All national parks offer something different, and Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State of South Africa may not have the Big 5 but is abundant in wildlife, birds, grasslands and towering sandstone cliffs full of geologic and cultural wonders.
And it’s one of many national parks I’ll be visiting. I’m a national park junkie because I believe that saving and protecting places of natural and cultural importance is for now and forever. I can see staying at Golden Gate Highlands for several days as there is much to see and do. Located on the northern border of Lesotho in the Maloti Mountains with the Drakensberg Mountains to the south this is one of the smaller protected areas in the country and one of the highest too. Why is it that so many parks have been created because of the biggest, tallest, oldest or deepest something?
Geology
Golden Gate National Park got its name from the high sandstone cliffs which glow in the late afternoon sun. That means I have to catch sunset there, hopefully more than once. And although not a geologist I am fascinated by the processes that create massive landscapes and try to learn a little ahead of a visit then put that story in my mind.
The bottom red layer, Elliott mudstone, was created 200 million years ago when swampy rivers deposited a mud-like sediment. 196 million years ago, the area dried up and became a desert with sand dunes resulting in the yellow Clarens sandstone. Over the years, water moving through the sandstone caused a buildup of calcium carbonate in some layers which cemented the sand particles into the harder rock of Calcified Sandstone. The heat and pressure of molten lava from 160-190 million years ago during volcanic activity cooked the sandstone layer beneath turning it into quartzite. Then rivers and streams carved through the layers of rocks to reveal the formations present today.
Wildlife
Mineral rich soil from the eroded rocks allowed vast grasslands on this high plateau which provides for many grazing animals like the zebra, wildebeest, eland, hartebeest and oribi. I sure hope to see and photograph not only the mammals but the rare bearded vulture and endangered bald ibis. I’m taking a small field guide along in the hopes of identifying these unknown creatures.
Plus the fossil evidence of Massospondylus dinosaurs from 100 million years prior to other discoveries reveals at least 10 nesting sites with eggs and baby dino footprints. How cool is that.
Cultural history
Rock-art found near some of the many caves indicate people living here 1000s of years ago known as the Khoisan or Bushman. During the early 1800s when European farmers arrived the Bushman left. Then war ensued throughout the next century and into the 1900s during the Anglo-Boer wars ending with British victory in 1910. In 1962, the government bought Golden Gate and handed the land over to the National Parks Board.
Today the park plays an important social-economic role in the area. It lies between the town of Clarens where wealthy Johannesburg residence come to spend their weekends, and Qwa-Qwa one of the poorest areas in the country. So the park helps create jobs through tourism, activities and development projects.
Things to do and places to stay
Hiking, horseback riding, loop drives and camping are popular in Golden Gate Highlands. Trails range from a few hours to a couple days. Two loop drives go through grasslands with mountain views and wildlife. Guided horseback rides are recommended as the most effective way to see the otherwise inaccessible hills and valleys. I’d like to take a ride while there. Plus the Glen Reenen Rest Camp offers campsites and chalets by the river.
There is a tour into the Basotho Cultural Village where actors depict various aspects of traditional Sotho life and overnight arrangements can be made. But I think I’d rather see the real thing across the border in Lesotho.
If roughing it isn’t your thing the Golden Gate Hotel lies in the heart of the park with a lodge, restaurant, bar and coffee shop.
By visiting national parks we can learn not only about the place and the culture but ourselves as well. Always keep in mind to tread lightly and support the local communities. Then share with others the wonders of the world so they too want to preserve these places whether they visit in person or not. I’m excited about using my Wild Card to visit many national parks in South Africa.
What have you learned about a national park you’ve visited?
Capturing the present for future memories of the past
This looks wonderful, looking forward to reading about it
21 days and counting.
WOW!!! That vulture looks incredible:) I can’t wait to see what you turn up when you’re there. Looks like a great place:)
The birds in South Africa are stunning. You’ll be drooling. 😉
You better take pics!!!:) We will be watching eagerly with an eagle eye:)
What are the big five? Is it wildlife, geology, cultural history, recreational activities, and plant life?
The Big 5 in South Africa include lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and leopard. Originally named so because they are the most difficult to hunt and kill.
Hi there, from South Africa here. Let me help you out. The big 5 consists of the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. 🙂
Thanks. I learned that over ten years ago. You live in a beautiful country.
I am looking forward to your visit here and reading more about it. One place I have not been to. Diane
23 days until I land in SA. 🙂
so many wonderful amazing things to explore on our earth!
Isn’t it great. You can never run out of places to visit.
Rock art so similar to ours!
People are people all around the world.
You are such a researcher.
I love it. Gets me really excited about where I’m going.
Excellent research and interesting post on one of my favorite places in SA , Gaelyn. Are you going to stay in the Glen Reenen campsite or in a rondawel (chalet) also near this camp? When we stopped at the Parks Board shop recently, we saw a troop of large baboons running between the rondawels. I hope they don’t pose a problem. John and Debbie have visited the Sotho Cultural Village but as you say, I think you’ll enjoy the “real” deal in Lesotho instead. I’m hoping our timing coincides. Your departure seems so near while our leave is still so far! Have a great day. (((Hugs))) Jo
Thanks Jo. I think I’ll stay in a campsite and will definitely watch out for the baboons. At some point I’d like to stay in a rondawel. Seems I don’t need a visa for Lesotho, so why not. Might keep me in the area long enough for you to get home.
Fun fun in the sun. I have a National Park Pass–a forever pass-and for state parks and whatever there is out there. They all are wonderful. Did I see 21 days and counting, Yeehaw!!! Keep us all in touch. Lucky girl! MB
The passes offer a great option. I’m going to try and post when able from SA.
You are going to have another wonderful trip! It looks like a lot is happening at this park–you may just be there a bit longer than you plan.
Even with all this planning I don’t have a plan for time. And that’s OK by me.
We just drove through the park on the way to the Drakensberk so I haven’t had a chance to spend time in it yet. We are busy looking at returning to the Drakensberg at the end of the year, so perhaps I should consider a couple of days here.
I’ll let you know what it’s like.
Thanks for the photo.
Thanks for the informative posting Gaelyn. I have also driven through a couple of times and have enjoyed the spectacular scenery without stopping long enough to see any of the wildlife or secret valleys. I hope you have a great visit there.
I may miss you when you land in Jo’burg as I have safaris for the first 2 weeks of February.
If you get a South African SIM card for your mobile/cell phone then please contact me on +27 747 10 8883
Sue
I’ll visit Golden Gate after Kruger where I hope to be by the second week of Feb. Will try to get in touch.
Gorgeous! A place I certainly hope to visit sometime in my life.
Nina
I’ll tease you with it more once I get there. 😉
I can tell you’re getting excited about your trip. This park looks fascinating. Interesting to see the rock art from the area, which is quite different in style from anything I’ve seen in the U.S. southwest.
20 days. You bet I’m excited. Look forward to seeing this African red rock and art.
That’s quite the fancy “buzzard” there! I really admire you for doing all your research before you go. My tendency is to study up on what I’ve seen after I’ve seen it. (It’s not a good method and definitely wouldn’t work at all well when going as far away as you are going!) I’m excited for you.
I enjoy researching and like to know at least a little about a place before I get there in the hopes of learning more while there and afterwards.