Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State

The 11 600-hectare Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a unique highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis.

The area is famous for its captivating scenery, with the highest point in the park, Ribbokkop, revealing a breath-taking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as warm golden cliffs merge with the cool mountain shadows.

Activities in the park include nature trails, game viewing, guided excursions, night drives, video shows and lectures during school holidays.

Accommodation is catered for at numerous sites including the Golden Gate Hotel, which offers 54 luxurious rooms; Glen Reenen Rest Camp for those who prefer to be closer to the natural environment; and the Highlands Mountain Retreat offering log cabins with striking mountain views.

• Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens, Free State

• Tel: +27 58 255 1000