If you look upon South Africa as a vast, regal treasure value, the majestic Drakensberg would undoubtedly catch your eye as the Star of Africa set in the royal sceptre. Towering peaks alternate with steep valleys, where eagles soar on unseen currents; breathtaking escarpments shield summits, where mighty clouds kiss restless streams; extensive mountain ranges – where sheer cliffs take on the glow of red dawn – reveal the mesmerising geology of the subcontinent; and stunning sandstone formations guard an untouched wilderness, where vast herds of eland move through steep grassland. At one of the world’s greatest cultural-historical treasures, the overhangs and grottos sheltered the gifted San people, who lived for thousands of years, leaving behind nothing but their beautiful rock art.
This awe-inspiring scenery is characteristic of the Drakensberg, and in many places, it is still in the state an ingenious creator might have spawned it in. Poets have not yet discovered the Berg and its praises have yet to be sung. Still, more and more disciples recognise the therapeutic value of its solitary silence, only rarely interrupted by rolling thunder or spoilt by development.
During spring and summer, the austere, grandiose beauty is enhanced by nearly 2000 wildflower species, groves of proteas, and patches of lush Indigenous forest that reach from the Royal Natal National Park in the north and beyond Sani Pass in the south. Under the wings of Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, this region—now the uKhahlamba World Heritage Park—has been protected for future generations. It is a heritage people from other parts of the world can only dream of.
August Sycholt
Information from #Sanparks
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, located in the Free State province of South Africa near the border with Lesotho, is a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors worldwide. The park is known for its unique beauty and offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is named after the brilliant orange and yellow sandstone cliffs surrounding it. These cliffs are particularly striking when illuminated by the setting sun. Visitors can take in the majestic views from several vantage points within the park, such as the overlook at the main rest camp, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the park’s most popular activities is hiking. The park features several well-marked trails that wind through the rugged terrain, allowing hikers to experience the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife up close. Along the way, hikers can spot various bird species and other animals such as eland, mountain reedbuck, and oribi.
The park also lets visitors learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage. The San people, one of the oldest indigenous communities in southern Africa, once lived in the area, and rock art paintings throughout the park show evidence of their ancient settlements.
The park was established in 1963, and its early tourism infrastructure was designed by the famous architect and artist Tom Porter. As it was run by the state, one of the most famous and iconic buildings, the main entrance, was designed by the prominent architect Gerrit Rietveld.
The park is also home to several other historically significant sites, such as the Basotho Cultural Village, which offers visitors the chance to learn about the customs and traditions of the Lesotho people, who are closely connected to the area.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that offers visitors the chance to experience southern Africa’s stunning natural beauty and gain insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Clarens at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The village of Clarens is located just outside the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and is a popular tourist holiday spot. Clarens is a charming, picturesque village known for its artistic community and proximity to the park’s natural beauty.
Clarens is a well-preserved historical town with architecture reminiscent of the late Victorian era. The village, founded in 1912, was named after the town of Clarens, Switzerland, by a group of South African artists and intellectuals who sought inspiration for their work in the area’s natural beauty.
The village has a vibrant arts scene and is home to several art galleries, craft shops, and studios. Visitors can browse the work of local artists and even take classes to learn new skills. This community is a safe haven for artists, photographers, and writers, and it is not uncommon to see them at work while exploring the village streets.
Clarens is also a popular holiday spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding mountains and foothills offer ample hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities, and the nearby Maluti Mountains are a popular spot for paragliding and hang-gliding. The village also boasts several trout fishing spots in the nearby rivers and dams.
In addition to its natural beauty and vibrant arts scene, Clarens is known for its excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday. Visitors can enjoy various delicious local and international cuisine and sample the region’s famous wines.
Clarens has become a very popular destination for both local and international tourists, and it is not hard to see why. The village’s natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and great food and drink make it a top holiday spot for people looking for a unique and relaxing getaway.
Bushmen Rock Art at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The San people, also known as the Bushmen, are one of the oldest indigenous communities in southern Africa. They have lived around the Golden Gate Highlands National Park for thousands of years, and their rock art can be found in several locations within the park.
San rock art is a valuable cultural and historical resource, providing a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and worldviews of the San people. The art is typically found in cave or rock shelter sites and consists of paintings, engravings, and carvings. The images depicted in the rock art are believed to have spiritual significance and are thought to have been used in ritual or ceremonial contexts.
The rock art at Golden Gate Highlands National Park is particularly well-preserved and features a wide range of images, including human figures, animals, and abstract geometric designs. Visitors to the park can view the rock art in guided tours led by local guides who are experts in San rock art and can provide insights into the meaning and significance of the images.
San rock art is an important record of the ancient San culture and provides a unique window into the lives and worldviews of one of the oldest human communities on Earth. These drawings remain colourful and clear despite the centuries, allowing visitors to understand the San people’s daily lives and beliefs.
It’s worth noting that respecting and preserving these cultural sites is essential. Visitors should not damage the rock art and should avoid touching or climbing on the rock surfaces. The San people have a deep spiritual connection with their rock art, and preserving these sites is essential to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from these ancient cultural artefacts.
