Clarens is considered by many to be the “Jewel of the Free State”. It is encompassed by the Rooiberg mountain range and is well known for the crisp, clean air and warm hospitality. Clarens is in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park, and is a great place to stop over if you’re planning on vising the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho.
Art, Culture, and Wellness
- A growing artistic community has taken root here, drawn by the picturesque scenery and architecture. These types are very prolific, especially come autumn when the leaves turn into a kaleidoscope of colours. There are a great variety of galleries about town showcasing their works, which are also available for purchase.
- If the artworks are a bit out your price range, then browse President Street which has a great collection of artsy shops that offer everything from pottery, to candles, to gift shops.
- There are a variety of beautiful sandstone buildings dotted about, which are fantastic to photograph, and are quite cosy to stay in.
- If you’re feeling stressed, visit the Mont D’Or hotel, which has an attached spa that offers a variety of treatments. Everything from massages to holistic healing therapies, are on offer, and you’ll float out on a bubble of bliss.
- Many farms in the area have fragments of bushman art, which are well worth seeing for the cultural insight, and make a great addition to your scrapbook.
- Meditation retreats to this area are beneficial, as the tranquillity of the countryside alleviates the city stresses, and the organic foods and fresh air help you feel rejuvenated.
Outdoor Fun
- The waters in Clarens are teaming with fish, and the area is known as the best trout fishing spot in the country. Anglers and fly-fishers will have a ball y fishing in these waters.
- Archery is a fun sport nowadays, but was once a greatly admired skill in ages past. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at it, then take a lesson or two in the fresh mountain air from Bent Stick Archery.
- Abseiling is offered in the area, and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscape.
- Visit in spring time to view the beautiful Cosmos flower fields that cover the area with soft pink, white, and sometimes even maroon, blossoms.
- Travel through time by engaging in a dinosaur fossil hunt within the Clarens area. Though it isn’t quite as rich in fossils as the Klein Karoo, you stand the chance to discover dinosaur teeth, bones, eggs, or the remains of other creatures that existed 200 million years ago.
- Spend the day game-viewing at the Golden Gate National Park, where you can spot black wildebeest, blesbok, eland, zebra, and possibly even a wary bearded vulture or two.
- Hiking, golfing, horse riding and 4x4ing are also offered within the area.
Recommended accommodation:
This luxurious guesthouse has everything you’ll require for a comfortable stay. They have hosted several small weddings in their garden, and each en-suite room has a patio of its own so visitors can drink in the tranquillity without disturbance. Click here to find out more information.
Let us know what your favorite Claren’s activities and attractions are.
Main Image accredited to Kanko* (Flickr)
