Popular: South Africa · Cape Town · OR Tambo · Dolphin Bay · Lesotho
Free State, South Africa · ZA
Sandstone cliffs, San rock art and the Free State's only national park
History & Heritage
The park's sandstone cliffs take their name from 1875, when an early visitor named the location 'Golden Gate' after seeing the last rays of the setting sun fall on the cliffs. The area's caves and rock shelters carry numerous San rock paintings, part of the broader San legacy across the Maluti-Drakensberg region.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Free State's only national park, was proclaimed in 1963 at just 47.92 km²; it was expanded in 1981, 1988 and 2007, when it absorbed the former QwaQwa National Park to reach its current 340 km².
In 1976, palaeontologist James Kitching discovered dinosaur egg fossils in the park — Massospondylus embryos among the oldest dinosaur embryos ever found. The Basotho Cultural Village, within the park, offers a reconstructed traditional village experience of South Sotho lifestyle.
Key Historical Places
Where palaeontologist James Kitching found some of the world's oldest dinosaur embryos in 1976.
↑ The fossils are now in museum collections, not visible in situ.
The park's most photographed sandstone formation, glowing gold at sunset, giving the park its name.
↑ Best light is late afternoon.
Caves and overhangs throughout the park with San rock paintings.
↑ Ask park staff which shelters are currently open to visitors.
A reconstructed village inside the park illustrating traditional Basotho life and building styles.
↑ Verify current opening hours locally before visiting.
Timeline
Must-See Attractions
The park's iconic gold-lit sandstone sentinel, its namesake feature.
Viewable from the main rest camp area
Caves and shelters with San rock paintings scattered through the park.
Access some sites only with a guide
A reconstructed traditional Basotho village within the park.
Within park boundaries
A multi-day trail through the park's valleys and sandstone formations.
Buy permits at the reserve office
Eland, zebra, springbok, blesbok and grey rhebok roam the park, alongside 210+ bird species.
Self-drive or guided
Accommodation
Cottage Pie Self Catering Accommodation, Clarens Exceptional 4.7/5 self catering in Clarens. 4 rooms. From ZAR 1,400/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 173 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,400 per night Check-in: 14:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 4 Amenities Bedsitter: sleeps 3, king (splits to 2 singles) + single, en-suite shower, fridge-freezer, 2-plate...
Rooiberg View Clarens: Self-Catering Stay on Main Street Excellent 4.5/5 self catering in Clarens. 5 rooms. From ZAR 850/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.5/5 (Google, 295 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 850 per night Check-in: 14:00-19:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 5 Amenities Fully equipped kitchens (oven, stove, microwave) in Anki, June and Santa, Bar...
Kiara Lodge, near Clarens Excellent 4.4/5 lodge in Clarens (Golden Gate, Free State). 13 rooms. From ZAR 1,600/night. Property Details Type: Lodge Guest Rating: 4.4/5 (Google, 1974 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,600 per night Check-in: 15:00-21:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 13 Amenities Heated indoor pool, Body Bliss Day Spa, Maluti Melt restaurant and bar, Gym, Tennis...
Restaurants & Dining
A well-reviewed restaurant on Clarens' village square, the park's dining base.
A popular breakfast and coffee spot with mountain views.
A seasonal a la carte country restaurant in Clarens.
A Church Street landmark known for slow-cooked comfort dishes.
Activities & Experiences
The park's signature multi-day hiking route through sandstone valleys.
Guided trail rides through the park's valleys, plus pony rides for kids.
A guided abseiling activity on the park's cliffs.
The gateway town has more than 20 art galleries around its central square.
Events & Entertainment
South Africa's most beloved craft beer festival, with 150+ beers and ciders and live music.
A celebration of fine art, literature, music, dance and drama with leading South African artists.
A Western Cape wine festival brought to Clarens during the golden autumn season.
Book mixed tickets and experiences for your trip to Golden Gate Highlands
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