A true sense of freedom and adventure can be felt in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which nestles in the Free State. It is here that you can explore the quaintest little town and explore the rolling foothills of the Maluti mountains. Here are five reasons why you should visit the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Location and scenery
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is central to Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, making it the ideal destination for even those short weekend escapes.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park comprises of beautiful wooded ravines, gorges and grasslands. The park is most renowned for its orange sandstone cliffs and outcrops that shine golden when lit up with the rays of the sun. It is a great place to breath in the fresh mountain air and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Culture
The Basotho Cultural Village nestles in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and offers an authentic South African experience to visitors looking to learn about the Basotho way of life. You will have the opportunity to visit homes, admire murals of art, sip on traditional beer, and meet a traditional healer. This interactive experience is one you will likely remember forever.
The camp resembles an 18th century Basotho Village with replica homesteads dating from the 16th century to the more current modern homes.
Wildlife
Golden Gate Highlands National Park teems with non-threatening wildlife, including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok, black-backed jackal, mongoose, burchell’s zebra, and the vulnerable African wild cat. The park is also home to approximately 140 bird species, including the rare bearded vultures and bald ibis vultures who circle the skies above and breed in the overhanging cliffs.
Adventure
There are a number of adventure activities offered at Golden Gate Highlands National Park, including abseiling, canoeing, game drives, hiking, nature walks, horse riding, white water rafting, quad and motorbike trails, zip lining, paintball, archery, fly fishing, snow boarding, and skiing.
Clarens
Clarens nestles next door to Golden Gate Highlands National Park and is a charming little town that is often regarded as the ‘Jewel of the Free State’. The town boasts various craft and art shops, restaurants, some of the best trout fishing in South Africa, cycling and horse riding trails, and some incredible bird watching experiences.
