than relaxing at the cosy atmosphere pub with log fire during the freezing Free State winter.
Noordt Brabant Guest House – an historic Guesthouse
Noord-Brabant Farmhouse – rustic converted farmhouse – kitchen and bathroom facilities – 1 double bed, 1 sleeper couch and 3 single beds.
Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre
Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre has been offering professional and dynamic educational programmes for over 20 years. The well-maintained facilities include a large hall with kitchen and accommodation for 92 people. The Centre is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Golden Gate and the mighty peaks of Ribbokkop and Snow Hills. There is even a rock art site just a few minutes walk away.
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To view the accommodation prices, refer to Tariffs
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Activities
General
- Rhebok Hiking Trail (2 days and 1 night): maximum of 18 persons per group. Advance booking essential. Hikers provide all own necessities. Enquire at the reservations office. Tariffs and Map
- Short nature trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours): no bookings required.
- Game viewing at leisure in own vehicle.
- Holiday programmes are conducted during the April and December holidays. Enquire at reception.
- Environmental education courses (varying from 1 to 5 days).
- Bowls, tennis, table tennis and snooker (at the hotel).
- Horse riding available - please book at (058) 225 0951.
- Absailing and canoeing available for people using Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre
Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp
- Game viewing drives (self driven) – it is not only the game that one get to enjoy in this part of the world, one gets to enjoy rock formation, birds, grassland and the beautiful scenery that forms part of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains.
- Museum tours – visitors get to feel the Basotho experience by tasting traditional cuisine, getting to know equipments and weapons that were used then.
- Cultural route, one gets afforded an opportunity to be taken through the Basotho culture and the way of living dating back from the sixteen century to date.
- Herbal trail, visitors are lead through this trail in order to be educated about the medicines that were used and are still by the African Traditional Healers.
Facilities
- Cosy atmospheric pub with log fire (at the hotel).
- Picnic site for day visitors has ablution and barbecue facilities.
- Glen Reenen general dealer and filling station, Brandwag curio shop, licensed restaurant, coffee shop and ladies' bar. Enquire at reception.
- Catering for conferences, weddings and other functions at Brandwag should be made direct to the hotel on +27 (0)58 255 0012 for all reservations and inquiries)
- Swimming in natural pool at Glen Reenen.
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How to get there
- Equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein.
- Easily accessible via excellent tarred road.
- Public road runs through the park.
- Roads in the park are tarred.
- Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp:
- It is only 55km from Harrismith and the N3. It is sited along the Maluti Drakensburg Route only 350km from Pietermaritzburg, 330km from Bloemfontein and 320km from Johannesburg.
- The village is only 42km away from the renowned Clarens, a tourist Mecca of the Free State Province through the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
GPS Coordinates
Name |
X_coord |
Y_coord |
|---|---|---|
West Gate |
28.57871 |
-28.50125 |
Click on the image for a larger view
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Tariffs
-
2009/2010 Tariffs (word document or pdf document)
Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme WILD do not pay conservation fees provided that proof of Identity and their WILD card are shown on arrival.
Daily Conservation Fees for 1 September 2009 to 31 October 2010 |
|
|---|---|
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): |
R22 per person, per day |
SADC Nationals (with passport): |
R44 per person, per day |
Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): |
R88 per adult, per day |
Tariffs for 1 September 2009 to 31 October 2010 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Golden Gate Hotel |
||||||
Unit type |
No. of units |
Rate |
Base |
Max. beds |
Add. Adult |
Add. Child |
Twin Room North Facing NTRB, NTRS, NTRS | 40 |
R850 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
| Twin Room South Facing STRS |
2 |
R750 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
Twin Room South Facing SQBS |
9 |
R750 |
1-2 |
1queen size bed |
n/a |
n/a |
Premier Luxury Suite NPKBS |
1 |
R2 500 |
1-2 |
1 king size bed |
n/a |
n/a |
Honeymoon Suite NHKBS |
1 |
R1 350 |
1-2 |
1 king size bed |
n/a |
n/a |
2 |
R725 |
1-2 |
1 double and 2 single beds |
R144 |
R72 |
|
30 |
R725 |
1-2 |
