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Golden Gate Highlands Park
Guide to accommodation descriptions
Location of
Golden Gate
Highlands Park
Golden Gate Highlands
National Park
Twelve kilometres away from Clarens and at the foot of the Maluti Mountains lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which is renowned for its magnificent scenery. Weird rock formations in various shades of russet, ochre and purple, which have been sculpted from the sandstone cliffs by wind and rain, form a spectacular backdrop to the park. Below the cliffs the mountain slopes are covered in green vegetation and wild flowers. There are lovely indigenous trees in the sheltered ravines, while willow trees and poplars line the banks of the Little Caledon River. The area provides home to a variety of mammals including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, Burchell’s zebra and oribi. Bird life is abundant and includes the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis.
Situated in north-eastern Free State, Gate Gate Highlands National Park is a small park covering an area of about 116 sq km. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp. This is a unique environment; a 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.
Accommodation
Brandwag Resort (Hotel type accommodation)
- Double Room
- 1 Double Bed
- Breakfast Included
- Twin Room
- 2 Double Bed
- Breakfast Included
- Family Room
- 2 Double Beds
- Breakfast Included
- Suite
- 1 King Size Bed
- Breakfast Included
- Chalets
- 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Bed
- Self Catering
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
-
Noord-Brabant Farmhouse
- 6 bed
- Rustic converted farmhouse
- Kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Family Cottage
- 6 bed
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Family Cottage - 6 bed
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Family Cottage - 4 bed
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Family Cottage - 4 bed
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- Family Cottage - 2 bed
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- Longdavel (elongated rondavel)
- Either one double and two single beds
- Bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment
- Rondawals
- Either one double and two single beds or two single and one stack bed
- Bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment
- Camping
- Caravan and camping sites in beautiful shaded grounds at Glen Reenen
- Ablution and barbeque facilities, scullery
- Power points in ablution block and some camp sites
- A maximum of 6 persons, one caravan/tent and one vehicle or one auto villa permitted per site
Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre
- Maximum of 80 people in 4 dormitories - ideal for youth groups
Highlands Mountain Retreat
- A luxury camp in Golden Gate
- Eight log cabins,
- 4 that can accommodate 4 families of 4 each (2 bedrooms each en-suite)
- 4 that can accommodate 2 persons each (1 bedroom)
Day Visitors
- Picnic site with ablutions and barbeque facilities.
Facilities
Glen Reenen general dealer and filling station, Brandwag curio shop, licensed restaurant, coffee shop and ladies' bar. Enquire at reception.- Swimming in natural pool at Glen Reenen
Extra Information
Climate
Mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.
Day Visitors
With a public bypass road running through the park day visitors are welcome to drive through the park.
