Lundcruiser Adventures: Golden Views

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

We are in the campground at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It is located in the foothills of the Maluti mountains in Free State South Africa (Free State is a province) and covers an area of about 130 sq. miles. It derived its name from the brillant gold colors reflected off the mountains at sunset.

The towering sandstone cliffs surround the area,

We visited the Basotho Cultural Center for a tour of a village that illustrates this African tribe's history and social and cultural development from the 1600's to present day. It was interesting to learn about many of their cultural practices. A sentry was high on the hill playing a violin to indicate the start of a meeting for the men of the tribe.

Then we got to sit with the tribal chief and his assistant. (Women are normally not allowed in these meetings but this was a tour) It was in these meetings where the tribe voted to go to war to save their land.

The huts were constructed of clay and stones held together with a mixure of cow dung, and topped by a roof made of straw.

They stored water or food in straw baskets held off the ground by poles made of trees.

A few of the villagers entertained as we ended the tour.

It's amazing the Basotho people have kept their heritage alive, and that the tribe has managed to continue. Although many of the Basotho people have adopted a western culture lifestyle, about 20% of them adhere to their native customs and culture.

After the tour, we drove through the park taking in the magnificent views.

On the Oribi loop, we hiked out to a "vulture hide"--a designated feeding area for vultures, set up to attempt to conserve the Cape Vulture species. There were numerous "no noise" signs, as the birds are sensitive to noises. It was a ittle buildig with windows to look out on the feeding area. Through these efforts, they now have a colony of over 200 Cape Vultures.