Golden Gate Highlands Park
Facts and practical information
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in Free State, South Africa, near the Lesotho border. It covers an area of 340 km2. The park's most notable features are its golden, ochre, and orange-hued, deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops, especially the Brandwag rock. Another feature of the area is the numerous caves and shelters displaying San rock paintings. Wildlife featured at the park includes mongooses, eland, zebras, and over 100 bird species. It is the Free State's only national park, and is more famous for the beauty of its landscape than for its wildlife. Numerous paleontology finds have been made in the park, including dinosaur eggs and skeletons. ()
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Secretarybird
The secretarybird is a captivating bird of prey native to Africa, easily recognized by its unique combination of an eagle-like body and long, crane-like legs. First described by John Frederick Miller in 1779, this species stands out with its striking red-orange face...
Birds
Martial eagle
The martial eagle, a majestic and formidable bird of prey, inhabits sub-Saharan Africa. It is the sole member of its genus, Polemaetus, and belongs to the booted eagle subfamily, distinguished by feathers that extend down their legs.
Birds
Steppe eagle
The steppe eagle, a majestic bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, boasts a captivating story. Initially thought to be closely related to the tawny eagle, it was later recognized as a distinct species due to significant differences in their physical...
Birds
Grey crowned crane
The grey crowned crane, also known as the African crowned crane, is a magnificent bird native to eastern and southern Africa. This graceful avian is so cherished that it has been designated as the national bird of Uganda.
Birds
White rhinoceros
The white rhinoceros, commonly known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, is the largest extant species of rhino and is noted for its sociable nature. There are two subspecies: the southern white rhinoceros, which is relatively abundant and primarily found in Southern...
Mammals
Golden Gate Highlands Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: QwaQwa National Park.
Free State