Golden Gate Highlands National Park is situated in the Free State province of South Africa, close to the border with Lesotho. The park derives its name from the striking sandstone cliffs that flank the valley surrounding the Golden Gate dam. In the year 1875, a farmer named J.N.R. van Reenen and his wife made a stop at this location while en route to their new farm in Vuurland. It was during this stop that van Reenen witnessed the enchanting sight of the setting sun’s golden rays illuminating the cliffs, prompting him to christen the area as “Golden Gate”. This captivating coastal region is a true national gem, encompassing the Tsitsikamma, Knysna Lake Area, and Wilderness. The diverse range of ecosystems, spanning from the ocean to the mountains, showcases pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, indigenous Cape forests, Fynbos vegetation, rivers, and lakes, making it one of the most highly sought-after attractions in South Africa.
By Road:
The park is conveniently located at an equal distance from Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein, with excellent tarred roads providing easy access. Additionally, a public road passes through the park.
What to see and do
The park showcases a variety of wildlife such as mongooses, eland, zebras, and over 100 species of birds. It is the sole national park in the Free State and is renowned for its stunning landscape rather than its wildlife. The park has also yielded significant paleontological discoveries, including dinosaur eggs and skeletons. Visitors may have the opportunity to spot rare species like the African Black Oystercatcher, the country’s most endangered bird, and the endangered Blue Duiker, the smallest antelope in South Africa.
The park welcomes visitors all year round.
The park experiences mild summers on the highveld, where thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon. During the winter season, the temperatures in Golden Gate can drop significantly, reaching as low as -9 to -15 degrees Celsius. It is not uncommon for the park to be covered in snow, creating a beautiful white wonderland. Golden Gate is located in a region that primarily receives rainfall during the summer months, from September to April. On average, the park receives around 760 mm of rainfall per year. However, in exceptionally wet years, this amount can increase to 1250 mm.
