Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, National park in Free State, South Africa.
Description
Golden Gate Highlands National Park sits on a high plateau with dramatic sandstone cliffs and peaks that rise well above 2,000 meters. The landscape shifts between open grassland, forested valleys, and sharp rocky ridges, creating varied terrain throughout the park.
History
The park was founded in 1963 as a smaller protected area and grew substantially after merging with adjacent nature reserves. This expansion created a much larger region capable of protecting diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Culture
The park holds caves filled with San rock art that shows how early inhabitants once lived within these natural shelters and used them as homes.
Practical
The park offers multiple ways to explore through hiking trails of varying length and guided tours, with accommodation available at rest camps and lodges throughout the area. Visitors should prepare for cool temperatures due to the high elevation and plan visits during spring or autumn when weather is most pleasant.
Did you know?
The Cathedral Cave within the park serves as a natural breeding ground where a rare bird species returns each year to nest. This connection between geology and wildlife conservation makes the cave particularly important for protecting the species.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Free State).
South Africa offers very different landscapes, from the windy Cape to the blue mountains of the Drakensberg. You can spend a morning on the Table Mountain, an evening watching whales in Hermanus, and in between, explore red trails, deep canyons, lagoons, and vineyards. The nature parks host large...
QwaQwa National Park
12.6 kmLawetsi Caves
13.8 kmWitzieshoek Naturellereserwe
25.5 kmBoskloof
2.8 kmEcho Ravine
2.8 kmMushroom Rock
1.9 kmBrandwag Buttress
2.5 kmBushman Paintings
5.7 kmArt & Wine Gallery
19.7 kmRobert Badenhorst Art Gallery
19.6 kmDolerite Dyke
3 kmSandstone Valley viewpoint
2.8 kmDrakensberg View Point
2.9 kmScenic viewpoint
2.5 kmRooidraai
1.8 kmGeneraalskop Viewpoint
994 mLangtoon Dam Viewpoint
1.2 kmZuluhoek lookout point
406 mRed Mountains
2 kmScenic viewpoint
20.2 kmVulture Hide
3.5 kmMonument
20.4 kmStatue, memorial
19.6 kmWaterfall
16.4 kmWaterfall
17.7 kmWaterfall
15.7 kmWaterfall
16.2 kmWaterfall
2.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes