South Africa

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Sandstone cliffs rise above open grasslands. In the late afternoon, the rock turns golden. That light gave Golden Gate Highlands National Park its name.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Late afternoon turns the sandstone gold.

Sandstone formations and wide grasslands shape Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

When the afternoon sun reaches the cliffs, the rock takes on a golden glow. The park was established in 1963 to protect these cliffs.

It is possible to walk for long stretches here without meeting many other travellers.

A short walk or two days on the trail.

The park has hiking routes of different lengths. You can choose a shorter walk or spend longer on the trail.

The Wodehouse Trail is one of the routes in the area. The Ribbok Hiking Trail takes two days.

You can also drive between viewpoints in a 4x4 and make a short game drive through the park.

View trips from the region

Grasslands, wildlife and Basotho culture.

Wildlife in the park includes rhebok, black wildebeest, mountain reedbuck, jackals, bearded vultures, black eagles and steppe eagles.

Basotho Cultural Village is a reconstructed Basotho settlement where actors portray daily life. It is also possible to stay overnight there.

Other places to stay include Glen Reenen Restcamp and Highlands Mountain Retreat. Glen Reenen has camping as well as self-catering chalets and cottages.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is cash free. Payments can only be made by debit or credit card.

What you can do in Golden Gate Highlands National Park:

  • Game drive loop
  • Vulture Hude
  • Generaalskop
  • Short and long hikes

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
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days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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