Clarens is this charming and quaint small town that is located on the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa. It is known as the “Jewel of the Eastern Free State” and was established in 1912. This hidden gem promises a blend of natural beauty, artistic flair, and outdoor adventure.
It got its name from the town of Clarens in Switzerland where Paul Kruger spent his last days. Once you see the mountain views (especially during winter), you’ll understand why it got its name.
Clarens is also known for its many local restaurants, each one unique in its own way. It is the perfect getaway for the foodie traveller and the adventure traveller, creating the ideal peaceful retreat.
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Where is Clarens?
(📍) Clarens is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you want to escape Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein or Durban, this quaint village will ensure a peaceful escape.
It is only a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg and Bloemfontein and a 4-hour drive from Pretoria and Durban.
If you are driving from Gauteng, I would advise that you drive through Harrismith, as the road from Villiers to Clarens is not the best. This will however add an extra half an hour to your trip, and you’ll see another beautiful area. Make sure to grab a cup of coffee at Seattle located at the (📍) Engen Bergview 1 Stop located in Harrismith.
When is the best time to visit Clarens?
Clarens is a popular destination all year round.
- During the winter season (June to August) you’ll see the mountains are covered with a white blanket of snow.
- Spring (September to November) starts to warm up during the day making this the perfect time to do some outdoor activities.
- Summer (December to February) can be quite crowded as many people flock to Clarens during the holidays. This is also the perfect time for some outdoor activities.
- In my personal opinion, the best time to visit Clarens is during Autumn (March to May) as this is right after the rainy season, so everything is lush and green. It is also not so hot during the day and the most important part – it is the cosmos season. So the fields turn into a ray of white and pink flowers.
Things to do in Clarens
Here are some of the best things to do in Clarens:
Take a walk through Clarens Nature Reserve
Clarens has no shortage of outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains and rivers provide the perfect backdrop for activities.
One of my absolute favourite outdoor activities is enjoying the trails at (📍) Clarens Nature Reserve (also known as the Clarens Village Conservancy. The reserve can easily be accessed on foot and there are multiple hikes to choose from, varying from short and easy to longer more challenging trails.
The most famous trail is the Kloof Dam trail. These are also pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can also enjoy the outdoors.
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Explore the small town by foot
The small village makes it easy to explore without a car. Most accommodations are close to the centre of the village where you’ll find charming streets lined with boutique shops and restaurants.
So get up early, grab a bite to eat and then set on to see more of what this cute village has to offer.
Visit the Clarens Brewery
(📍) Clarens Brewery is a local favourite, offering a delightful range of craft beers and ciders. The brewery provides a cozy atmosphere where you can sample their unique brews and enjoy some hearty pub fare. It’s a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring, and often features live music and events that enhance the vibrant community feel of the town.
Check out the annual beer festival that usually takes place in February or March.
Take a trip to Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Just a short drive from Clarens (20 minutes) is the (📍) Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It is renowned for its stunning sandstone formations and rich biodiversity. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, such as the Mushroom Rock, Echo Ravine and the Brandwag Buttress, suitable for all fitness levels. There are some must-see viewpoints along the way and it is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts as the park is home to various species, including zebras, elands, and over 100 bird species.
Go shopping
Right in town, you’ll find unique souvenirs and locally made products. Browse handmade crafts, jewellery, and artisanal foods. It’s an excellent way to support local artisans and take a piece of Clarens home with you.
Enjoy the cosmos flowers
Although this can not be found throughout the year, if you do decide to visit Clarens in March and April, then watch out for the cosmos flowers. They cannot be missed, as the road is lined with pink and white cosmos flowers.
Visit the cutest bookshop
You’ll find the cutest little bookshop here in Clarens called (📍) Bibliophile. The red corrugated iron building is a small family-owned bookshop and it will welcome all booklovers to see what it has to offer.
Explore the annual Cherry Festival
Although the cherry festival is not in Clarens, but rather in (📍) Ficksburg, it is only a short 80km drive, making it worth adding to your list.
