Golden Gate Highlands National Park

　　The park is world-famous for its golden, russet, and orange sandstone cliffs and exposed rock formations, which also give the park its name. Legend has it that in 1875, a farmer and his wife were on their way to their farm when they passed the sandstone cliffs at either end of a river valley. They noticed how the sunlight reflected off the cliffs with a golden glow, prompting them to name the area Golden Gate Highlands. In 1963, the relevant authorities established the Golden Gate Highlands National Park to protect this fantastical geological landscape. At the time, it covered just 47.92 square kilometers. It was expanded to 62.41 square kilometers in 1981 and 116.33 square kilometers in 1998. In 2007, it merged with the nearby QwaQwa National Park, bringing its total area to 340 square kilometers.

　　Golden Gate Highlands National Park boasts not only stunning scenery and unique rock formations but is also home to many wildlife species such as the Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and African buffalo), meerkats, eland, zebras, and over 100 species of birds. Visitors can explore the park by car. Additionally, the park features numerous caves adorned with ancient San rock paintings on their walls. Paleontologists have also discovered dinosaur egg fossils and skeletons within the park.

　　Golden Gate Highlands National Park Reason to visit: One of South Africa’s most famous national parks Continent: Africa Country/Region: South Africa Province/State: Free State Province