Africa Wild

The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, is situated in the north-eastern Free State between the towns of
Phuthaditjhaba and Clarens. The parks location is equidistant from the major cities of Johannesburg,
Durban and Bloemfontein. Apart from the advantageous location of the park in terms of its proximity to
three major cities, its landscape forms part of the Maloti Drakensberg mountain range, characterised by
unique geological formations, as well as its geomorphological and paleontological heritage.

Despite these unique selling points amongst others, Golden Gate National Park is not performing at a level
befitting its size, features and location. According to SANParks Tourism Growth Plan, Golden Gate has the
third largest accommodation inventory amongst the 19 national parks. Central to the park’s overall
underperformance is the inability to the get the most out of the Golden Gate Hotel, as well as the Basotho
Cultural Village Rest Camp. Golden Gate Hotel is park’s main accommodation option, having undergone a
major renovation relatively recently, the hotel now boasts a large assortment of hotel rooms, chalets and
entertainment areas (restaurant, sports bar and lounge).
The Basotho Cultural Village is regarded as the “cultural jewel” of the Free State. The rest camp is located
14km from the Golden Gate Hotel and features a unique cultural tour and self-catering accommodation.
With Golden Gate national park identified as a product development and marketing priority park according
to SANParks Tourism Strategy, interventions in the Golden Gate Hotel and Basotho Cultural Village Rest
Camp are paramount to SANParks overall commercial and tourism prospects.