Golden Gate Highlands National Park, National park in Free State, South Africa.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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