Golden Gate National Park - Northern Drakensberg
Eastern Free State
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is secretly tucked
away in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains and surrounded by
breathtaking scenery of wildlife and lush vegetation.
The Golden Gate National Park is a Free State Nature Reserve in
South Africa, located in the eastern part of Free State and derives
its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the sandstone
cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock. Golden Gate is famous for
its captivating scenery.
Golden Gate National Park is a real highlight for visitors to the Eastern
Free State. Popular attractions include the vast, colourful sandstone
formations,
which shine golden-yellow in the evening sun, and from which the area derives
its name. Vegetation in the Golden Gate Nature Reserve consists mainly of
wooded ravines, gullies and grasslands.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park was established in 1963 to protect the
sandstone rocks were once shelters for the Bushmen. Guests
can view many of their cave paintings that are well preserved. The park also
boasts various rare and indigenous flowers that include the Arum Lily, Watsonias,
Fire Lilies and Red-Hot Pokers.
Golden Gate National Park is one of the last refuges
of the rare Bearded Vulture and the rare bald ibis which breeds annually
in Cathedral Cave. Golden Gate is also home to a variety of mammals that
include Burchell's
Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Eland, Blesbok, Springbok and the threatened
Oribi.
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