If you ever want to see South Africa look completely different from the “classic” safari image, then Golden Gate Highlands National Park is the place. Think towering sandstone cliffs, strange rock shapes that look almost carved, open grasslands, and mountains that glow bright orange when the sun hits them.

The geology is fascinating, too. These cliffs were once massive desert dunes: yes, actual sand dunes, around 200 million years ago. Over time, the layers were pressed together into sandstone, and water, wind, and erosion sculpted them into the shapes we see today. That’s also where the park gets its name: when sunlight hits the rock, it turns a warm golden colour.

It’s located in the Maloti-Drakensberg Mountains, and it’s a less popular yet amazing national park in the country.

Article update: 21/11/2025

How We Ended Up in Golden Gate?

Our visit to Golden Gate was part of a longer road trip. We started in Port Elizabeth, where we went on an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching trip with Raggy Charters.

Now, our final destination was Kruger National Park, but we chose to drive through endless Karoo landscapes and spent a practical stopover night in Bloemfontein.

The next morning, we drove toward Clarens, which was only about a 20–30 minute drive to Golden Gate, where we stayed in a fairytale-like castle.

Have a look at its location by clicking on the picture below from Google Maps.

Entering Golden Gate Highlands National Park

From our castle, we drove straight into the park. The entrance was free when we visited, which surprised us, because most national parks in South Africa charge a fee. You do, however, pay a small amount (it was about R70) for driving certain scenic routes in the park. It’s totally worth it; these roads bring you right up to the cliffs.

The landscape shifts from farmland to wide-open grasslands, and suddenly these massive sandstone walls rise up around you. It’s one of those places where you keep stopping the car because every 500 meters there’s something else that makes your jaw drop.

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The Vulture Feeding Hide (Where We Arrived Too Late)

One of the interesting things to visit in the park is the vulture hide, where researchers place carcasses to support and monitor the endangered vulture species.

It’s designed so you can watch the vultures feed without disturbing them. At least, that’s the idea.

We were… completely late.
By the time we arrived, the vultures had finished their meal, cleaned up the “buffet,” and left the scene.

So instead of a dramatic wildlife spectacle, we saw one carcass, a few bones, lots of flies, and a view that said, “You should’ve started your morning earlier.” Still fun to visit.

Basotho Cultural Village — Interesting History with a lot of fun

One of my favourite stops was the Basotho Cultural Village. A guide takes you through different homesteads, each built in the style of a different historical period. It’s a really nice way to see how the Basotho people lived and how their homes evolved.

Now, here’s where things get funny.

At one point, our guide told us:
“Please wait a moment for the leader to appear.”
We stood there politely, expecting someone to walk out.

Instead, we heard giggling and shuffling behind a wall. It turned out the staff were still getting dressed in traditional costumes for the role-play segment. Of course, I just had to sneak in a picture of this setup hahaha. Sorry.

After that, we could join the chief and the chief assistant for a drink. The man (my husband) first and seated beside the chief, of course. The ladies didn’t have much to say back then. Do they now? Guess I’ll never know hahaha

They even offered us a small cup of traditional sorghum beer — thick, slightly sour, and definitely an experience if you’ve never tried it before. We both smiled politely as we tasted it, but let’s just say it’s an acquired flavour.

Then they dressed my husband as the chief.

After that, it was my turn, and they dressed me in traditional clothes that were… let’s say… enthusiastically small for my size. The wonderful lady helping me dress up with all the layers clothes burst into laughter, and then I burst into laughter, and then we both laughed so hard we could barely stand upright.

🎥 Watch this Short on YouTube

So yes, the tour was educational — but we had some great fun as well, what a day!

Everything was very clean, well-maintained, and there’s a big cafeteria for snacks, so you can easily spend a while here.

Also, you can throw some bones to have the medicine man predict your future, but that’s a secret we would like to keep 😉

Scenic Drives, Wildlife & Those Famous Golden Rocks

We drove along several of the scenic routes inside the park, and they are truly spectacular. You can see the rock layers from up close, and at some viewpoints, the cliffs look like they’re almost floating.

Wildlife-wise, we spotted red hartebeest wandering across the plains — elegant animals that seem to pose naturally for photos. There’s also the chance of seeing blesbok, eland, and even black wildebeest.

Even without animals, the scenery alone is reason enough to go.

The best time to enjoy the scenery ranges from October to May, while October to March remains the high season.

🎥 Watch this Short on YouTube

Hiking in Golden Gate — For the Brave Legs Only

I’ve read a lot about the hikes in the area, and some of them are tough. Not difficult in a “nice Sunday stroll” kind of way — more like “bring hiking poles, water, snacks, stamina, and possibly a second pair of legs.”

Some routes require a guide because the terrain is steep and the weather changes fast. But the views from the top? Incredible.

We didn’t climb them this time (my legs were still recovering from previous adventures), but if you’re fit and up for a challenge, it sounds like an unforgettable experience.

Visiting The Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park can be reached from three different cities.

For instance, the park is three-hour and fifteen minutes drive from Bloemfontein and Johannesburg, while it’s three hours and 45-minute drive from Durban.

In case you want to fly, you can book a flight to the King Shaka International Airport, Tambo International Airport, or Bram Fischer International Airport.

It doesn’t matter which airport you book the flight for; you can rent the car and travel all the way to the park on the tarred roads.

The rental cars are perfect for people who want to control their itinerary. The park is intersected by R712 public road that runs to Clarens from Phuthaditjhaba.

Staying In Golden Gate Highlands National Park

So, as mentioned above, we stayed in Clarens Castle. But there are multiple accommodation options available within the boundaries of Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Ranging from self-catered cabins to three-star and luxury hotels, there is something for everyone. Some of these options include;

Golden Gate Hotel & Chalets

This is a three-star hotel with fifty-four renovated suites and rooms, thirty-four self-catered chalets, and a restaurant that provides amazing mountainous scenes.

In addition, there are two bars available. The location is perfect for enjoying the recreational activities in the park.

Check out the chalets on Tripadvisor here.

Highlands Mountain Retreat

These are luxury log cabins, which are located 7200ft above sea level and offer the most mesmerizing views of the mountains and valleys.

There are different cabins available that house over six guests. The best thing about these cabins is that they remain warm throughout the winter season and cool during the summer month.

Check out these lodges on TripAdvisor here.

My Final Conclusion.

On a concluding note, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, from South Africa, might be a lesser-known park on the list of 20 national parks, but it’s stunning and deserves the attention of people who have a thing for natural views and scenic beauty.

So, get the passport ready because the best time to visit the park is just around the corner!

I wish you happy travels!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

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