Golden Gate was named after the sunrays of the setting sun that casts a soft shade on the west facing sandstone cliffs and turns them into a glowing nice to see gold colour. The park was established in the Free State of South Africa around the Lesotho border. The park covers a total land area of 340km². Features associated with the park area are the numerous caves found beneath the golden rocks.
For the visitors who enjoy game drives at the park some of the different animal species found here includes the mongooses, eland, zebras, Black wildebeest, springbok, Oribi among others. It is the Free State’s only national park, and is more famous for the beauty of its landscape than for its wildlife since many tourists flock into the park for geological experience of its golden rock cliffs and appearance.
Birders also enjoy the park too due to the several bird species which are noted to be around 100 species within the park and among which includes the Cape Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Verreaux’s eagle, Blue crane and the secretary bird among others. A
Accommodation facilities are available at Glen Reenen and Brand wag Rest camps, Caravanning; camping sites with all amenities are available at Glen Reenen camp. Hotels such as Golden Gate Hotel which is managed by South Africa National Parks (SNAPs) with all the facilities, visitors can also have a tour to the adjacent town to Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is known as Clarens almost 17 km to the west.
