Clarens
Travel South Africa - CLARENS
The tiny town of Clarens, nestled in the eastern Free State near the Lesotho border, is affectionately referred to as the jewel of the eastern Free State.
Watched over by the Rooiberg Mountains and the Maluti Mountains a short distance away, the area is home to icy-clean streams, crisp mountain air and a tree-filled town of great art and food.
Many visitors from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein have made Clarens their weekend holiday spot. The town is roughly a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein. The closest airport is in Bloemfontein, 250 km.
Clarens Travel News
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EXPLORE
Travellers seeking tranquillity, nature and adventure, love to explore Clarens for good reason. Horse riding and hiking are popular. Travellers can also step back millions of years, exploring the region’s geological and palaeontology history.
Of all its charms, the area is probably most famous for fly fishing and, according to the experts, it offers the best trout fishing in the country.
Fishing
Why you should visit: Clarens has a reputation for some of the best fly fishing and trout fishing locations in the country. Most of the fishing is in still waters, although the Caledon River is an option for those wanting to try a stream. There’s also the Ash River, 14 km from the town.
For river and dam fishing (trout, bass, yellowfish and carp) there’s the Clarens Conservancy Dam.
There’s also the Townlands Dam (permit required) and Clarens Village Nature Reserve (no permits) for bass or carp.
How much does it cost: Permits and fees may be required. Ask at The Clarens Golf and Trout Estate Clubhouse and Clarens Xtreme.
Dinosaur hunting expeditions
Why you should visit: Clarens was established in 1912 but long, long before then, other creatures roamed the landscape. Travellers interested in geology and palaeontology, or simply those interested in a tour with a difference, can join a fossil-hunting expedition in the town and surrounds.
The Dinosaur Tour begins with a comprehensive talk on the history of the region and then proceeds to a viewing of an ancient river bed where eager eyes can spot fossilised footprints of dinosaurs.
Tours are suitable for all ages.
How much does it cost: Contact David on 083 469 4703 / 082 829 4978 for pricing. Tours take place at 09h00 and 14h00 daily, subject to booking.
EXPERIENCE
The town of Clarens itself is only 12,68 km², so walking around while browsing the surprising number of great art galleries, crafts and restaurants is the best way to soak up the atmosphere. Despite its size, it has a vibrant yet charming small-town feel, with a strong community of artists and creatives.
Outside of the town proper, those watercolour-perfect landscapes beckon. There are a host of experiences for the nature lover and adventure seeker to choose from.
Adventurers can take their pick from hot air ballooning and mountain biking to abseiling. The Clarens Village Conservancy has many short hiking and walking trails, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. You can also mountain bike here – pop in at Clarens XTreme for details.
Be sure to pop into the Clarens Country Market every Saturday – meet at the Bibliophile Bookshop (the red corrugated little book store – worth a visit in its own right) for the Clarens Country Market.
Autumn festivals in Clarens
Why you should visit: Jeffrey’s Bay needs no introductiClarens is a year-round destination, but there’s something particularly special about autumn (February to April). Find the town coloured with reds, oranges and yellows from the falling leaves. March is also festival time with many heartwarming (and heart-pumping) events.
The town’s calendar of events is always packed. The Clarens Craft Beer Festival (said to be the best craft beer festival in the country), a Lifestyle Cook-Off, Surrender Hill Marathon, a 1,500m swim in the Sterkfontein Dam, Rocky Mountain Festival Cycling event, classical concerts, Northern Drakensberg trail run, mountain bike challenges and the Festival of Dirt weekend trail runs all take place in Clarens and surrounds in the autumn.
Visit the art galleries
Why you should visit: If you’re not visiting during festival time, you can still feed your artistic soul. Wander through President Square and Main Street and pop in at the many art galleries and curio shops. The Art and Wine Gallery is a must-visit. It’s also reported to be the country’s first gallery joining those two elements that pair so perfectly. Blou Donki Art Gallery is another highlight and features the work of local South African artists.
Bergwoning 4x4 Trails
Why you should visit: If you’re exploring Clarens, make a detour to kick up some dust. Bergwoning offers two 4X4 trails. One is a 6 km, two-hour, family-friendly self-drive trail, while the other is a 26 km route guided by owner, Thys Martiz. It’s an adrenalin-busting adventure for experienced drivers.
