Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp. The unique 11 600 hectares park is pure highland grassland habitat home to a variety of mammals such as black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra. Prolific grassland and montane bird species can be found here including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the bald ibis which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening. The vistas and geographic formations in the park make for a photographer's delight!