Clarens Weekend Part III – The Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Sunday morning brought us to the renowned Golden Gate National Park, and let me tell you, it's absolutely stunning.

We left early to maximize our time there, only to spend a chunk of it figuring out where to buy a permit. Unlike the reserves we’re accustomed to, you actually drive through this park, surrounded by a landscape that’s similar yet distinct from what we saw over the past two days.

So we ended up buying the permit from the hotel, which, of course, was the first thing we saw. It took us longer and felt like a mission impossible, especially when we realized that if we had just driven a bit further, we would've found the place right across from the campsite. But hey, bygones... at least we got it in the end.

One thing that runs through the entire region has been the endless parade of rolling mountains made up of sandstone cliffs and crevices. They’re the true celebrities of the region.

When we finally embarked on our hike, we noticed it was busier than what we had grown accustomed to, but that’s what happens when you’ve been spoilt with solitude.

We hiked for approximately 2 ½ hours, made up of The Boskloof (1 hr), Echo Ravine (45 min) and Mushroom rock (45 min).

The beauty at the start of the hike was indescribable—another completely different but equally breathtaking experience. I almost felt as if I was strolling through a meticulously landscaped garden. Wow, nature really is perfect!

I found the rapid incline very strenuous, but then, I took in the view. Holy moly, it’s like a huge landscaped garden! Rolling mountains, endless sandstone cliffs, and that feeling of being on top of the world. It’s almost enough to make you forget the torture you just endured.

Once we got to Echo Ravine, it was my kind of hiking. Here, it’s all about climbing rocks at a pace where you don’t feel like your lungs are going to explode. Finally, a section that doesn't make you question every life choice that led you to this point.

But then, the inevitable sadness of the tainted graffiti scratched into the rock. Curse the wretched Sarah, who insisted on documenting her love for James.

As Pepper rightly pointed out, they’re probably long divorced, and now their eternal love note is just another scar on this wonderful natural wonder.

Even if you don’t want to climb the rocks, you’ll still get to see the beauty of the Ravine. But I’ve actually come to enjoy the rock climbing. There’s something incredibly satisfying about climbing rocks. It’s challenging, sure, but it’s also empowering. Every time I haul myself up another boulder, I feel a little bit invincible.

Next was Mushroom Rock. Oh my hat! The walk there was in itself scenic, but when you get to be under this humongous crevice and look up to the “mushroom”, it just makes you realize how beautiful this world would be without humans….or at the very least…Sarah…. to destroy it!

We walked on from Mushroom Rock, and to be honest, we just kept following a trail, hoping it knew where it was going because we sure didn't.

It seemed like you could either walk on or backtrack to the start. We decided to press on, only to be unceremoniously dumped onto the street.

We strolled back to the car park along the pavement, feeling a bit let down. I mean, we’re in The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and the grand finale is a walk down a road?

Although, thinking about it now... not sure I could have handled much more beauty for one day without spontaneously combusting.

After our hike, we settled for a cup of coffee from the caravan across the street from the parking lot. Even the caravan coffee tasted perfect. How could it not? We sat in the sun at a table, gazing in awe at the breathtaking scenery before us. It was as if the beauty of nature had infused itself into every sip. Damn... time to face reality and head home.

I took one last look at this natural marvel, reminiscing about the last time I left Clarens.

“Clarens you tricky, beautiful thing,” I thought, “You’ve won this round. But next time, I’ll come prepared for your sneaky charm.

My Hiking Hag Ratings:

AREA - Sigh...........

COST - R 67.......still do not get it.....just make it R 60 or R 70...but whatever floats your boat!

DIFFICULTY - MODERATE TO HARD

From the start, BAM! The rapid incline hits me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, I’m grappling with gravity and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. Legs burning, lungs screaming, I wonder if the view at the top is really going to be worth this mini heart attack.

Oh....and yes.....yes it was worth every laboured breathe to get there!

LENGTH - All 3 together were around 5 km which took us approximately 2 hrs.                          

ELEVATION - For me, the start was the most strenuous, but the rest felt gentle.

MARKERS - Well marked until the very end, but we couldn't get lost.

AMENITIES - There are places to shop for the campsite.....need to try that too....dammit, so much to do and so little time!!!

HIGHLIGHTS: What looks to be a professionally landscaped garden at the start. Possibly only in winter, but I am sure there would be an alternate beauty in summer.

ABLUTIONS - Clean

PARKING - Plenty!!