Going past Wilgenhof, we saw an un-anticipated soccer field and a few horses. Going through Boskloof, the trail now gently heads down to the Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre (distance = 9 km, alt. However, we missed this cave since it was not indicated on the trail.! We hoped to see the cave that is indicated on the map we received from the Administration. This stream flows in a kloof, with Spitskop (2 376 m) seen on the right side. The trail now follows a beautiful stream with pools which will be ideal for swimming and cooling-off on a hot summer day. Passing Backside, the trail direction changed to a western direction. We continued on the Ribbok trail now going in a north-easterly direction. Woodhouse Peak Trail lasts around six hours and takes you near the Highlands Mountain Retreat, situated 2 260 m above sea level. Wodehouse is one of the more daunting mountains on northern side of the Little Caledon River. From Brandwag, hikers can see the area’s scenery and geology.įrom Brandwag, the trail goes in a western direction for about 2 km and the turn-off to Wodehouse Peak (2 438 m) is passed. This section of the trail is also a very popular hiking trail and many tourists use this trail to ascend Brandwag from the side of the Glen Reenen Rest Camp. This preparatory section of the Ribbok Hike takes about an hour to complete. Still inside the Rest Camp, the trail crosses the Klein Caledon River, and then follows the Brandwag Trail with an ascent up the Brandwag Buttress rock. Permits for our hike were obtained from the Administration Offices at Glen Reenen and we recommend that booking for hiking is done in advanced. ![]() = 1 925 m) where our vehicle was parked for the night. Although the hike is called the Ribbok Hiking Trail, it does not climb Ribbokkop, but instead ascends Generaalskop (2 757 m) on the second day of the hike.ĭay 1 starts at the Glen Reenen Rest Camp (alt. The highest peak in the Park is Ribbokkop at 2 829 m above sea level. The trail allows the hiker to experience spectacular scenery. The Ribbok Hiking Trail is located inside the Park. One of the eight, the Ribbok Hiking Trail, is a circular trail covering a distance of approximately 28 km taking two days and one night to complete. Golden Gate offers eight hiking trails of varying length and duration, and requiring varying fitness levels. ![]() The southern boundary of the Park is partly formed by the Caledon River which is also the border between South Africa and Lesotho.Īlthough Golden Gate is the only national park in the Free State, the Park is more famous for the beauty of its landscapes than for its wildlife although seven snake species, including the common puff-adder and rinkhals, are found in the park. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is situated in the Rooiberge of the Eastern Free State, in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. We also spotted Zebra, Blesbuck, Red Hartebeest and Black Wildebeest on the route during our last visit. It’s challenging, only suitable for fit hikers with some steep sections going up and down, but extremely enjoyable with varying spectacular scenery. Our personal favourite is the Wodehouse Trail as it includes all the landmark features in the area. But once you get all of this out of the way, the hiking trails are well marked, maintained and magnificent! Also, when you find the correct place to start and pay your fee (currently R60 per person daily conservation permit fee), the paperwork you need to fill in seems it was designed 50 years ago as it contains totally irrelevant and even intrusive questions. ![]() The Reception office at Glen Reenen camp is not well marked and there was nobody directing visitors where to go when we arrived in the off-peak season. The only point of criticism is that it's not clear to first time visitors where to go or what to do when you arrive. ![]() For those who prefer to drive, visiting the Vulture Restaurant and doing the Oribi and Blesbok Loop drives offers the opportunity to see a lot. The horse-riding on offer in the NP is also an unforgettable experience. There are a range of day hiking trails suited to different fitness levels showcasing a variety of scenery. This national park has some of the most unique, spectacular scenery in South Africa! We keep returning.
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