The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is well known for its scenic beauty as well as its wildlife and birds.

Click here to see the full list of mammals found in the park.
Click here to see the list of birds found in the park 
Click here to see the list of plants found in the park

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Self-drive:  (Maps available at the Information Centre opposite Glen Reenen Rest Camp).

The R712 connecting Harrismith to Clarens passes through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.   The route winds its way through Lichens Pass (2041m) past interesting sandstone rock formations.    The Golden Gate is aptly named, and makes for a scenic drive, especially in the late afternoon when the setting sun shows off the sandstone colours at their most vibrant.

There are two loop roads off the R712 which are worth exploring:    The Blesbok Loop  (6.7km) features the Zuluhoek lookout point and Generaalskop view point.   The Oribi Loop (4.2km) offers views of the Drakensberg, and a stopping point at the Vulture Feeding hide.    For more information

 See Self Drive route Clarens to Vulture Feeding Site.

Choice of various hikes ranging from a 45 minute walk to the 2day Rhebok Hiking Trail.  To read more about the hikes available in the Golden Gate National Park visit our Hiking page.  You will also find excellent descriptions of the unguided hikes written by Falko Buschke The Solitary Ecologist.

Golden gate offers 1 hour rides along a scenic trail within the park. Riders are escorted by a guide.   Morning (9h00, and 10h30) and afternoons (14h00). To book phone:  (058) 255 0951.

There is a natural swimming pool near the Van Reenen’s Camp site.  (Ask at the information office.)

Cycle from Clarens and then take the Blesbok and Oribi Loops.  Tar all the way. (Click here for more information on Mountain Biking in the Clarens area)

While you are in the park you should visit the Basotho Cultural Village.   Click here to find out more.

Clarens Xtreme
Tours of the Golden Gate Hilghlands National Park and the Basotho Cultural Village.   Contact details

Sethuthuthu Tours
Game drive  (4×4 game viewing vehicle) through what used to be the Qua Qua National Park (which now forms part of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.)  A chance to explore one of the last untamed wilderness areas in the Free State. Lots of plains game to be seen.  Contact details

Reading material:  

Golden Gate National Park (Article by Mary Walker)

Golden Gate National Park Geology:  (Sanparks website)

Life Lines: Layers of the Past in Stone   (Article Supplied by: Nikki Tilley – media@malotidrakensbergroute.com)

Historical incidence of the larger mammals in the Free State Province and Lesotho (Clarens News)

Exploring the Golden Gate with Maluti Tours (Clarens News)