Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in the Maluti mountains of North Eastern free state spanning for more than 11600 hectares which is purely highland grassland. The park was formed in in 1963 to protect the sandstone rocks which were shelters of the Bushmen. The park gets its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs.
Attractions in Golden gate Highlands National Park
Birds
Birds are one of the attractions to sight in Golden gate Highlands National Park. Examples of birds to see include The Black stork, Mocking cliff chat, Martial eagle, Buff streaked chat, The cape vulture, Alpine swift, Malachite sunbird, Peregrine falcon, Lazy Cisticola, Greater double collared sunbird, Drakensberg siskin, Red winged francolin, Common Kestrel, Mountain Wheatear, Wing snapping Cisticola, Rock Pipit, Verreaux’s eagle, Wailing Cisticola, Grey winged francolin etc.
Mammals
The Golden gate Highlands National Park is a home to a variety of antelope species including black wildebeest, zebra, blesbok, reedbuck and steenbok. Other wildlife to sight in the park includes the black backed jackal, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, The Mountain, reedbuck, Elands, The Black wildebeest, Oribi, The Grey rhebok and many more.
Activities to do in Golden gate Highlands National Park
Game drives
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is primarily noted for its stunning surroundings rather than its abundance of species perfect for game viewers.
Birding
With more than 250 bird species, Golden Gates Highland National Park is a popular site for birdwatchers. The park is encircled by thick vegetation, particularly montane forests, which provide as breeding grounds for the park’s various bird species. Along with some of the bird species seen at Golden Gates Park, the park also receives a sizable herd of migratory birds that come in from November to April.
Cultural tours in the village of Basotho
If you wish to learn more about the people’s culture, you should visit the Basotho cultural village, which is close to a sandstone. When you arrive in the village, you can see live performances of traditional dances, take in an exhibition, and purchase mementos from the village store. Additionally, the Basotho community serves as lodging for visitors. Upon arriving to the cultural village, you will be greeted with a warm greeting and shown a video that provides you with an overview of the hamlet’s history and museum. A tour guide is necessary since you must first obtain permission from the chief, who is in charge of the community, before you are permitted to enter. After receiving permission, your trip begins in Khatloa and takes you to the village’s chief bone thrower, whose creations are thought to portend a person’s future.
Canoeing
In Golden Gate National Park, canoeing is possible year-round for groups of no more than four to twenty individuals. Your canoeing trip will be planned with the assistance of a tour guide; all you have to do is show up and take in the breathtaking vistas of the whole National Park while the guide shows you around. Canoeing is typically done near the Gladstone Dam, and to make preparation easier, it is preferable to make reservations in advance.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is best done during the dry season when the weather is not too chilly, and there are a number of designated horseback riding trails in Golden Gate National Park. Anyone with prior expertise is usually permitted to ride horses, and if you do not have a tour guide with you, you will not be permitted to do so.
Abseiling
The Wilgenhof Education Center is the location for abseiling in Golden Gate National Park. In order to enjoy abseiling, you must make reservations at least one day in advance so that everything is planned and a tour guide can explain the various regulations. Abseiling is a fun activity, especially for tourists who enjoy high-adrenaline activities. The Center offers all of the equipment needed for abseiling to visitors.
Nature walks / Hikes
One of the greatest ways to experience the entire National Park is to take a nature walk. With the assistance of a tour guide, the nature walks, which are often conducted in the mornings and evenings, will show you the surrounding rich vegetation and breathtaking landscape. During the warmer months, when it’s not frigid, nature walks are conducted, giving you the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife.
Best Time to visit Golden gate Highlands National Park
Golden gate Highlands National Park can be visited all year around depending on the activity you want to carry out. However, the ideal time to visit the park is during the months of October to March when its warm. Also, this is the peak season at Golden gate Highlands National Park. The park can as well be visited during the months of April to September, because the park is less crowded.
Accommodations in Golden gate Highlands National Park
There is a wide range of accommodation facilities in Golden gate Highlands National Park right away from budget accommodations, mid-range accommodations and Luxury Accommodations. Some of the accommodations in Golden gate Highlands National Park include the following;
The Highlands Mountain Retreat
The accommodation facility is found in the Eastern region of the National Park and is self-catering and luxurious. It is situated in a remote location, with the Maluti Mountains as a backdrop. The eight wooden cabins are ideal for visitors who visit during the winter season.
Basotho cultural village
Basotho Cultural Village offers affordable rates and experience to travelers. Additionally, the village provides a variety of activities, including bush treks, exhibitions, and hiking.
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
Glen Reenen Rest Camp is located close to the entrance of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Glen Reenen Rest Camp is nestled beneath the Maluti Mountain Range in the northeastern Free State of South Africa. The majestic Brandwag overhang, radiating the renowned golden glow that inspired the park’s name, stands watch over the camp.
Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets
Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets is luxury accommodation, previously recognized as Brandwag Hotel, has consistently been associated with Golden Gate. A diverse range of services and facilities has consistently been provided, extending to the 34 fully-equipped chalets nearby.
The Kiara lodge
This is found within the Maluti Mountains, the Kiara lodge is situated a mere six kilometers from the National Park. The accommodation facility is self-catering and features 13 self-contained apartments, a sauna, and other amenities such as a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves both local and international cuisine. Additionally, it is family-friendly.
