Spectacular sandstone cliffs, surrounded by wooded ravines, gullies and grasslandsJust 22km from the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Chalet Thabela and Chalet Phomosa in Clarens have something to offer everyone seeking spectacular views, good food, fine art, and a wide range of outdoor leisure and sports activities.
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (part of South Africa National Parks - SANParks) gets its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park has spectacular sandstone cliffs, surrounded by wooded ravines, gullies and grasslands.
A public road runs through the park which makes it easy to see the beauty of the cliffs if you are passing through, or to stay longer if you can.
From Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, you can see a breathtaking tapestry of reds, yellows and purples as the warm colours of the cliffs merge with the cool evening shadows.
A visit to the park should include at least one leisurely walk along one of its winding nature trails, some of which start at the main camp.
The more adventurous should follow the 31 km Rhebok Hiking Trail where black wildebeest, blesbok, Burchell's zebra, eland, red hartebeest and springbok are often seen, as well as the rare bearded vulture, bald ibis and black eagle.
Some 140 bird species have been identified in the park, and a hide at the vulture restaurant enables bird lovers to observe these scavengers closely without being detected.
The climate in the park ranges from mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon, to cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland. |
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