1 double and 2 single beds |
R144 |
R72 |
|
Chalet CH2/4Z (self-catering, accessible to the mobility challenged, shower) |
2 |
R725 |
1-2 |
1 double and 2 single beds |
R144 |
R72 |
Glen Reenen Rest Camp |
||||||
| 15 |
R135 |
1–2 |
6 people per site |
R48 |
R24 | |
| 30 |
R145 |
1–2 |
6 people per site |
R48 |
R24 |
|
| 7 |
R540 |
1–2 |
1 double bed |
n/a |
n/a | |
| 6 |
R540 |
1–2 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds on loft |
R144 |
R72 |
|
Rondavel HKD4Z (accessible to the mobility challenged) |
1 |
R540 |
1–2 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds on loft |
R144 |
R72 |
| 4 |
R580 |
1–2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a | |
| 5 |
R580 |
1–2 |
1 double bed |
n/a |
n/a | |
Longdavel LD2DZ (accessible to the mobility challenged) |
1 |
R580 |
1–2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
| 2 |
R600 |
1–2 |
1 double and 1 bunk bed |
R144 |
R72 |
|
| 1 |
R940 |
1–4 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a | |
| 2 |
R940 |
1-4 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a | |
Family Cottage FA6DZ (two bedrooms, two bathrooms) |
1 |
R940 |
1-4 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed |
R248 |
R124 |
| 1 |
R940 |
1-4 |
1 double and 4 single beds |
R248 |
R124 |
|
| 1 |
R940 |
1-4 |
1 double and 3 single beds and 1 single sleeper couch |
R248 |
R124 |
|
Highlands Mountain Retreat |
||||||
Unit type |
No. of units |
Rate |
Base |
Max. beds |
Add. Adult |
Add. Child |
4 |
R870 |
1-2 |
1 double and 1 double sleeper couch |
n/a |
R124 |
|
3 |
R1 430 |
1-4 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Family Log Cottage FT4Z (accessible to the mobility challenged) |
1 |
R1 430 |
1-4 |
1 double bed and 2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp - Reservations for Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp to be made directly with Glen Reenen Rest Camp in Golden Gate National Park: Tel: +27 (0) 58 255 0000 |
Unit type |
No. of units |
Rate |
Base |
Max. beds |
Add. Adult |
Add. Child |
Rondawel HK2 |
12 |
R525 |
1-2 |
1 double bed |
n/a |
n/a |
Rondawel HKD4 |
10 |
R525 |
1-2 |
1 double bed and 2 bunk beds |
R144 |
R72 |
Rondawel HKD4Z (unit accessible to the mobility challenged) |
2 |
R525 |
1-2 |
1 double bed and 2 bunk beds |
R144 |
R72 |
Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre: tariffs and conditions |
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Vital Information
Climate
Mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.
The winter temperatures in Golden Gate can plummet to a mere -9 to -15 degrees C and that snow is a regular occurrence in the park.
Golden Gate primarily falls in a summer rainfall area (Sept to April) and the annual rainfall is approximately 760 mm per year. In very wet years this figure can rise to 1250 mm.
Day Visitors
With a public bypass road running through the park day visitors are welcome to drive through the park.
Fuel Stations: Petrol/ Diesel
Vehicle fuel is available in all parks (or is available on the park periphery):
- South African legislation stipulates that fuel stations will accept legitimate petrol/fuel/garage/credit/debit cards or cash as a form of payment for any fuel purchase.
Office Hours
Monday to Sunday 07:00 - 17:30.
Tips and Hints
- Pets are not allowed.
- Firearms must be declared and sealed on arrival. Seal will be broken at the reception office upon departure.
- Vehicle repair, medical, post office and police services at Clarens (17 km) or Bethlehem (± 60 km).
- Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.
- Hikers on day and overnight trails must always carry sufficient water.
- Take cool and light clothing for summer and warm clothing for winter.
- Area prone to sudden weather changes.
**Visitors with reserved accommodation who arrive after 17:30 may collect the keys to their accommodation at the Security Office, Glen Reenen Filling Station.**
Contact Information
For enquiries e-mail Golden Gate Highlands National Park or phone us on the following numbers:
Tel: +27 (0)58 255 1000
Fax: +27 (0)58 255-1100
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Birding in Golden Gate National Park
Bearded Vulture is the bird everyone associates with the high mountains of the area. Other large birds that soar around the crags of Golden Gate include Black Stork, Bald Ibis, Cape Vulture, Verreaux’s (Black) and Martial Eagle, Jackal Buz za rd, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon and Rock Kestrel. Black and Alpine Swift are also common airborne species. Highland specials to search for in the park include: Grey-wing and Redwing Francolin, Mountain, Mocking Cliff- and Buff-streaked Chat, Sentinel and Cape Rock-Thrush, Orange-breasted Rockjumper, African Rock Pipit, Ground Woodpecker, Wing-snapping (Ayre’s), Wailing and Lazy Cisticola, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Malachite, Greater Double-collared and Southern (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird and Drakenberg Siskin.
