KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
How to get there? Golden Gate is roughly midway between Bethlehem (55 km) and Harrismith (45 km), about 330 km from Joburg via the N3 and the N5. If you’re travelling from Bloemfontein, keep in mind that there are roadworks on the N8 to Ladybrand, so rather take the N5 to Bethlehem.
Where to eat? Glen Reenen has a shop with basic supplies like firewood, firelighters, tinned food, bread, milk and ice. Day visitors can have a meal at the Golden Gate Hotel restaurant. Book beforehand if you want breakfast or dinner. You don’t need to book for lunch: The coffee shop is open between 10 am and 6 pm, serving light meals like toasted sandwiches and salads. There are two farm stalls just outside the western entrance gate. Di Bus Stop ( dibusstop.co.za) is literally a big red bus – munch a sweet or savoury pancake inside. The biltong is also delicious. The other farm stall is called Sugar and Cinnamon ( 082 382 3515) and it serves great coffee and a serious Boere breakfast with boerewors and steak (R80). There’s a fireplace for chilly days and artwork and other gifts for sale. Clarens is only 20 km from the park, with a host of restaurants and grocery shops.
Best time to visit? Golden Gate falls within a summer rainfall region. The park is lush and green, with waterfalls and clear river pools to swim in. Winters are very cold, but the mountain peaks will have a dusting of snow and most units have fireplaces. Autumn is spectacular, but bring a jacket because it cools down in the evenings. The spring landscape is often dull and dry, but it perks up quickly if there’s an early thunderstorm.
Road conditions? All the roads are tarred. The cement track to Highland Mountain Retreat is steep in places, but in a good condition. Fuel? There’s a small filling station at Glen Reenen.
Gate times and entrance fees? The R712 is a public road through the park so you don’t have to pay an entrance fee. The gates will usually be open. If you’re going to drive other roads in the park, you need to pay a conservation fee at Glen Reenen: R48 per adult; R24 per child; free with a Wild card.
Contact: 058 255 1000; sanparks.org