Clarens - Golden Gate Highlands National Park

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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).