Best Time to Visit – Golden Gate Highlands NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many Africa guidebooks, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa.

Philip is the author of the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa.

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The best time to visit Golden Gate is in the warmer months from October to May. The park is at the height of its beauty during the Wet season, when the skies are free from haze and dust, and the vegetation is green. April and May are particularly stunning when the poplar trees are in autumn foliage. The park isn't a great wildlife destination, but animals can be easily spotted in the open grassland at any time of the year.

Best Time October to May (Beautiful scenery)
High Season October to March (The park might get a bit busier during school holidays)
Low Season April to September (Very cold)
Best Weather October to March (Warmer)
Worst Weather May to August (Cold with mornings dropping to below freezing point)

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

  • Wildlife viewing is slightly better, as animals are drawn to water sources and sightings become more predictable
  • The park is quieter
  • Less rain makes for easier hiking
  • A chance of snow, making for stunning scenery
  • Mornings and nights are cold and days are relatively cool
  • Dust fills the air making the sky hazy

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (8)
+6 Photos

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

  • Lush landscapes and beautiful scenery
  • Pleasant temperatures
  • The chance of encountering newborn animals
  • The arrival of migratory birds makes for the best birding
  • Thunderstorms in the afternoons might interfere with hiking
  • Wildlife viewing is not quite as good as during the Dry season (wildlife viewing isn't spectacular during the Dry season either)
  • It is high season, and the park is busier

Wildlife Photos
+6 Photos

Best Time to go to South Africa by Major Park

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Want to Visit Golden Gate Highlands NP?