(For more birding information and park bird checklist, go to Information for Birders)
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Mammals
Here is a brief account of the antelope species of Golden Gate Highlands National Park. You can find a full mammal list here
1. Black Wildebeest / Swartwildebees
Connochaetes gnou
The black wildebeest is much smaller than the blue wildebeest and is now only found in National Parks, reserves and some farms. Both the male and the female carry horns. They have a light coloured neck mane and long horse-like tail. They advertise their presence with a very loud two syllable call which has been described as ‘ge-nu’. They feed on grasses and succulents. They are stocky yet swift. Lifespan: 20 years. Mass: 113-159kg. Shoulder height: 1.14m.
2. Blesbok
Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi
These territorial grazers have the characteristic habit of standing in groups with their heads towards the sun and their heads down. Both sexes have horns. Found mainly in the Highveld, they can withstand extreme cold. If disturbed, they run upwind in single file. Blesbok can most frequently be seen on the plains surrounding Basotho Cultural Village. Bontebok, a more colourful relative, is not found in the park. Mass: 59-80kg. Shoulder height: 93cm. Lifespan: 10-12 years.
3. Common Duiker
Sylvicapra grimmia
Although mainly nocturnal, the duiker can often be seen in daylight. It is found singularly or in pairs, and is very shy. The name ‘duiker’ comes from the Afrikaans word meaning ’diver’. This is because the duiker looks like it is diving as it flees. It is mainly a browser, and can feed on fruits, leaves, grass and roots. It can be found anywhere in the park, and is common across Southern Africa. Mass: 12-16kg. Shoulder height: 60cm.
4. Eland
Taurotragus oryx
This gregarious animal is the largest of the African antelope. Even though they appear slow, they are excellent jumpers. They are also great wanderers, and move between the hills and valleys in the park. Both sexes have horns, although those of the females are often longer. Although normally not vocal, they produce a clicking noise with their hooves which can be heard some distance away. They are mainly browsers and are fond of young grass in areas that have been burnt. Eland have an excellent sense of smell and good hearing. Lifespan: 15 years. Mass: up to 900kg. Shoulder height: 150-175 cm.
5. Grey Rhebok / Vaalribbok
Pelea capreolus
This antelope lives on the flat-topped grassy mountains in the park. They can commonly be seen on the mountains from the Rhebok Trail. They live in small family parties up to about 12 individuals. Only the males have horns. When they are alarmed, they move off with a ‘rocking-horse’ movement, displaying a distinctive white tail as a marker to those that follow it. Grey rhebok are active throughout the day (diurnal) and live throughout the Cape, Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, eastern Free State, Swaziland and southeastern Mpumulanga. The voice has been described as a sharp cough. They have good sight, hearing and sense of smell. Mass: 18-23kg. Shoulder height: 70-76 cm.
6. Mountain Reedbuck / Rooiribbok
Redunca fulvorufula
Mountain reedbuck occur mainly in small herds of between 3 and 6 animals. Only the males carry horns. It lives, as the name suggests, in mountainous areas, using rocks as cover. They mainly eat grass, although will also feed on broad leaves and twigs. Mass: 22-27kg. Shoulder height: 63-76cm
7. Oribi / Oorbietjie
Ourebia ourebi
Normally found in pairs or solitarily. Only the males have horns. The oribi is a swift, inquisitive antelope that lies in tall grass. They are most often seen around the ‘Oribi Loop’ in the park. They are smaller and redder than the rhebok. They have a short, black bushy tail which is visible when they flee. They are grazers, preferring short grass. Mass: 14-20kg. Shoulder height: 51-66cm.
8. Red Haartebeest / Rooihartbees
Alcelaphus buselaphus
This social animal is found in large herds. They are grazers, preferring medium-high grass. Although they are capable of going without water for long periods, they will drink regularly in the park where water is available. Both sexes carry horns. The illustration shows the ‘pronking’ posture adopted when alarmed. They can most commonly be seen on the way to Cathedral Cave. Mass: 150-160kg. Shoulder height: 120-137cm.
9. Springbok
Antidorcas marsupialis
These animals live in large herds in the park and are most frequently found on the plains near Basotho Cultural Village. They are both browsers and grazers, and both sexes have the characteristic heavy ridged, lyre-shaped horns. When suddenly alarmed, springbok perform gigantic leaps which can carry them 2m off the ground. They have excellent eyesight. Mass: 36-50kg. Shoulder height: 78-84cm.
