QwaQwa National Park

QwaQwa National Park is a conservation area in Free State that covers grasslands and sandstone cliffs at the base of the Maluti Mountains. The park connects with Golden Gate Highlands to form a larger protected zone preserving diverse habitats and rock formations.

The park was established in 1992 during South Africa's transition to democracy and merged with Golden Gate Highlands in 2008 to create a unified protected zone. This consolidation expanded conservation efforts across a larger area of the region.

The place holds strong ties to the Basotho people, with nearby traditional settlements offering views of how communities organized daily life and practiced crafts for generations. Walking through these areas, visitors can observe architectural styles and farming methods that shaped the landscape.

The site is reached via the R712 Golden Gate Road from the surrounding region. Visitors should prepare for varying trail conditions and bring sturdy footwear and water, especially when planning longer walks through the hillier sections.

The name QwaQwa originates from the San language and refers to the white coating of bird droppings on the distinctive sandstone rocks. This linguistic heritage directly connects the landscape to early inhabitants and their close observations of nature.