How to get there: Contact Bergwoning Guest Farm, 15 km from Clarens, for details.
How much does it cost: Call 082 396-7595 for pricing.
SLEEP
There’s no shortage of cosy cottages, and comfy farm stays in and around Clarens. Most of them, whether they’re just a short walk from the city centre or on a farm, boasts marvellous views. Except for the Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens and the Mont d’Or Clarens hotel, all the town’s accommodation choices are small establishments proudly owned and run by locals. Browse on Airbnb or booking.com and book what most tickles your fancy.
Book early! The town is incredibly popular year-round, even during the week.
Old Mill Drift Guest Farm
Why you should stay here: Budget travellers will appreciate the variety of accommodation choices available at Old Mill Drift Guest Farm. From traditional rondavels suitable for couples to thatched sandstone cottages and chalets sleeping up to 11 people, backpacker accommodation, camping sites to wooden wendy houses, everyone can find somewhere to lay their head.
The Wendy Houses are particularly suited for budget travellers. Quaint, cosy and simple, the wendy house structures are kitted out with two single beds (they can be made up as a king) and a dining table for two on the small veranda. Ablutions are shared with the campsite. They’re ideal if you don’t want to fuss with setting up a tent!
The farm is also pet-friendly, and the first two pooches get to stay free of charge.
How to get there: Situated between Clarens and Fouriesberg off the R711 to S1356.
How much does it cost to stay here: Wendy houses are priced from R200 per person (includes bed linen).
Frost House
Why you should stay here: Frost House is one of the oldest buildings in Clarens. Today it has been sensitively restored and renovated to offer a charming two-bedroom, fully self-catering accommodation in the heart of the village. It is within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and galleries, so makes for an ideal car-free stay if you’re exploring the town.
How to get there: The house is on Church Street, just off of the village square.
How much does it cost to stay here: Rates are on average R1,000 per night for two guests.
Pear Tree Cottage
Why you should stay here: A 1,2 km walk from Clarens square and situated on the Clarens Conservancy, Pear Tree Cottage is ideally situated for hikers, walkers and nature lovers wanting to explore, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the town but also not too far.
The sandstone cottage is fully self-catering and beautifully furnished and decorated. The cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms and also boasts a covered veranda and built-in braai, as well as a fireplace for those winter nights.
How to get there: Find it on 4 Steyn Street, Clarens.
How much does it cost to stay here: R1,600 for four people sharing per night.
EAT
It may be a small town, but it packs a punch for flavour and variety of great cuisine. Clarens is a foodie’s delight. Expect fresh produce and home-cooked delights in a relaxed setting.
278 on Main is the breakfast and brunch spot of choice and Artist Café at the Windmill Centre is the perfect place to rest your feet after browsing the Village Square. Clementine’s also comes highly recommended.
Don’t leave without sampling some craft beer and trout – two of the town’s most famous culinary exports.
Clarens Brewery
What’s special about it: Taste great beers and ciders in the buzzing country and village atmosphere of Clarens. The Clarens Brewery is one of the country’s first brew-pubs, cideries and distilleries in the area. Meet brewer Stephan Meyer while sampling all the beers and ciders, washed down with some hearty German-style sausages and lunch meals. Little ones can enjoy a homemade cherry or apple juice tasting.
They also brew seasonal beers, such as the hazelnut-infused brown ale, Clarens Goes Nuts, for the annual Clarens Craft Beer Festival in February.
How much does it cost: There are free tastings and brewery tours. A selection of German sausages, with a roll, is priced at R40, and assorted meat platters for two are from R100.
The Posthouse Restaurant, Clarens
What’s special about it: Considering it’s one of the best places for trout fishing in South Africa, don’t leave without trying it. If you haven’t been lucky enough to catch your dinner, head to The Posthouse Restaurant where you can try trout pan-fried in butter, garlic, onions and lemon. Heavenly!
How to get there: Find it on 35 Hoof Street, Clarens.
How much does it cost: The trout dish is priced from R130 and is served with rice and salad.
