Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Resting in the rolling foothills of the majestic Maluti Mountains of the northern Free State, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park derives its name from the shimmering shades of gold that are cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs. These highlands are some of the last protected highland areas in the country. Visitors can soak up spectacular views from Ribbokkop, the highest point in the Golden Gate Park; explore a network of short nature trails, and spot a variety of animals. Commonly spotted wildlife includes black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok, and zebra, as well as rare birds such as the bearded vulture and bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs.