Qwaqwa National Park - Free State
The combined park features stunning sandstone cliffs, rolling grasslands, and the dramatic backdrop of the Maluti Mountains. (Image adapted). Pixel PiratesQwaqwa National Park - Free State
The QwaQwa National Park, once an independent conservation area, was incorporated into the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in 2008, forming a part of this renowned national park in the Free State province. Situated near the Maluti Mountains, the park is in a region rich with natural beauty, cultural significance, and biodiversity. This incorporation expanded the Golden Gate Highlands National Park to cover over 34,000 hectares, blending the unique features of both areas into one.
Originally established to preserve the biodiversity of the region and promote tourism in the former Bantustan of QwaQwa, the QwaQwa National Park aimed to protect the grasslands and wildlife endemic to the Maloti-Drakensberg region. Once merged into Golden Gate Highlands National Park, it provided an enhanced landscape for wildlife and added greater historical and cultural value to the park. The region is historically significant to the Basotho people, and visitors can explore cultural sites, such as the Basotho Cultural Village, located near the former QwaQwa area.
The combined park features stunning sandstone cliffs, rolling grasslands, and the dramatic backdrop of the Maluti Mountains. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebra, eland, black wildebeest, and various species of antelope. Birdwatchers are also treated to sightings of species like the endangered Bearded Vulture and Black Eagle. The expanded conservation area continues to offer a sanctuary for these animals and provides ample opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and scenic drives.
Contact details for QwaQwa National Park (Golden Gate Highlands National Park):
Phone Number: +27 (0)58 255 1000
Email: goldengate@sanparks.org
Website: https://www.sanparks.org
Address: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens, Free State, South Africa
Accommodation Near Qwaqwa National Park - Free State
Madrid Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
23.3km from Qwaqwa National Park - Free StateWe have three self-catering cottages in the large garden on the farm "Madrid", which has been in the Mousley family for 144 years. The cottages are close enough to the homestead to be very safe but still out of sight of each other. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sungubala Eco Camp
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Mont-aux-Sources
25.8km from Qwaqwa National Park - Free StateSungubala is an Eco Camp set on a secluded farm in the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve of KwaZulu-Natal. This unique camp has a range of self catering cottages situated in a pristine wilderness area. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa
Holiday Resort Accommodation in Mont-aux-Sources
26.1km from Qwaqwa National Park - Free StateThe Cavern is set in a secluded valley beneath the massive sandstone cliffs of the Northern Drakensberg. The thatch accommodation and facilities blend beautifully with the natural surroundings of the area. The Cavern is home to numerous Bushman paintings, …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ingwe Cabin
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Little Switzerland
27.6km from Qwaqwa National Park - Free StateOnly one self catering cabin high up in the mountains on an easy 4x4 track. You are assured privacy in an unspoiled part of the berg. Indigenous forests, cape vulture nesting site, fly fishing, crystal clear streams, rock pools, unsurpassed views …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
