Nature Reserves
in
Golden Gate Highlands National Park Famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and abundant antelope and zebra herds, Golden Gate Highlands National Park nestles in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains.
The park is named for the glowing golden cliffs lit by the sun, particularly the imposing Brandwag rock. Wildlife you are most likely to see include black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra. If you're lucky you could spot the rare bearded vulture (lammergeyer) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Try to visit the Vulture Restaurant.
Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breath-taking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening. Other stunning lookouts are the Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint (third highest point in the park); Oribi Basin and Drakensberg view. Hikers can chose from various day trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours) or the awesome two-day Rhebok Hiking Trail (2 days and 1 night).
Up for an African cultural experience? Get to experience the Basotho way of living dating back to the 16th Century by tasting traditional cuisine and learn about the traditional equipment and weapons at the Basotho Cultural Village. The Herbal Trail introduces visitors to the medicines that were (and still are) used by the African Traditional Healers.
Things to do near
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Hiking Trail
in
Paul Roux (16.3 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) This two-day trail is circular and quite easy to do; a maximum of 24 hikers per group are allowed. The trail offers hikers a wonderful variety of natural features, including clear mountain streams, swimming holes, caves, ravines, farm dams with water birds and 17 species of game. Overnight facilities at the base camp accommodates 24 hikers and has electricity, a kitchen, cooking utensils and a fridge, while the cave en route only offers very basic facilities.
Hiking Trail
in
Bethlehem (29.8 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) This beautiful two-day trail is easy enough to do with unfit hikers and children. Great birdwatching opportunities and breathtaking views can be enjoyed. The distance is 19 km; 12 km on the first day and 7 km on the second. There is a fully equipped farmhouse that serves as overnight accommodation - the house can sleep up to 16 guests.
Four By Four Trails
in
Fouriesburg (31.7 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Didibeng Mountain Park has one main circular 4x4 trail which has many routes branching off towards viewpoints. The trails are located about 5 km from Fouriesburg. The main route is mostly a grade 2 and the routes branching off are more challenging with gradings of 3 to 5. The trails explore the Ventersberg Mountain Range. In total, the trails equal 34 km and it takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to complete. 4x2 vehicles are welcome with low range and high clearance. These are self-drive trails.
Golf Courses
in
Bethlehem (31.8 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Parkland golf course. 18 holes, par 71.
Casinos
in
Bethlehem (32.8 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Frontier Inn and Casino offers a one-stop entertainment destination themed around the lively frontier towns of the 1800s.
Casino gaming, an entertainment bar, a Spur family restaurant, a 3-star Metcourt hotel, an amusement centre, a professionally staffed childcare facility and a fast food outlet can all be found under one roof.
Popular Attractions
in
Clarens (42.8 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Enjoy a craft brew as you relax and take on the sights and sounds of Clarens. Clarens Brewery brews fine hand crafted beers and cider in the beautiful village of Clarens in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains.
Golf Courses
in
Clarens (43.6 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Set among majestic mountains, river, willow and lombardi poplar trees, Clarens Golf Estate ensure your round of golf will be a memorable one.
An 18-hole course, golfers will find the classic "risk and reward" design here.
Mountain Biking Trails
in
Clarens (43.9 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) It is said that Clarens is one of the most beautiful and terrain rich areas in South Africa for the Mountain biking enthusiast. There are guided tours that can be arranged for those who prefer or for those who seek the adventure of it there are plenty of trails and paths to follow, sometimes deep into the mountains where you encounter the true splendor and magnitude of the surrounding mountains of Clarens.
Four By Four Trails
in
Clarens (56.2 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Bergwoning 4x4 Trails are found 15 km from Clarens close to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park Mountains. The one trail is a self-drive 6 km family-orientated scenic trail, while the other is a guided adventure trail of 26 km lead by the owner, Thys Martiz. The family trail takes about 2 hours and the adventure trail takes from 4 to 7 hours.
The trails are weather dependant and have rocky areas and river crossings. The trails are graded 3 to 5 and a 4x2 vehicle can be used – please enquire at establishment as to which vehicle type is required.
Hiking Trail
in
Ficksburg (58.7 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) This trail comprises two day trails suitable for the fit and unfit. One is 11.2 km and the other 10.5 km, with an optional 2 km walk up Pyramid Mountain. There are overnight facilities for 24 people in an old farmhouse, with outbuildings that houses the ablution facilities, as well as a youth centre that can cater for groups of up to 150 people. There is also a campsite for 4x4 roof- or surface tents.
Four By Four Trails
in
Butha-Buthe (73.7 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Maliba Lodge 4x4 Trail is situated in the Tsehlanyane National Park in Lesotho. It has a 2 to 3 difficulty grading and is suitable for 4x4 and 2x4 vehicles. The drives range from one to four hours. These are self-drive and all-year-round entrance trails.
Accommodation can be found at Maliba Mountain Lodge and Maliba River Lodge.
Four By Four Trails
in
Clocolan (82 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Groenkloof 4x4 is in a valley at the foot of Viervoetberg, in the Eastern Free State. The farm offers tracks for quad bikes, mountain bikes and 4x4s. The tracks cross each other but are clearly marked so that nobody gets lost. The 4x4 trail is set along a sandstone cliff and heads to the top of a plateau. The trail splits at the top of the plateau. The trail grading is 2 to 3. You will be asked to deflate your tyres to 1.5 bar and so it is recommended that you bring your compressor along. The trail is 21 km long and takes about 4.5 hours to complete. If you like bass fishing, take your rod along! Please call for further information as the exact GPS coordinates are unknown. A fee is charged.