South Africa's Charming Town Of Clarens Is An Ultimate Escape

Known as ‘the jewel of the Free State,’ Clarens is a charming artists’ town in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains that offers the perfect escape from city life. Think galleries, quaint clothing stores and tons of outdoor activities, there’s much to keep visitors busy.

Go beer tasting at Clarens Brewery

Clarens Brewery is situated in the centre of town and is the perfect spot to people-watch while grabbing a bite to eat and tasting world class beers. Choose between a variety of brews, from the Blonde Ale to the Stout or their Red Stone Cider made from locally sourced produce, there’s something to quench even the thirstiest craving.

Shop 1, Rosemary Centre, 326 Main Street, Clarens, +27 58 256 1193

Beer tasting at its best at Clarens Brewery

Take a walk on the wild side and discover the amazing history imprinted in the landscape surrounding Clarens. From footprints to preserved fossils, a knowledgeable guide will lead guests through some of the most scenic, and interesting, parts of the Free State while they learn about the geology and the prehistoric species that once roamed the land.

Contact Clarens Dinosaur Tours on +27 83 469 4703

Face your fears with Clarens Xtreme

If an adrenaline rush is what you’re after then you’ve come to the right place. The Ash river provides some of the best white water rafting opportunities in the country. The whole experience takes approximately three hours and your booking includes everything you need, including transportation and drinks.

Contact Clarens Xtreme on +27 58 256 1260

Hike the surrounds

Hiking is a popular activity in Clarens, and there are many trails to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or after something a bit more challenging, there’s a route accommodating every fitness level. One of the most recommended shorter routes is the Maluti View trail, a quick 700 metre stroll to a vantage point that overlooks the Maluti Mountains is where you want to watch the sun rise or set.

Visit the Basotho Cultural Village

The Basotho Cultural Village, boasting colourful architecture, gives visitors some insight into the traditions of the South Sotho culture. Meet the chief and his traditional healer (also known as a bone thrower), who will guide you on a Herbal Trail tour on which you’ll be shown San rock art and learn about the medicinal herbs often used by the Sotho people.

The colourful architecture evident of the Basotho Cultural Village

Play a round of golf at the Clarens Golf and Leisure Estate

The Clarens Golf and Leisure Estate is set in a picturesque location with amazing panoramic views from all angles. The 18 hole course winds along a scenic river with willow and poplar trees scattered all over. After the game, head to the beautifully decorated club house for a round of drinks.

Golden Gate Road, Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, Clarens, +27 58 256 1270

Browse the Bibliophile bookstore

Book lovers flock to this quaint bookstore when visiting Clarens. Selling a wide variety of new and second hand reads you’re bound to find a page turner here, and all at reasonable prices. There’s also an artists’ corner where creatives can stock up on supplies.

312 Church St, Clarens, +27 58 256 1692

Spend a day in the Golden Gate National Park

The Golden Gate Highlands National Park boasts rolling hills and expansive views, with the Drakensberg visible in the distance. Khoisan rock paintings are found in caves throughout the park and there are numerous hiking routes and view points. The Brandwag Buttress is a popular trail and hiking it is worth making time for. It shouldn’t take more than one hour to complete and promises to be an unforgettable experience — once you reach the top you’ll understand why.

The Brandwag Buttress is illuminated in golden hues by the sun

Stay in a castle

If a fairy tale setting is what you’re after look no further than The Castle in Clarens. The dreamy guesthouse, also known as Rapunzel’s Tower, is self-catering and sleeps four people in two beautifully decorated en suite bedrooms. It comes complete with a ‘magic’ garden and a Sunset Room, which has been designed in such a way as to get the best out of the surrounding views.

Book by contacting +27 83 2680 497

Get your fill of live music at Lush Festival

Lush Festival takes place from March 29 to April 2 at the Linwood Guest Farm and hosts an impressive line up of local and international musicians, including Albert Frost, Desmond & the Tutus and Jack Parow. Grab you camping gear and get ready for a weekend filled with music, great food and even better company.

Tickets start at R545 and can be booked online.

Visit the many art galleries

Clarens is home to many artists and as such galleries flourish in this small town. The Art and Wine Gallery on Main is the first of its kind in South Africa and it’s here that visitors can purchase art while stocking up on some of the best South African wines. Smudge Contemporary Art and Blou Donki Art Gallery, among many others, exhibit the best of local works and you’re guaranteed to spot a unique piece to add to your collection.

Take a stroll through town

From stores selling mohair products to deli’s filled with the tastiest treats, a day spent wandering the streets of Clarens is a day well spent. It doesn’t take long to cover the whole town, but you’ll be popping in and out of stores and stopping for coffee as you go along. Bossie Knives, tucked away behind the bookstore, sells custom made knives ideal as gifts and souvenirs, there are many clothing stores stocking handcrafted garments and the Clarens Country Market is great for stocking up on artisanal crafts and fresh produce.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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