Golden Gate Highlands National Park — Attraction in Dihlabeng Local Municipality

Golden Gate Highlands National Park: Wodehouse Peak Trail

I set out on the Wodehouse Peak Trail at Golden Gate Highlands National Park without knowing quite what to expect, and I ended up getting lost—probably because I took the trail anticlockwise. That decision made it all the more challenging, but “challenging” is putting it lightly. This route was treacherous!

The trail forms a loop, starting and ending at the Van Reenen Rest Camp. It leads you through varied terrain that ticks all the boxes for a true adventure. The scenery is beyond spectacular—imagine standing 2,500 meters above sea level, overlooking endless rolling hills, with gusting winds swirling around you. The Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains are visible across the valley, practically inviting you to come conquer them next. Despite the dry conditions and vast burned sections, the beauty of this place shines through.

Golden sandstone cliffs surround you at the base of the mountain, turning a breathtaking gold when the sun hits them. But to enjoy this, you’ll need more than just a camera. You’ll need courage, solid shoes, plenty of water, determination, and stamina. The incline from Mushroom Rock is particularly steep, so be ready for it.Wildlife can be spotted from afar—black wildebeest, springbok, blesbok, eland, warthog, zebra, and even baboons, though I wish I’d brought binoculars to see them more clearly. The sheer height of the mountain is intimidating, making you feel insignificant and humbled. The trail edges are sheer drops, and the gusting wind often feels like it's pushing you off balance. Hiking in such strong winds can be tiresome and scary.

Along the way, you’ll pass iconic sights like Mushroom Rock, Brandwag Rock, etc. Brandwag Buttress towering majestically, just before the steep section that requires a chain rope for support. The steep inclines and declines make it a straightforward but exhausting trail. Yet, after battling one, the other feels like a relief—until it becomes equally tough again. Reaching the top is exhilarating.

This was a physically demanding yet spiritually enriching hike. The solitude, the views, and the sheer natural beauty were the real rewards for pushing through. The trail is well-maintained, with the massive sandstone overhangs providing brief but welcome shelter.The hike is longer than advertised, taking me six hours with breaks. The rocky path offers no shade, and at times, it can be slippery and requires scrambling. Despite it all, this is a must-do trail. I’ll definitely return—this time prepared, knowing...

Shame! I feel that we are in the process of loosing one of our countries greatest treasures. What a shambles this place is! The management are to blame, not the staff, not the failing infrastructure but lack of leadership and basic management will see the demise of this incredible park. On our arrival we checked in and then went to get some ice and wood. After searching the store without being helped, the rather bored attendant pointed over to a freezer in the back. When we in turn pointed out that the freezer was empty, she shrugged her shoulders and told us that the ice machine was broken. We were then directed to the nearby hotel, also run by the Parks board. After waiting around in reception for ages we were eventually told that the ice machine was broken. So I can only assume that the hotel guests would have no ice either. We were not going to have our sundowner without ice, so we went to a nearby lodge who were extremely friendly and they told us that the dreaded ice machine had been broken for months. Mr Manager, you may have a broken ice machine but simply order in bags of ice. Its that simple! As a South African who works in promoting SA it makes me mad that managers of SAN PARKS are allowed to get away with this sort of thing, The Park was packed with international tourists, no ice? How embarrassing! If they worked for me they would be fired on the spot. We then wended our way up the mountain to the mountain log cabins. The view as we climbed up was breathtaking, until we arrived at the accommodation. Rubbish from the bins everywhere!! Unprotected bins at all units ! Even in Simonstown we have baboon proof bins, but Mr Manager at Golden Gate seems to think it is not necessary. I can only surmise that this is a daily occurrence. If he worked for me he would be fired on the spot. How would you like to arrive at your accomodation and be presented with soiled sanitary towels and other rubbish scattered all over the place and blowing in the wind. The log cabin itself was comfortable although suffering from lack of attention, but its simple to fix stuff. If the grouting is coming out between the floor tiles , just fix it! Fixing and cleaning is a management problem. Clearly this place will follow in the footsteps of other SOE's. They just dont care and they have the cheek to spit in the face of out international guests. Managers who do not perform or take pride in their work need to be fired on the spot. They wont get a job anywhere else. That I can...

Golden Gate National Park in South Africa is a breathtakingly scenic park that showcases the natural beauty of the region in a way that is nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment you enter the park, you're greeted with landscapes that seem almost too beautiful to be real. The park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife add to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

One of the park's highlights is the Cathedral hike, an experience I found to be absolutely amazing. The trail offers a perfect blend of challenge and beauty, leading hikers through stunning vistas that are sure to impress. The panoramic views of the park's unique geological formations and the vibrant colors of the flora are unforgettable.

For adventure seekers, taking a swim in the natural pools encountered during the hike is an experience I highly recommend. The pools provide a refreshing and serene escape, perfectly complementing the exhilarating hike. It's a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of South Africa, and it epitomizes the adventurous spirit of the park.

Golden Gate National Park truly is a testament to South Africa's natural beauty. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the great outdoors, this park has something special to offer. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the remarkable Cathedral hike make it a top recommendation for anyone looking to explore the best of what South Africa...