Golden Gate Highlands National Park description and photos - South Africa (Topic)

Golden Gate Highlands National Park description and photos - South Africa. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Photo and Description

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which means Golden Gate Park, is a state nature reserve in South Africa. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and gets its name from the amazing brilliant shades of gold on the sandy rocks, especially from the play of light on the Brandvag rock. The area is famous for its landscapes, pleasant climate, hospitable and cozy hotels.

Golden Gate National Park was created in 1963 to protect sandstones from destruction, which were once a haven for the Bushmen. Travelers can see a large number of well-preserved rock paintings. The Golden Gate Park also boasts a wide variety of rare flowers - endemic, which include several species of rare lilies.

This nature reserve is one of the last refuge of rare species of animals and birds, such as the bearded vulture and the bald ibis, which nest only on the territory of the Cathedral Cave. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including Burchell's zebra, black wildebeest, gazelle and the endangered Oribi antelope. Bird watchers can observe 140 species of birds at close range, from specially equipped sites.

Golden Gate Highlands Park is a real highlight for travelers. The vegetation of the reserve consists mainly of wooded ravines, gullies and flowering meadows.

Guests can visit a variety of attractions, such as the Van Reene family cemetery, the impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation and Cathedral Cave, which is one of the most striking examples of the formation of a natural sandy arch by water, wind and temperature fluctuations over the millennia. A lot of fossil bones of dinosaurs, roots, ferns were also found in the territory of the National Park. In 1973, for the first time in history, fossilized dinosaur eggs were found here. Archaeological excavations are ongoing on the territory of the reserve.

Interesting places to visit the park include the Generalskop viewpoint, the Basoto Museum, located in the park. Museum visitors can taste traditional Basotho cuisine, visit exhibition halls that tell about their culture, weapons and way of life. An exhibition about plants is very interesting, used by African folk healers.

The park has various nature trails for walks lasting from 1 to 5 hours. Visitors can also explore the caves, swim in the clear Glen Reenen mountain pool with natural slide, or go horseback riding and play tennis.

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Topic: Golden Gate Highlands National Park description and photos - South Africa.