Clarens is a charming town that offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many people living in Johannesburg and Pretoria visit Clarens as it is the perfect weekend getaway. And I am here to share the perfect Clarens itinerary!
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens is perfect for scenic hikes, delightful dining experiences and cozy accommodations.
Here is the perfect weekend itinerary, so pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to immerse yourself in the serene beauty and welcoming charm of Clarens.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy
PIN this on Pinterest so that you can read it again later!
Day 1
We stopped at the (📍) Engen Bergview Petrol Station in Harrismith for a quick coffee break before we continued with the 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Clarens.
Our check-in was only at 14:00, so we decided to first stop at the viewpoints at Golden Gate National Park, which is located about 30 minutes from Clarens. There are many stops along the way as you make your way through the Lichen Pass. From here we drove the Blesbok Loop and took in the beautiful mountain range.
The yellow frames are also a popular attraction in South Africa and were next on our list. This is located at the Golden Gate Hotel.
We made our way to Clarens and quickly grabbed lunch at (📍) The Square in town before we checked in at our Airbnb. Getting to our AirBnb, we decided to relax for the remainder of the day as we had a big day planned for the following day.
We finally grabbed dinner at (📍) Mosaic Pizzeria, where there was some great life entertainment.
Day 2
When we started planning our trip, we decided to add a day trip to the Drakensberg to our list. We’ve wanted to do the famous Amphitheater trail for a long time, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.
We made our way to the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge early the Saturday morning to be on time for the 8 am shuttle that took us to the start of the trail. The drive from Clarens to Witsieshoek is about an hour and a half. From here we started our ascend to the top of the tallest waterfall in the world – the Tugela Falls. This was truly an amazing experience and I would recommend you add this to your trip if you like hiking.
This hike takes about 5+ hours to complete. We did take a bit longer as we had lunch at the top and admired the view.
We were quite tired after that hike, so we made our way back to Clarens and enjoyed some pizza at (📍) The Highlander Restaurant. The wood fire pizza was the perfect reward after the 12km hike.
READ MORE:
Day 3
We took it slow on day 3 and slept in a bit. We then made our way to (📍) The Platform Restaurant for some waffles for brunch. Afterwards, we explored this little town on foot. There are so many great shops that are so unique.
The afternoon we made our way to Golden Gate Highlands National Park to do some of the hiking trails there. We started with the Mushroom Trail, made our way to the Eco Ravine and ended with the Brandwag Buttress Trail. This took us about 2 and a half hours.
Once we finished with the trails, we walked to the Natural Pools that are located behind the chalets.
Afterwards, we bought ice cream at the Petrol Station where we parked the car and then made our way to the Oribi Loop drive. We parked at the Drakensberg viewpoint and enjoyed our post-hike ice cream snack. We watched as the sun set over the mountains and just when we left, it started raining. Talk about perfect timing.
As we drove back to Clarens, I looked for restaurants to grab dinner at. I was surprised at how early the restaurants close on a Sunday, and for a moment it looked like we would go to bed hungry. Luckily, the (📍) Post House Restaurant was still open, so we headed there for some burgers and ribs.
READ MORE:
Day 4
This was our last morning at Clarens and check-out was at 10 am. After we checked out we made our way to the (📍) Highland Coffee Roastery to get the permit for the Clarens Nature Reserve Trails and also some coffee for the trip (they are known to have the best coffee in town).
We did the short walk to Kloof Dam and grabbed lunch at the (📍) Clarens Brewery.
The next stop was the (📍) ‘Bus Stop’ Coffee Shop and then we made our way back to Pretoria. We did stop for some photos with the beautiful Cosmos flowers that are in season from the middle of March to the end of April.
READ MORE:
For more information on all these activities, read more:
Jacaranda Season in Gauteng
As spring unfolds its colourful palette across Gauteng, the arrival of Jacaranda season paints the landscape in shades of purple. It transforms the city streets...
READ MORE
The Best Ice Cream Shops in Pretoria
Nothing beats the joy of enjoying a delightful scoop of ice cream, especially on a warm day. So I’ve decided to track down the finest...
READ MORE
See the Christmas Lights in Pretoria and Johannesburg
It’s the festive season. My favourite time of the year and what better way to get the festive spirits than by wandering through the streets...
READ MORE
The best coffee spots in Pretoria
South Africa is well known for its great coffee culture, and you’ll find some great coffee shops here. Afrikaners refer to coffee as a ‘lekker...
READ MORE
Great markets in Pretoria
I don’t know about you, but I love a good market, and Pretoria has some really good ones! And what better way to spend your...
READ MORE
A day trip to Sun City | Valley of Waves
Sun City is located in the North West province, a two-hour drive from Pretoria/ Johannesburg. This is perfect for just a day trip, or you...
READ MORE
Top things to do in Clarens
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...
READ MORE
Three Botanical Gardens in Gauteng that is worth visiting.
Even though Gauteng is known for its city skylines, there are many nature escapes in the area. Nature reserves include the Wilds Nature Reserve and Moreleta...
READ MORE
Top things to do in Pretoria
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Now people tend to overlook Pretoria when they...
READ MORE
Golden Gate Highlands National Park Travel Guide
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located on the foothill of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa. This is...
READ MORE
Things to do in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, often called Jozi or Joburg, is a vibrant city in South Africa that offers visitors a mix of urban and natural attractions. This is...
READ MORE
Staying at Rosemary Hill
Tucked away in the serene countryside of Pretoria, you’ll find Rosemary Hill Farm. It has definitely become a favourite staycation in Pretoria as it offers...
READ MORE
The best time to visit South Africa
When is the best time to visit South Africa? This is a question I get asked quite often, and my response is always, “It depends...
READ MORE
Wolwespruit Hiking Trails
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Pretoria lies Wolwespruit. This is a tranquil haven for hiking and mountain biking. The Wolwespruit park got its name...
READ MORE
Wonderboom Nature Reserve Hiking Trails
Wonderboom Nature Reserve is located in the northern part of Pretoria and is mostly famous for the massive ‘wild fig tree’ also known as the...
READ MORE
Groenkloof Nature Reserve Hiking Trails
Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, you’ll find Groenkloof Nature Reserve which offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Renowned for its...
READ MORE
Visit the Wilds Nature Reserve
I was pleasantly surprised when we visited the Wilds Nature Reserve. Even though it is located in one of the biggest cities in South Africa...
READ MORE
Hedianga Farm Hiking Trails
It was quite late the Saturday afternoon, and after deciding to sleep a bit in, we decided to do a hiking trail that is close...
READ MORE
Hiking at Clarens Nature Reserve
Clarens is nestled on the foothill of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State of South Africa. It is known for its quirky restaurants and...
READ MORE
The Big Red Barn Hiking Trails
The Big Red Barn is located in Olifantsfontein (or close to Irene in Pretoria) and there are so many great activities here, one activity includes...
READ MORE
Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve, Pretoria
Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, the Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This...
READ MORE
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve in Pretoria
Faerie Glen is located in the urban heart of Pretoria and is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. This enchanting sanctuary offers...
READ MORE
Hiking Trails at Rosemary Hill | Pretoria
Rosemary Hill Farm is located on the outskirts of Pretoria East and it is the perfect hidden gem waiting to be discovered by outdoor enthusiasts....
READ MORE
Golden Gate Highlands National Park Hiking Trails
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in the Free State of South Africa. It is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Renowned...
READ MOREWant to read it again later? PIN IT!
