Golden Gate Brandwag Hike
A short hike to the base of the Brandwag Buttress in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, with sandstone cliffs and eland.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The Free State's one proper hiking stop, and it earns the hour off the N3.
The Free State's one proper hiking stop, and it earns the hour off the N3.
- Trip Role
- Day Trip
- Ideal Stay
- Half a day
- Time Needed
- 2-3 hours
- Best For
- Families; road-trippers needing a leg stretch that's actually worth it.
- Go If
- You're driving between Gauteng and the Drakensberg and want a break in real country.
Why it's worth your time
Golden Gate is the Free State's one national park, and the Brandwag Buttress is its icon. The trail is short and family-friendly; the longer loops in the park give you more. The closest thing the highveld has to the Cape's sandstone country.
What we love
The golden sandstone in late light, which gives the park its name.
What to know
Park entry fee; short, well-marked trails. Combine with the Mushroom Rock walk for a half-day.