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.

Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood.The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterised by the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and giraffe.

Perfectly posted half-way between Gauteng and the Cape, with easy access from Kwazulu Natal, the Free State, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga, you’ll find Forever Resorts Gariep on the banks of the country’s largest dam, the 374sq km Gariep Dam. Bordering a well-stocked nature reserve, this vast expanse of sparkling water offers equally sparkling attractions – take a tour down the biggest dam wall in South Africa, visit the interesting fish hatchery nearby or take a relaxing boat trip on the dam.