Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Scenes of natural beauty

Easily accessible, natural scenery, in the midst of a much larger environment. Options to camp or staying in the local hotel exist. It is a central point for various activities such as hiking, drive outing to watch game, the scenery and other close-by attractions. There are as much as seven hiking trails that you can do from the camping spot. If you are fit you can do most of it in one day, beautiful scenery, bird life in abundance and small game. Do not forget your camera, binoculars and bird or plant book. A day pack is all you need.

Other short excursions from the park as central point is the cultural village close by, the small town of Clarens and even a quick dab into the neighbouring country of Lesotho. This time of the year the landscape is turning green with the summer rains against the backdrop of the beautiful mountains. There are opportunities for taking some of the most beautiful sun rising or setting pictures.

Staying here for a day or a few days replenishes the energy and strengthens the love for nature. The amenities are clean and suitable to take a breather on a long trip, reorganize.

Fuel is easily available at the local fuel station close to the camping terrain. Roads are well maintained and easily accessible even by normal car or motorcycle. No need to a 4x4, except if you plan to go further into Lesotho and the Drakensburg areas. There are also a few 4x4 routes close by. It is about 350km from Johannesburg.

Quite small
Interesting rock formations
Nice walking trails

Regarding highlands I prefer the central Drakensberg area with massive cliffs instead

Lovely surroundings especially if you stay in the log cabins in the mountain. I still want to go up there in the winter

Beautiful mountain scenery, but not many animals or birds to see.

Love the sandstone cliffs and beautiful backdrop of Drankensberg mountains.
Wildlife is not often seen after the fences have been lifted.

No important wild life present and scenic not that interesting after you've done Royal Natal national park. But when passing thru worth a short 1 day stay and do some short hikes.

This is a small but beautiful park.