Golden Gate Highlands National Park – Immense Beauty
As the breathtaking Brandwag rock silently watches over the main rest camp, the sun playfully cascades and reflects shades of gold on the sandstone cliffs. This is how the Golden Gate Highlands National Park was named. The Golden Gate National Park is true highland habitat, and provides 11,600 hectares of unique, protected living environment to it’s many inhabitants. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located near the Maluti Mountains, in the north eastern Free State. Golden Gate was bought by the Government in 1962 and handed over to the National Parks Board, which was declared Golden Gate Highlands National Park, a National Park in 1963. At the start, Golden Gate National Park was only 4,792 hectares, and was only increased to its present size in 1983.
The avid birdwatchers will be truly excited as the Golden Gate
National
Park not only offers a variety of unique birds, but also a few
feathered
friends that are seen very rarely. Amongst the birds to be on the look
out
for are Cape Vultures, Bald Ibis, Martial Eagle, Lanner Falcons
and
Rock Kestrals, to name but a few.
If your interest is on the ground instead of the skies, you will
find
Black Wildebeest feeding on grass and succulents, Grey Rhebok on the
flat-topped grassy mountains, and Springbok roaming the plains. Though
very
shy and mostly nocturnal, the Duikers do get brave at times allowing eager
wildlife enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of them in the daylight. Not to
forget the Steenbok, Oribis and Mountain Reedbuck, or the Red
Haartebeest,
Eland and Blesbok.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park has accommodation to cater
for all
outdoor lovers. At the Glen Reenen Rest Camp there are either
rondawels
available or the Noord-Braband Farmhouse, which is an old rustic
farmhouse
that has been converted to comfortable sleeping accommodation. The
Glen
Reenen Rest Camp also has a rondawel that is wheelchair accessible.
There
are also shaded, relaxing camping grounds for either your tent or
caravan.
Ablution blocks and barbecue facilities are available, with power
points in
the ablutions and some camp sites. So make your way to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and get close to nature.