Golden Gate Highlands National Park, nestled in the northeastern Free State province of South Africa, is a breathtaking nature reserve that beckons visitors with its radiant sandstone cliffs, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. Named for the golden hues cast by the sun on its iconic sandstone cliffs, particularly the grand Brandwag rock, the park offers an unparalleled mix of geography, flora, fauna, and historical significance. For anyone planning to experience Free State tourism, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a must-visit destination. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique landscape and the treasures it holds.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park spans over 340 square kilometers in the Maluti Mountains, characterized by rolling grasslands, vibrant sandstone cliffs, and steep ravines. Positioned at a high altitude ranging from 1,800 to over 2,800 meters, the park enjoys a mild climate, with cool summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Rain is common in the warmer months (October through March), contributing to lush greenery and fresh water for the ecosystem.

Golden Gate is part of the endangered grassland biome, rich with various grasses, wildflowers, and alpine shrubs. In the warmer months, the park bursts into bloom, with colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape. Rare plant species thrive in these grasslands, and visitors might spot the resilient Protea flowers, which have adapted well to the altitude and climate.

Bird Watching in Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Bird enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. With over 140 species recorded, the park is a haven for birdwatching, especially for raptors like the bearded vulture and Verreaux’s eagle that soar over the cliffs. Other notable sightings include Cape vultures, secretary birds, and the endangered bald ibis, which nests in the sandstone cliffs. In the wetlands and along streams, visitors may catch glimpses of water birds like the African black duck, yellow-billed duck, and the white-throated swallow.

Wildlife at Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including several antelope species such as eland, blesbok, and springbok, which roam the grasslands. Herds of black wildebeest and zebras can often be seen grazing in the open areas, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Predators like the elusive black-backed jackal and caracal also inhabit the park, although they are less commonly seen by visitors.

Culture

If you’re looking for that raw mix of South African culture and breathtaking scenery, then you have to visit the Basotho Cultural Village in the Free State province. The Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a uniquely South African cultural village where visitors are invited to experience authentic hospitality and learn about the traditional arts, crafts and ways of life of the Basotho people.

It is a completely immersive experience you’re likely to remember forever. It’s a rest camp that resembles an 18^th century Basotho Village combined with replica homesteads dating from the 16^th century to the modern day. In it you’ll find beautiful displays of the mural art of the Basotho, known as Litema. If you’re on a cultural adventure through South Africa, or if you are even just in the area, get inspired by tradition by filling your life with the people of the Basotho Cultural Village.

So go ahead, explore the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. You won’t regret it. It may be just what you needed! Take a Sho’t Left today and discover all the Free State has to offer.

Travel tips & Planning  info 

Who to contact

Golden Gate Highlands National Park 
Tel: +27 (0)58 255 1000 
Email: [email protected]   

South African National Parks Central Reservations 
Tel: +27 (0)12 428 9111 
Email: [email protected] 

How to get here

Take the R712 east from Clarens in eastern Free State and follow the signs to Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 

Best time to visit