Golden Gate National Park

Golden Gate National Park was established in 1963 to protect the spectacular sandstone highlands unsurpassed in their variety of rock shapes and colour. A great number of rare and unusual flowers grow here in Golden Gate like the arum lily, watsonias, fire lilies and red-hot pokers.

Golden Gate National Park offers a magnificent and colourful variety of game animals and birdlife. Great caves and rock shelters are set in a landscape filled with spectacular colours and unusual rocks. The mountain air is crisp and fresh, and the atmosphere tranquil and remote. 

Golden Gate National Park consists of 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals – black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.

Tourist Attractions near Golden Gate

• The Impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation
• Vulture Restaurant
• Cathedral Cave (Guided Walk)
• Interesting lookout points and viewpoints - Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint, the third highest point in the park; Oribi basin and Drakensberg view.
• Basutu Culteral Village

Hiking Trails in Golden Gate

• Various routes from 3 to 5 hrs; easy; circular; in nature reserve
• 1 to 2 hour horse trail; guided; in nature reserve; horses available; chalets & camp sites at base
• Rhebok Hiking Trail - a popular but difficult 2-day, 30 km hike through the mountains of the Golden Gate National Park, near Clarens. Beautiful sandstone formations, cliffs, caves, game and mountain birds are among the attractions. Good overnight facilities. For reservations, Golden Gate National Park, tel 058/2550012

Accommodation in Golden Gate National Park

• Camping in Golden Gate National Park at Glen Reenen Rest Camp
• Protea Hotel Golden Gate Mountain Resort - A unique highland mountain retreat in Golden Gate National park
• Kiara Lodge - Upmarket accommodation and wellness centre between Clarens and Golden Gate
• Vergezient Mountain Retreat - Northern Drakensberg accommodation overlooking Royal Natal National Park and the Amphitheatre