10. Steenbok
Raphicerus campestris
Found throughout southern Africa, this large-eared antelope is the smallest that we have here in this National Park. It is a swift animal that zigzags as it runs, often stopping a short way off to look back. Normally found singly except in the breeding season when it is found in pairs. It is active by both day and night (diurnal and nocturnal). Mass: 12-14kg. Shoulder height: 50-56cm.
For more information about these antelope and other animals in the park, the following book is recommended:
- Walker, C. 1996. Signs of the Wild. Struik.
Acknowledgment to the author for reference to his knowledge and pictures on this page.
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Vegetation and Grasses
Plant List for Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Structurally, the vegetation of Golden Gate can be divided into grassland and woodland/forest. The climate is considered to be the major environmental factor that influences the floristic composition and distribution of the vegetation units. The Afromontane forest is restricted to the sheltered ravines and gorges where the necessary moisture level is maintained and the vegetation is protected from unfavourable weather conditions, as well as fire. While in the valleys and on the south-eastern aspect of some of the slopes, the vegetation is dominated by Leucosidea sericea (ouhout) woodland. Isolated patches of Protea woodland (Protea caffra, P. roupelliae and P. subvestita) also occur.
The two dominant veld types are Highland-Sourveld and the Themeda-Festuca veld. When hiking through the park, one inevitably passes through stands of trees of which the flaking bark and silky-haired leaves are characteristic. These trees are called Oldwood (Ouhout), Leucosidea sericea, because of the ‘old’ appearance of the twisted trunks of the full-grown trees and because the wood burns like old, rotten wood. It is without doubt the most common tree in Golden Gate and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). An interesting fact is that no fewer than 117 species of beetles belonging to 35 different families associate with the oldwood in the park.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is currently the only grassland National Park in South Africa. The park contains over 60 species of grasses and you can find information and pictures on the dominant grass species in the park here.
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Geology
There are 3 main layers of rock in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the characteristics of which have lead to the famous cliff formations present in the park today. The red layer was created 200 million years ago when swampy rivers deposited the mud-like sediment. 196 million years ago, the area dried up and became a desert, resulting in the yellow sandstone deposits. From 160-190 million years ago, volcanic activity capped the area with a basalt layer. The rivers and streams in the park have carved the rocks into their present formations. The name ’Golden Gate’ originates from the two cliffs that face each other on either side of the road: at sunset, the yellow sandstone becomes a rich gold colour.
Elliot Mudstone
Formation: Many meters of silt and mud were laid down when the area was a wetland/flood plain around 200 million years ago. When rainfall in the area dropped, the mud dried out and over time has turned into rock.
Clarens Sandstone
Formation: This rock was formed when the area was a desert 190-196 million years ago. Sand dunes built up over time and the sand
particles were squeezed together to form a weak rock.
Calcified Sandstone
Formation: Over the years, water moving through the sandstone has caused a buildup of calcium
carbonate in some layers. The
calcium carbonate acts as cement and holds the rock particles
together making the rock harder.
Quartzite
Formation: The heat and pressure of the molten lava ‘cooked’ the sandstone layer underneath it and turned it into quartzite—a
metamorphic rock. The sand grains in the quartzite have melted
together making the rock much tougher than normal sandstone.
Drakensberg Basalt
Formation: 183 million years ago, the area was volcanically active. Sheets of molten rock came out of the volcanoes and spread over the land before solidifying into basalt. This is a very hard rock, and does not erode easily.
The rocks of Golden Gate show variations in toughness. Caves and overhangs are formed when an area of soft rock is eroded/weathered more quickly than the hard rock around it. This can be caused by wind, water and salt crystallization
Dykes and Sills
When pressure built up beneath the earth’s surface, liquid magma was forced through the cracks in the rocks. These ancient magma-filled cracks, common in the park are called dykes and sills. They can be seen as lines of dolerite rock within the sandstone. When the magma was forced through cracks to the surface, the vertical sheet is called a dyke. Sometimes magma is injected in a horizontal sheet, especially where there are flat-lying beds of rock. The horizontal sheet of dolerite is called a sill.
An example of a dyke can be seen at Rooidraai, where you can see the dolerite dyke and the effect of the heat on the surrounding rock.
And those black marks?All around the park you can see black stripes on the rock, even long after it has rained. These are areas where water seeps out of the rocks. Minerals from the top basalt layer (manganese dioxide) are carried in the water and these stain the rocks black. The water enables organisms like algae and moss to live on the rock as well.
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People with disabilities
Wheelchair Access
An in-depth accessibility profile for Golden Gate Highlands National Park has been compiled.
Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility.
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