Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free State
Dramatic sandstone features rise upwards to form a spectacular meandering drive for over 15kms. It's a photographers paradise! © PixelPirates. All rights reserved.
Golden Gate National Park on route to Clarens © PixelPirates. All rights reserved.
Heading towards the Protea Corner view site. © PixelPirates. All rights reserved.
The route offers ample pull-over points to get that perfect picture © PixelPirates. All rights reserved.
A portion of the panoramic view from the Protea Corner view site © PixelPirates. All rights reserved.Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free State
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, located in the northeastern part of the Free State province, is renowned for its breathtaking sandstone formations, which glow golden-orange in the sunlight. The park covers an area of approximately 340 square kilometers and is part of the Maluti Mountains. It was established in 1963 to protect the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the region. The park is a haven for hikers, offering numerous trails that traverse scenic landscapes and provide stunning panoramic views.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of animals, including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, and zebra. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, with species such as the bearded vulture and the bald ibis frequently seen soaring above the cliffs. The Basotho Cultural Village within the park offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Basotho people, featuring reconstructed huts and cultural exhibits.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is rich in paleontological sites, with fossilized dinosaur footprints discovered in the area. The park's climate is characterized by cool temperatures and occasional snowfall in winter, adding to its diverse appeal. With its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and cultural significance, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers exploring the Free State.
10 Interesting facts about the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Northern and Eastern Free State:
1. Stunning Sandstone Cliffs: The park is named for its magnificent golden-hued sandstone cliffs, which glow in shades of gold, especially during sunrise and sunset, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
2. Rich Biodiversity: Golden Gate Highlands National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It hosts over 60 species of grasses, various wildflowers, and animals such as eland, black wildebeest, blesbok, and the rare bearded vulture.
3. Scenic Hiking Trails: The park offers numerous hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels, including the popular Rhebok Hiking Trail, which provides hikers with stunning views and the opportunity to spot wildlife.
4. Dinosaur Fossils: The park is part of the larger Drakensberg area, known for its rich fossil heritage. Dinosaur fossils and other prehistoric remains have been discovered in the area, providing insights into the region's ancient past.
5. Basotho Cultural Village: Visitors can explore the Basotho Cultural Village, which offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Basotho people, including their customs, crafts, and architecture.
6. Scenic Drives: The park features several scenic drives, such as the Oribi Loop and Blesbok Loop, which offer panoramic views of the landscape and opportunities to see wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle.
7. Diverse Birdlife: Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 140 bird species, including the endangered Cape vulture and the rare southern bald ibis, making it a birding hotspot.
8. Historic Sites: The park is home to various historic sites, including rock art from the San people and the remains of early European settlers' homesteads, reflecting the area's rich cultural history.
9. Unique Geological Formations: In addition to its iconic sandstone cliffs, the park features unique geological formations such as Mushroom Rock and the Cathedral Cave, adding to its geological interest.
10. Stargazing Opportunities: Due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, the park offers excellent stargazing opportunities, allowing visitors to enjoy clear views of the night sky and celestial phenomena.
The nearby town of Clarens offers a selection of accommodation.
Verblyf Naby Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free State
Madrid Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
11km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateOns het drie selfsorgkothuise in die groot tuin op die plaas "Madrid", wat al 144 jaar in die Mousley-familie is. Die kothuise is naby genoeg aan die opstal om baie veilig te wees, maar steeds buite sig van mekaar. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Wedge-Wood Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
19km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateWedge-Wood Cottage is 'n bekoorlike kothuis met 3 slaapkamers en 2 badkamers op die Clarens Gholf- en Ontspanningslandgoed en bied slaapplek aan 6 gaste. Die kothuis is oorkant 'n perskeboord met ononderbroke uitsigte oor berg Horeb geleë. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
The Clarens Country House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clarens
19.1km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateDie Clarens Country House skuil in 'n beboste hoekie van die veilige Clarens Gholf- en Forellandgoed, met uitsigte oor die berge. Die eeu-oue kliphuis bied 4 luukse selfsorg-suites wat uitloop op 'n enorme veranda met volledig glas... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Rochester
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
19.4km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateRochester is 'n nuutgeboude eiendom geleë in die pragtige, Clarens Gholf- en Forellandgoed, wat op 2 Junie 2016 voltooi is. Die selfsorg-eenheid het slaapplek vir tot ses gaste met onbelemmerde uitsigte wat oor die gholfbaan, vismeer en Clarens... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
The Savoy
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
19.6km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateThe Savoy bied bekostigbare selfsorgverblyf in Clarens in die Oos-Vrystaat. Hierdie selfsorg semi-losstaande chalet kan tot vyf gaste akkommodeer. Die chalet het 'n oopplan-area wat bestaan uit 'n koninggrootte-bed, met 'n enkel- en... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Red Mountain House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Clarens
20.2km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateRed Mountain House is in die hartjie van die pragtige dorpie Clarens geleë. Ons verblyf bestaan uit 6 luukse dubbelkamers wat gemeubileer is met oudhede van die eeuwisseling en een standaardkamer. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Riverwalk Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Clarens
20.2km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateAlle kamers maak oop op 'n stoep vanaf 'n privaat ingang, met luukse badkamers. Ons is trots op die kwaliteit van ons meubels en linne en bied 'n luukse gasvryheidskinkbord in elke kamer, wat sjerrie, tuisgemaakte beskuit en koekies insluit... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Paddocks Six
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
20.2km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StatePaddocks Six is 'n splinternuwe selfsorghuis (slaapplek vir 6) in 'n nuwe ontwikkeling. Dit is in die Swartland in Clarens geleë en is net 10 minute se stap na die Clarens-dorpsplein. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Akzente
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clarens
20.3km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateAkzente is in die hart van Clares geleë, binne loopafstand van al die gallerye, winkels en restaurante, maar het tog 'n skideragtige uitsig oor die vallei en berg van Golden Gate en... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
278 on Main
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clarens
20.3km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free StateWelkom by 278 On Main. Luukse B&B en selfsorgverblyf reg in die middel van die skilderagtige dorpie Clarens in die Oos-Vrystaat. Naby genoeg aan alle restaurante, galerye en winkels om jou motor te kan parkeer en... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