Ficksburg is known as the Cherry Town of South Africa and every year in November, you can experience the Cherry Festival. This is also the oldest crop festival in South Africa!
The festival includes cherry tours, golf classics, a half marathon, equestrian events and beer fests. You’ll also hear local artists perform at the festival.
Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon ride
For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon. Floating high above Clarens, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Maluti Mountains, lush farmlands, and the charming village below. Hot air balloon rides typically take place at sunrise, offering a serene and magical way to start your day.
Check out their website for price info.
Discover Local Art and Culture
Clarens is known for its thriving art scene. The town is dotted with numerous art galleries showcasing works by local artists. (📍) The Blou Donki Gallery and (📍) Addy & Hoyle Art Gallery are particularly popular, offering a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts. For those who are interested in hands-on experiences, several studios offer workshops where you can try your hand at pottery or painting.
Sample Local Cuisine
Clarens boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to diverse tastes. From gourmet dining to casual bistros, you’ll find a range of options.
Here are some of our favourite restaurants we ate at:
The Platform
(📍) The Platform specializes in waffles, and they did not disappoint. I’ll say that this is the perfect breakfast spot. They have a wide variety of waffles to choose from – both savoury and sweet.
Clarens Brewery
Even though (📍) Clarens Brewery is mostly known for its beer and gin tasting. They also have some great food choices. They even provide bigger portions of the kid’s menu to adults (like me) who always want chicken strips, but they tend to not be on the adult’s menu.
The Square
(📍) The Square was the very first restaurant we stopped at when we got to Clarens. They had such great and quick service and the food was also delicious.
The Purple Onion
(📍) The Purple Onion is a great shopping store to buy some unique gifts and there is also a nice deli. But right at the back is a restaurant with a great view overlooking the mountains in the distance.
Post House Restaurant
On Sunday evening we drove around Clarens just to realize that most of the restaurants had already closed. Luckily, the (📍) Post House was open till late so we made our way there. They have some great specials, so make sure to look out for them.
The Highlander Restaurant
(📍) The Highlander Restaurant is the perfect place for whiskey lovers. They have a great selection of whiskey and their woodfired pizzas are so delicious.
Mosaic Pizzeria
Even though their main speciality is pizza, (📍) Mosaic Pizzeria also have some pasta options. I had a really tasty lasagna.
They also had live music the Saturday night, which created such a nice vibe.
Clementines
(📍) Clementines is a popular option to wine and dine at in Clarens.
The restaurant was once a SA railway bus service maintenance shed and was turned into a restaurant in 1997.
Die Bus Stop
Although (📍) ‘Die Bus Stop’ is located on the outskirts of Clarens. This is a unique coffee shop that is worth a visit.
Highland Coffee Roastery
(📍) The Highland Coffee Roastery is known to have some of the best coffee in town. This is also where you can get a permit for the Clarens Nature Reserve.
Red Stone Craft
If you do want to do some gin tasting with a nice view then (📍) Red Stone Craft is the place for you. You can also buy some gin from them to take home.
Moocca Gelato
If you want something for your sweet tooth then head to (📍) Moocca Gelato for some ice-cream.
Drive to the Drakensberg and do the Amphitheater hike to the tallest waterfall in the world
If you are in Clarens long enough and have an extra day to spare, I suggest you take the one-and-a-half-hour drive to (📍) Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge and then make your ascend up the Amphitheater trail. This trail leads to the tallest waterfall in the world and is quite impressive. Honestly one of the best hikes I’ve done in South Africa.
Relax and Unwind
Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Clarens is the perfect place to unwind and take in the serene surroundings. Whether you choose to relax in your charming guesthouse, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply sit back with a good book, the tranquil atmosphere of Clarens is surely rejuvenating to the spirit.
Where to stay
There are so many great accommodation available in Clarens. Almost every second house is a B&B, hotel or Airbnb.
If you are looking for a unique stay in Clarens, then THE CASTLE is the place to be. And I’m sure everyone has heard of this place before.
To stay at The Castle – BOOK HERE!
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