Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the North Eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 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, keeping vigil over the main rest camp. This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing 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 on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Ribbokkop, 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.
Accommodation
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
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 – kitchen and bathroom facilities – 1 double bed, 1 sleeper couch and 3 single beds.
Camping
Caravan and camping sites in beautiful shaded grounds at Glen Reenen.
Ablution and barbecue facilities, scullery. Power points in ablution block and some camp sites.
A maximum of 6 persons, one caravan/tent and one vehicle or one auto villa permitted per site.
Additional accommodation
Highlands Mountain Retreat – luxury log cabins nestled into the slope
Qwa Qwa Rest Camp – resembling an eighteen-century Basotho village
Noordt Brabant Guest House – a pre-historic Guesthouse
* All information is taken from the relevant source SANP.
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