Golden Gate Highlands & ClarensLoop.
Distance
95 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
900 m
Golden Gate Highlands & Clarens Loop.
An easy paved loop from the artists' village of Clarens through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park — the Free State's only national park, named for the way the setting sun lights its golden sandstone cliffs. Wide highland grassland, the towering Brandwag buttress, grazing eland and zebra, and Basotho mountain culture.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance95 km
Days1
Total climb900 m
DifficultyEasy
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The route.
ClarensStart · Start in Clarens, the jewel of the eastern Free State — galleries, breweries and good coffee. Fuel up and head east on the R712.
Golden Gate & Brandwag CliffsPhoto Spot · The golden sandstone gateway that gives the park its name. The Brandwag (sentinel) buttress glows orange in low sun.
Glen Reenen Rest CampScenic Point · Park rest camp beside a natural rock pool. Trailhead for the short walk up Echo Ravine through the cliffs.
Basotho Cultural VillageRestaurant · A living museum of Sotho mountain culture in the QwaQwa section. Traditional architecture and a chance to try local food.
ClarensEnd · Return west to Clarens, the Maluti Mountains turning pink at dusk.
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