Brandwag Buttress Solo Silent Hiking | Golden Gate Highlands National Park

The Brandwag Buttress Trail is the crown jewel of hiking in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and it’s not hard to see why! This relatively short yet scenic trail immerses you in the park’s majestic beauty, offering a front-row seat to its striking geology and panoramic views.
Why the name “Golden Gate”? Brandwag Buttress, meaning “Sentinel” in Afrikaans, earns its title with golden-hued sandstone cliffs that come alive during sunrise and sunset. These radiant displays inspired the park’s name and are a must-see for any visitor.
Trail Highlights:
Short & Sweet: The 2.4 km route from Glen Reenen Rest Camp takes about an hour. However, we recommend taking your time to soak in the sights along the way. The trail is mostly gentle, except for a short, exciting climb near the top, assisted by a fixed chain.
Choose Your Adventure: You can start either from the Glen Reenen Rest Camp or the Golden Gate Hotel. Combine both routes for a round-trip experience that lets you see the buttress from different perspectives.
Unmatched Views: Whether you take the scenic main route or the quicker steps from the hotel, the reward at the top is the same breathtaking 360-degree view of this iconic landscape.
Tips:
Take It Slow: Don’t rush to the top. The sandstone overhangs, unique rock formations, and sweeping vistas along the way are worth every pause.
Perfect Timing: Plan your hike for sunrise or sunset to witness the cliffs bathed in golden light-a sight you’ll never forget.
Safety First: While the trail is well-marked and beginner-friendly, the final rocky section requires a bit of care. Think of it as climbing a ladder, only with an epic view waiting for you at the top.
Other hiking trails in Golden Gate Highlands National Park:
Ribbok Hiking Trail
Cathedral Cave Hike
Wodehouse Hike
Mushroom Rock Hike
Eco-Ravine Hike
Boskloof Hike
Holkrans Hike
Activities at Golden Gate Highlands National Park:
Hiking
Game viewing
Horse riding
Swimming in a natural pool at Glen Reenen Restcamp
Basotho Cultural Village
This was filmed at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa, using a Samsung S24, GoPro Hero 10, and DJI Mini 3 drone.
#HikingTrails
#HikingSouthAfrica
#BrandwagButtress
#GoldenGateNationalPark
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[@khanbabatraveller]

Excellent silent hiking. Excellent job

[@nkiayasitiyanibaloyi5625]

Breathtaking

[@Journey_with_Gwendol]

Scenic 🍃🍃🏞️

[@siyamtandanqwelo6713]

The views are everything, C!

[@alizen_archives]

Views matter!

[@ervinslens]

Spectacular scenery my friend! This solo hiking adventure looks amazing!

[@alizen_archives]

Thanks so much! It was an incredible experience, nothing like being surrounded by nature and soaking in the beauty.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Your video was truly beautiful and inspiring. As a fellow creator, I appreciate the effort you put into it. Sub and 👍42

[@alizen_archives]

Thank you so much!