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Distances & Directions

The park is equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, and easily accessible via excellent tarred road. A public road runs through the park.

Most Direct Route from Johannesburg and Durban

  • From Johannesburg or Durban, travel along the N3 Highway towards Harrismith.
  • At Harrismith, follow the route markets towards the N5 (Bethlehem).
  • Once on the N5, just outside Harrismith, turn left on the R712 and travel toward Phuthaditjhaba.
  • Bypass Phuthaditjhaba whilst still travelling along the R712.
  • Enter the Golden Gate Highlands National Park at the checkpoint.
  • Please observe the speed limit once inside the Park.
  • NOTE: Wild animals roam freely in the Park. Please be vigilant whilst driving, especially at night.
  • All Camps and the Golden Gate Hotel are clearly signposted along this route.

Alternative Route from Durban

  • Follow the N3 Northwards and exit at the R75 exit.
  • At the top of the hill turn left and travel along the R74 toward Winterton.
  • Bypass Winterton and Bergville and travel until you reach the T-Junction with the R712.
  • At this junction, turn left and then follow the R712 towards Phuthaditjhaba.
  • Follow the directions as above.

Alternative Route from Johannesburg

  • Follow the N3 East towards Durban.
  • Exit the N3 at Villiers and travel along the R26 towards Bethlehem.
  • At Bethlehem, follow the N5 towards Harrismith.
  • Just outside Bethlehem, turn right on the R711 and travel towards Clarens.
  • Bypass Clarens and travel along the R712 towards the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
  • All Camps and the Golden Gate Hotel are clearly signposted along this route.

Route from Bloemfontein

  • Follow the N1 from Bloemfontein, via Winburg, Senekal and Paul Roux towards Bethlehem.
  • At Bethlehem, follow the N5 towards Harrismith.
  • Just outside Bethlehem, turn right on the R711 and travel towards Clarens.
  • Bypass Clarens and travel along the R712 towards the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
  • All Camps and the Golden Gate Hotel are clearly signposted along this route.

Alternative Route from Bloemfontein

  • Travel along the N8 towards Ladybrand.
  • From Ladybrand, travel along the R26 via Clocolan and Ficksburg towards Fouriesburg.
  • At Fouriesburg, follow the R711 towards Clarens.
  • At Clarens, turn right and follow the R712 towards the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
  • All Camps and the Golden Gate Hotel are clearly signposted along this route.

View/Downlod Map and Directions

Approximate Driving Distances

  • Golden Gate Hotel to Clarens: 20km
  • Golden Gate Hotel to Harrismith: 73km
  • Golden Gate Hotel to Bethlehem: 52km

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.