Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which translates to Golden Gate Park, is a state nature reserve in South Africa. It is located in the north-eastern part of the country and gets its name from the amazing brilliant shades of gold on the sandstone cliffs, especially the play of light on Brandwag Rock. The area is famous for its scenery, pleasant climate, welcoming and cosy hotels.
Golden Gate National Park was established in 1963 to protect the sandstone cliffs from destruction, which were once a refuge for the Bushmen. Travellers can see a large number of rock paintings that are well preserved. Golden Gate Park also boasts a large variety of rare flowers, endemics that include several species of rare lilies.
This nature reserve is one of the last refuges for rare species of animals and birds, such as the bearded and bald ibis, which nests only in the Cathedral Cave area. The park is also home to a host of mammals including Burchell's zebra, black gnu, gazelle and the endangered Oribi antelope. Birdwatching enthusiasts can make their observations of 140 species of birds at close range, from specially equipped platforms.
Golden Gate Highlands Park is a real highlight for travellers. The vegetation of the reserve consists mainly of wooded ravines, gullies and flowering meadows.
Visitors can visit a variety of attractions such as the Van Reene family cemetery, the impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation and Cathedral Cave, which is one of the most striking examples of the formation of a natural sand arch by water, wind and temperature fluctuations over thousands of years. Many fossilised dinosaur bones, roots and ferns have also been found within the National Park. In 1973, fossilised dinosaur eggs were found here for the first time in history. Currently, archaeological excavations are ongoing in the reserve.
Interesting places to visit the park include the Geralskop Lookout Point, the Basotho Museum located in the park. Visitors to the museum can have a tasting of the traditional cuisine of the Basotho people, visit exhibition halls about their culture, weapons and way of life. There is a very interesting exhibition about plants used by African folk healers.
The park has various nature trails for walks lasting from 1 to 5 hours. Visitors can also explore caves, swim in the clear Glen Reenen mountain pool with natural slide, or go horse riding and play tennis.
