The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Golden Gate Highland National Park
Afrikaans name: Golden Gate Hoogland Nasionale Park
Photo © hannesthirion - Fotolia.com
Free State
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is the only national park in the Free State. It is 340 square kilometres in extent and is located near Clarens.
The park gets its name from the beautiful golden colours that appear on the sandstone cliffs in the early morning and late afternoon.
Activities in the park include hiking, horse-riding and birding.
Accommodation in the park includes a hotel and camp sites.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is not known for its wildlife but it does have around 100 species of birds on its checklist and mammals such as Mountain Reedbuck, Eland, Black Wildebeest, Oribi and Springbok may possibly be seen.
Above - Visitors centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Hotel and hotel chalets
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Glen Reenen Rest Camp Chalets
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Spectacular scenery
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - The Golden Gate is lit up at night
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Mammals of Golden Gate Highland National Park
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Black-footed Cat
Grey Rhebuck
South African Hedgehog
Water Mongoose
Wild Cat
References and further reading
Wild Issue 39 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 36Wild Issue 24 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 78
Wild Issue 32 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 58
Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 42
Wild Issue 22 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 8
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 238
Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 118
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 106
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 319
The National Parks of South Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Rene Gordon and Anthony Bannister - Published: 1987 - Page: 135
Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 12
Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 124
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 108
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 305
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 348
Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 204
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 246
go! - Issue 171 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 31
Getaway - Vol 27 No 04 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 16
Getaway - Vol 30 No 06 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 78
go! - Issue 137 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 44
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 335
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 153
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 667 (Nov 2017) - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 21
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 641 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 58
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 635 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 6
Birding Hotspots - Author: Trevor Hardaker - Published: 2007 - Page: 18
A - Z of South African National Parks - Author: South African National Parks - Published: 0 - Page: 24
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 90