With a magician’s dramatic flourish, the sun starts to set, transforming the ochre sandstone formations with their purple
hues into a molten gold fortress. Shadows gently embrace a massive buttress, painstakingly sculpted by wind and rain, which keeps vigil over a valley liberally sprinkled with red hot pokers, lilies and watsonias. As a meandering stream smoothes its way amongst weeping willows and fairytale surroundings, the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis nest on the ledges of the steep sandstone cliffs.

Distinctive mushroom-shaped rocks, dark caves and deep shelters all add to the mystery and splendour of the 12 000 hectare Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The highland habitat provides a perfect home to oribi, black wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, eland and other antelope. Come and enjoy the mild summers, the rich colours of autumn and the occasional snowfalls in winter.

Hotel accommodation, as well as fully equipped cottages, is available at the upmarket Brandwag rest camp. Bungalows, which can accommodate a maximum of four people, can be found at the Glen Reenen rest camp while youth groups will feel at home in the four dormitories that can sleep up to 80 people at the Wilgenhof Hostel. Both the rest camps have shops that sell basic necessities.

Brandwag also has a restaurant, coffee shop and laundromat. Conference facilities are available; three separate conference venues, complete with central heating and panoramic views of the impressive sandstone cliffs. Between 15 and 120 delegates can be seated. Glen Reenen offers scenic camping and caravan sites complete with facilities as well as a picnic site for day visitors. The Rhebok Hiking Trail over two days must be booked in advance. There are various nature trails and visitors may explore the caves, swim in the clear mountain pool at Glen Reenen and go horse riding during peak periods. Various other activities such as video shows and guided excursions are on offer during school holidays.