Clarens - Golden Gate Highlands National Park 
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is best reached by way of Clarens: the road from Harrismith is not yet completely asphalt-surfaced. The road from Clarens, which runs east from the town, comes in 18km/11mi to the park and continues through it, following the valley of the Caledon River, is open throughout the year and is toll-free.
The park, one of the most attractive nature reserves in the country, lies at the foot of the Maluti Mountains.
The park, one of the most attractive nature reserves in the country, lies at the foot of the Maluti Mountains.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
Established in 1962, it has an area of 12,000ha/30,000 ac and ranges in height between 1,892m/6,208ft and 2,770m/9,088ft. The local sandstones, variously colored by iron oxides, have been carved into bizarre shapes by erosion. The Golden Gate from which the park takes its name consists of two 100m/330ft crags flanking the road through the park which shimmer in gold at sunset.
The numerous caves in the hills were occupied in earlier days by the Bushmen, and during the Boer War sheltered many Boer families seeking to avoid the British concentration camps.
This area has an annual 800mm/32in. of rain and, in winter, snow. The flora includes many grasses and other plants characteristic of mountainous regions as well as numerous lilies and irises.
In the park live many indigenous animals exterminated by European settlers and now reintroduced, including many species of antelope, zebras and warthogs. There are 100 different species of birds, among them the majestic lammergeier and the black eagle.
There are two holiday villages in the park. The road from Clarens comes first to the well-equipped Brandwag camp, at the foot of a sandstone crag, with a hotel, chalets and various sports facilities. 1km/.75mi beyond this is the Glen Reenen camp, with simpler accommodation in rondavels and a camping and caravanning site.
A number of hiking trails run through the park (which can also be explored on ponyback: information from information bureau in Brandwag camp). The Rhebok Hiking Trail (21km/13mi) leads to the summit of Mt Generalskop (2,757m/9,046ft; overnight accommodation in mountain hut).
The numerous caves in the hills were occupied in earlier days by the Bushmen, and during the Boer War sheltered many Boer families seeking to avoid the British concentration camps.
This area has an annual 800mm/32in. of rain and, in winter, snow. The flora includes many grasses and other plants characteristic of mountainous regions as well as numerous lilies and irises.
In the park live many indigenous animals exterminated by European settlers and now reintroduced, including many species of antelope, zebras and warthogs. There are 100 different species of birds, among them the majestic lammergeier and the black eagle.
There are two holiday villages in the park. The road from Clarens comes first to the well-equipped Brandwag camp, at the foot of a sandstone crag, with a hotel, chalets and various sports facilities. 1km/.75mi beyond this is the Glen Reenen camp, with simpler accommodation in rondavels and a camping and caravanning site.
A number of hiking trails run through the park (which can also be explored on ponyback: information from information bureau in Brandwag camp). The Rhebok Hiking Trail (21km/13mi) leads to the summit of Mt Generalskop (2,757m/9,046ft; overnight accommodation in mountain hut).
