Golden Gate National Park, Free State

The Golden Gate National Park can be found on the edge of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains. Spanning some 28,600 acres this area comprises massive cliffs and rocky outcrops. Over the years the valleys have become eroded to produce amazing golden sandstone rock formations, caves and cliffs all set against the lush green grasslands. If you visit this area around sunset then you should take in the spectacular colours formed on the rocks by the declining sun. At this time the colours in the rocks are at their most intense. Being on 3 hours drive by car from Johannesburg this makes the park a popular attraction with many daily visitors coming to hike and climb the rock formations.

You can also enjoy horseback riding here as well.In the summer the grasslands host a wonderful variety of wild flowers. Although you may not see much wildlife from inside your car once you are up in the wooded valleys and quiet hills it should be possible to see black wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, mountain reedbuck, blesbok, eland and grey rhebok. The rocky cliff faces provide homes to bearded vultures, jackal buzzards and black eagles. If you enjoy hiking then the most popular trail here is the two day Rhebok Hiking Trail (booking in advance only).

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