Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 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 restcamp.

This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing 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. Generaalskop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.

The Bearded Vulture is the bird everyone associates with the high mountains of the area. Other large birds that soar around the crags of Golden Gate include Black Stork, Bald Ibis, Cape Vulture, Black and Martial Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon and Common Kestrel. Black and Alpine Swift are also common airbound species.

Glen Reenen Restcamp:  Rondavels with either one double and two single beds or two single and one stack bed, bathroom (shower) and kitchen with basic equipment.

Family Cottages: 2 x with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom (1 double bed, 1 double sleeper couch)
1x with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom (1 double bed & 2 single beds)
2 x with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (1 double bed & 2 single beds)
1x with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (1 double bed, 2 single beds, 1 double sleeper couch)
1 x with bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (1double bed &4 single beds)

Noord-Brabant Farmhouse – rustic converted farmhouse – kitchen and bathroom facilities – 1 double bed, 1 sleeper couch and 3 single beds.

Camping:  Caravan and camping sites in beautiful shaded grounds at Glen Reenen.   Ablution and barbecue facilities, scullery.   Power points in ablution block and some camp sites.   A maximum of 6 persons, one caravan/tent and one vehicle or one autovilla permitted per site.

Rates Include:
Accommodation and 14% VAT.

Rates Exclude:
Optional excursions and optional extras, Conservation Levies

Gate Hours: 05:00 – 22:00 Arrivals after 22:00 are not permitted. The reception office is open from 07:30 to 20:00. Visitors with reserved accommodation who arrive after 20:00 may collect the keys to their accommodation at the entrance gate.

Climate: Mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.

Handy Hints: Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books. Hikers on day and overnight trails must always carry sufficient water. Take cool and light clothing for summer and warm clothing for winter. The area is prone to sudden weather changes.

Take Note: Pets are not allowed. Firearms must be declared and sealed on arrival. Seal will be broken at the reception office upon departure. Vehicle repair, medical, post office and police services at Clarens or Bethlehem.

Birdlife:   Highland specials to search for in the park include: Greywing and Redwing Francolin, Mountain, Mocking and Buffstreaked Chat, Sentinel and Cape Rock Thrush, Orangebreasted Rockjumper, Rock Pipit, Ground Woodpecker, Ayre’s, Wailing and Lazy Cisticola, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Malachite, Greater Doublecollared and Lesser Doublecollared Sunbird and Drakenberg Siskin.