The Golden Gate National Park nestles in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State. The main attractions of the Golden Gate National Park are the massive, colourful sandstone formations, which shine golden-yellow in the evening sun. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp. The park is 320 km (200 miles) from Johannesburg and is close to the villages of Clarens and Kestell, in the upper regions of the Little Caledon River. The park is situated in the Rooiberge of the Eastern Free State, in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The Caledon River forms the southern boundary of the park as well as the border between the Free State and Lesotho.

Golden Gate landscape

The park is provide home to a variety of mammals – black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs.

Instead of reintroducing one of the "Big Five" into the park, the sungazer lizard and water mongoose were reintroduced. Twelve species of mice, ten species of carnivores and eight antelope species have been recorded in the park. The Grey rhebuck and mountain reedbuck were present when the park was established. Eland, blesbok, black wildebeest, springbok, oribi and Burchell's zebra were also introduced.

About 140 bird species have been identified in the park, including the rare Bearded Vulture and the endangered Cape Vulture and Bald Ibis. Seven snake species, including the puff adder, mountain adder and rinkhals are found in the park.

Accommodation
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is one of the scenic highlights of the Free State Province of South Africa and accommodation is available in a variety of options:

Lodge Golden Gate

	Glen Reenen Rest Camp: Offers accommodation on one double and two single beds or two single and one stack bed, bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment.
	Patcham Place: The facility is in the delightful little village of Clarens near the Golden Gate National Park. Comfortable bedrooms each with separate entrances and private baloneys and lovely views.
	Lake Clarens Guest House: This is a charming stone house overlooking a trout lake and majestic mountains. The rooms are stylishly decorated, breakfast is served on the verandah or in the dining room.
	Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre: Offers accommodation to a maximum of 80 people in 4 dormitories - ideal for youth groups

Additional accommodation: Highlands Mountain Retreat – luxury log cabins nestled into the slope Qwa Qwa Rest Camp – resembling an eighteen century Basotho village Noordt Brabant Guest House – a pre-historic Guesthouse