The eastern part of South Africa’s Free State province, which runs along the Maluti mountains, is a year-round destination. Enjoy afternoon thundershowers in the summer and a snowy wonderland in the winter. In the autumn, trees and grasses create a red and copper mosaic.
The following is a list of things to do in Clarens.
- Visit a national park- A visit to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, less than 20 kilometers east of Clarens, is a must to appreciate the sandstone mountains formed from compacted sand dunes 190 to 196 million years ago when the area was a desert. You can see mammals like eland, hartebeest, and zebra, as well as 60 species of grass and layered views of the surrounding mountains, if you drive one of the mountain loops. Visit the Oribi Loop vulture hide to see the endangered bearded vulture (lammergeier) and other vultures. Enjoy learning about culture at the Basotho Cultural Village and seeing the iconic Brandwag Buttress (pictured above) lit up at night, when it has a more mysterious appearance than in bright sunlight.
- Go shopping- Clarens shops are entertaining, with everything from pottery, leatherwork, and handcrafted knives to art galleries, traditional blankets, and books. Groundcover sells high-quality leather shoes, belts, and bags, as well as a selection of well-made teddy bears. Other interesting shops to visit include the outdoor Clarens Unique Garden Products, which sells wrought iron gazebos and other garden furniture, the Ugly Duckling, which sells bric-a-brac, curios, rugs, and furniture, and the Cheeky Mouse, which sells scarves, wooden signs, and woven mats. The Mona Lisa Garment Gallery sells vintage clothing and antiques. There are numerous nice décor shops dotted around town to tempt you into making a purchase.
- Dive into history- Pretend you’re a Free Stater during the Anglo-Boer War and discover what it’s like to capitulate to the British by visiting Surrender Hill on the Fouriesburg Road, about 10 kilometers from Clarens. Alternatively, take a historical tour to see the first Boer settlement after the Great Trek and the cave where women and children sought refuge during the Anglo-Boer War. If you’re interested in really old history (as in palaeontological), take a Dinosaur Tour and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs and mammal-like reptiles.
- Go horseback riding – If you want to try something new, go horseback riding in Clarens. Take an hour-long morning ride around the village, or a two-hour sundowner ride on a cowboy ranch.
What is Clarens famous for?
Clarens has a wonderful selection of local art galleries, with something for everyone to enjoy. Art and Wine Gallery, Blou Donki Art Gallery, Addy & Hoyle Art Gallery, and Tina De Beer Gallery are among the more well-known options.
Is it safe to drink the water in Clarens?
Water: Tap water in major cities and towns, as well as most game reserves, is purified and completely safe to drink.
Clarens is located in which province?
Clarens, Eastern Free State province, is a small town in South Africa’s Eastern Free State province. It is well-known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and pleasant climate.
