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Golden Gate National Park

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National Parks South Africa

Fouriesburg, 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.

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 Restcamp – Rondavels with either one double and two single beds or two single and one stack bed, bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment. – Noord-Brabant Farmhouse – rustic converted farmhouse with kitchen and bathroom facilities – 1 double bed, 1 sleeper couch and 3 single beds.
(Protea Hotel Golden Gate Mountain Resort – situated in the Park)

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. – Guided excursions, night drives, video shows and lectures during school holiday periods. Enquire at reception. – 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.

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.

National Parks in South Africa:

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