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Holkrans Cave
Holkrans Cave
Holkrans Ladder
Holkrans Ladder
Holkrans Ladder
Holkrans Ladder
Holkrans Ladder
Holkrans Ladder

About Holkrans Hike

As the name suggests, Holkrans (Afrikaans for “Hollow Cliff”) is a huge cavern in the vast (~50m high) cliff face. The 2.4 km circular route starts and ends at the Golden Gate Hotel and should take an hour to complete. Once you reach the Holkraans Cavern you have to make your way up the sandstone mountain-side using a wooden ladder. This is the most physically difficult section of what is mainly a easy walk along a clear pathway.

Hike Directions

This route offers some of the clearest views of the sandstone cliffs because, unlike the other short walks; it is predominantly without any dense bushes or shrubs flanking the pathway. Near the finish of the route, the path rounds a corner and offers a wonderful view of the cliffs of Brandwag Buttress.

About the area

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is secretly tucked away in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains and surrounded by breathtaking scenery of wildlife and lush vegetation.

The Golden Gate National Park is a Free State Nature Reserve in South Africa, located in the north eastern part of Free State and derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock. The area is famous for its captivating scenery, invigorating climate and the accommodation offered in hotel rooms, rondavels (round huts) and self-catering chalets.

Address & Contact details

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State

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Track Map

GPS Track Details
Track length: 2.43 km
Total ascent: 145 m
Total descent: 145 m
Difficulty Level: 2/5 - Easy

Location Map