4 GOLDEN WAYS TO DO GATE
There’s only one national park in the country that exists purely to protect grass. The tiny treasures growing in the Eastern Free State are the best reason to visit, but Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers plenty more besides. Use this guide to plan your next short break
Defending grass might seem like an odd intention but these precious grasslands are vital to South Africa’s survival. Situated in the Rooiberge of the Eastern Free State, in true highland habitat, Golden Gate lies in a critical watershed. Any rain falling here either runs down via the Caledon River into the mighty Orange, or via the Wilge River into the Vaal. This means that a third of the entire water supply of South Africa comes from this area. Essential to water retention, grass is the reason Golden Gate exists – and also the reason you should visit. People know the saying, to stop and smell the roses, but have you ever taken time to stoop down and look at how intricately delightful grasses are up close? Like other plants, grasses flower and put on a summer display – only in miniature – and this is a park best explored on your feet where you can see this. In summer, green carpets swathe the softly sweeping hills and, up closer, there’s an unmistakable shimmer of red in the fields too. This is due to the Themeda triandra (red grass) that grows here. Up close, the seeds and flowers are extraordinary; long maroon tendrils snake out of purple shells that look like wheat husks, while the long stem retains a fresh lime-green colour. Red grass is an indicator of excellent grazing and that the grassland is in good health. It’s rarely found outside the park’s fences, due to overgrazing. Central for travellers heading from Joburg, Durban or Bloem (just three hours’ drive from any of them), Golden Gate National Park is better known for its impressive sandstone cliffs that become briefly golden at sunset than for epic wildlife. That said, you can still spot impressive herds roaming the hillsides and eight antelope species call the park home. Whether you visit to witness summer’s shades of gorgeous green, or the rich auburn autumn hues, or to see snow on the peaks in winter, Golden Gate is great in any season. Here are four ways to spend a weekend in this precious place.