Hiking in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park offers a variety of well-marked trails that allow hikers to experience the park’s unique beauty and diverse landscapes up close. The park is known for its rugged terrain and spectacular scenery, which includes rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and lush green valleys.
One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Maluti Loop Trail. This 5.5 km circular route takes hikers through some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes, including the rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops of the Maluti Mountains. The trail is well-marked and takes around 2 hours to complete.
Another popular trail is the Golden Gate Trail. This 9.5 km circular route takes hikers through the park’s beautiful central valley and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the park’s iconic golden sandstone cliffs.
The park also offers more challenging trails, such as the Rhebok Hiking Trail, a 10-kilometer one-way hike to the top of the Brandwag Buttress. This trail is strenuous, with steep climbs and descents, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
It is important to note that hikers should be prepared appropriately for their trip, with adequate water, snacks, sun protection, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Before embarking on a hike, hikers should also inform themselves of the trail’s difficulty and duration and check the weather forecast to ensure that conditions will be favourable for their hike.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that suit different fitness levels and experiences. From easy to moderate to strenuous, hikers can enjoy the park’s stunning natural beauty while feeling accomplished from the challenging climbs and rocky terrains.
Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The Basotho Cultural Village is a Golden Gate Highlands National Park living museum. It is dedicated to preserving the customs and traditions of the Basotho people, who are closely connected to the area. The village provides visitors with an insight into the traditional way of life of the Basotho people, who were the area’s original inhabitants.
Visitors can tour the village and view traditional Basotho houses made of mud and stone, constructed in the same manner as in traditional villages. The houses are furnished traditionally and inhabited by people dressed in traditional clothing. Visitors will also see demonstrations of traditional Basotho activities like weaving, pottery, and metalworking.
Visitors will also learn about the Basotho people’s social and political history and cultural customs, practices, and beliefs. They can listen to traditional music, see traditional dances, and learn about the significance of Basotho culture’s different rituals and ceremonies.
The Basotho Cultural Village also features a traditional healing area where visitors can learn about Basotho’s use of conventional medicine and how it continues to be used today. Visitors can also learn about the Basotho’s relationship with nature and how it is still closely tied to their daily lives.
The Basotho Cultural Village is an essential cultural attraction that provides visitors with an understanding of the Basotho people’s history and way of life. It is an enriching and educational experience that offers visitors a unique opportunity to gain insights into the customs and traditions of one of southern Africa’s oldest cultures.
The Basotho people are closely tied to the land, and the village provides a great opportunity to see the relationship between the land, the people, and their culture. By visiting the village, tourists will learn about the history and contemporary way of life of the Basotho people and the cultural significance of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Cathedral Cave
Cathedral Cave is a cave in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province of South Africa. It is well-known for its unique and beautiful sandstone formations, which have been carved and shaped by water over thousands of years. Visitors to the cave can see the intricate and delicate patterns created by the erosive forces of water and the striking colours and textures of the sandstone.
The cave is named for its unique, cathedral-like appearance. Its high ceilings, thin columns, and large open spaces resemble the architecture of a traditional cathedral, and the cave’s natural light gives the impression of being in a grand, cavernous space. The cave features a variety of formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, flowstone, and columns.
Visitors can explore the cave on guided tours led by experienced guides who can provide information about its geology, history, and natural features. The tour takes around 45 minutes and is a great way to learn more about the cave’s natural history, geology, and the unique features of its sandstone formations.
It’s important to note that the cave can only be visited on guided tours. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature inside the cave can be quite cool. Visitors should also be aware that the cave is unsuitable for people with mobility issues, as the tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces.
Cathedral Cave is a beautiful natural wonder that offers visitors the chance to explore one of the most unique and spectacular caves in South Africa. Its cathedral-like appearance, intricate patterns and colours, and guided tours make it a must-see attraction for Golden Gate Highlands National Park visitors.
Brandwag Buttress
The Brandwag Buttress is a prominent rock formation located in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province of South Africa. It is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from its summit.
The Brandwag Buttress is a massive sandstone cliff that rises steeply from the park’s central valley. The rock formation is approximately 200 meters high and is one of the park’s most iconic landmarks. It is located in the park’s northern area and can be reached by many hiking trails.
Hikers can take the Rhebok Hiking Trail, a 10km one-way hike to the top of the Brandwag Buttress. The hike is considered to be quite strenuous due to the steep climb and descent, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. They offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the surrounding landscape.
It’s also popular among rock climbers, as it offers challenging routes that vary in difficulty. The rock formation is composed of orange and yellow sandstone that is both solid and porous, which makes for an enjoyable climb. Fixed bolts and anchors protect the climbing routes well, but climbers should have experience and proper equipment to ensure safety. They should know that weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the afternoon.
The Brandwag Buttress is a well-known landmark in Golden Gate Highlands National Park and an important destination for those looking to experience the park’s natural beauty, whether hiking or rock climbing. The stunning views from the summit make it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Leave a reply