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Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Clarens, Free State,
South Africa
Nestling in the rolling foothills of the Maluti mountains in the northern Free Sate Highlands, this is the home of a variety of animals, but also offers superb accommodation and attractions, entertainment, hiking trails and much more.
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2010 Availability
Limited number of accommodation units still available for certain dates during June & July 2010.
Please see 2010 Accommodation Availability.
Please enquire asap if you wish to obtain accommodation over that period.
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Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
This is true highlands habitat, home to a variety of mammals - black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed in the ledges of the sandstone cliff.
The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock.
Generaalskop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.
Places of interest include:
the Van Reenen family graveyard
the impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation
a bird hide at the Langtoon Dam
Interesting lookout points and viewpoints - Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint, the third highest point in the park; Oribi basin and Drakensberg view.
Accomodation
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
Situated about 10km from the entrance gate offers a variety of Rondavels, Longdavels and Family Cottages as well as a Farm House.
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Highlands Mountain Retreat is a luxury camp 2200m above sea-level offering eight log cabins nestled in the foothills of Golden Gate.
Golden Gate Hotel
The Golden Gate Hotel is situated 3km from the entrance gate and Glen Reenen Rest camp about 4 km from there.
Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp
Situated on the eastern side of the Park at the Cultural Village with selfcatering accommodation in rondawels.
Conservation Fees
Please Note rates do not include daily conservation levies. Please see details of Conservation Fees
Facilities
Picnic site for day visitors has ablution and barbecue facilities.
Glen Reenen Restcamp has a general dealer.
Activities
- Short nature trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours): no bookings required.
- Game viewing at leasure in own vehicle.
- Environmental education courses (varying from 1 to 5 days).
- Bowls, tennis, table tennis and snooker.
- Horse-riding during peak periods.
- Swimming in natural pool at Glen Reenen.
- Sotho Cultural Village
Climate
Cool highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.
How to get there See Map
From Johannesburg take the N3 south towards Durban. At Villiers turn-off and follow the R26 through Villiers, Frankfort, Reitz to Bethlehem.
From Bethlehem take the road to Clarens (R711) and from Clarens proceed to the Park. About 320km.
The Protea Hotel Golden Gate is situated at the entrance gate and Glen Reenen Restcamp about 12 km from there.
Visitors with reserved accommodation who arrive after 17:30 may collect the keys to their accommodation at the Security Office, Glen Reenen Filling Station. |
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Location: Clarens,
Free State |
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