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Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State, South Africa
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Golden Gate Highlands National Park has much geological significance and visual beauty, representing the threatened grassland biome and a fascinating array of wildlife.
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Guests can enjoy visits to nearby attractions that include the Van Reenen family graveyard and the impressive Brandwag buttress rock formation. Observe rare birds at the Vulture restaurant and enjoy a guided walk to the Cathedral Cave on your South Africa vacation.
Ancient Cathedral Cave is one of the most spectacular examples of sandstone weathering in South Africa, carved over millennia by water, wind and temperature variation. Golden Gate Highland National Park also has an array of fossilized dinosaur bones, roots, ferns and footprints in the park. The first ever fossilized Triassic dinosaur eggs were found at Rooi Draai in 1973.
During your South Africa safari vacation, prime game viewing can be enjoyed from the comfort of vehicles and visitors can participate in environmental education courses to learn more about the surrounding areas. Interesting places to visit include Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint - the third highest point in the park, Oribi basin and Drakensberg view.
There is a Living Museum known as the Basotho Cultural Village situated in the park. Museum tours include sampling traditional cuisine and finding out about the culture, historic weapons and equipment of the Basotho people. There is also a guided herbal trail where visitors learn about plants used by African Traditional Healers.
There are various nature trails of between 1 to 5 hours in duration. Visitors may explore the caves, swim in the clear mountain pool at Glen Reenen or go horse riding during peak periods. Various other activities such as video shows and guided excursions are on offer during school holidays.
Outdoor sports at Golden Gate Highlands Park include tennis, bowls, horse riding, swimming in a crisp mountain pool with a natural waterslide and visiting Bushman paintings. Visitors seeking adventure should follow the 31km / 19 miles Rhebok hiking trail (2 days / 1 night) where Eland, Zebra, Red Hartebeest and Black Wildebeest are often seen, as well as the Bearded Vulture, Bald Ibis and the Black Eagle.
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Golden Gate winter experience
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During the winter months between June and August, occasional snowfall on the mountain tops transforms Golden Gate National Park to a winter wonderland. Enjoy snow in Africa during your stay at this Free State nature reserve.
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Activities at Golden Gate Park
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Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers horse riding during peak season. Various nature trails and caves can be explored. Guests can swim in the clear mountain pool at Glen Reenen or spot Zebra, Eland, Jackal and various bird species.
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