The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa

Clarens

Afrikaans name: Clarens

Clarens

Clarens

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Free State

The small town of Clarens is surrounded by mountains, the most notable being the Maloti Mountain. The open spaces, trees and mountain scenery make it a great place to spend some time away from the city. Autumn is a great time to visit this quaint town as the leaves on the trees turn orange and red making a beautiful sight. Spring is another popular time to visit as you avoid the coldness of winter. Make sure you book way in advance to secure your ideal accommodation. If you are planning on visiting Clarens over a long weekend then you definitely need to book early and be prepared for a noisier weekend than normal. On long weekends the normally quiet takes on a totally different vibe with fancy motorbikes cruising the short streets and bars and restaurants filled with visitors.

Clarens is well-known for its art galleries and shops. The town is set up to attract tourists and boasts many interesting shops and restaurants. The town also hosts art and food festivals at different times of the year. Most of the shops and restaurants look onto the large open square in the middle of the town.

There are many outdoor activities that can be undertaken in, or nearby Clarens, including horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, quad biking and abseiling.

The beautiful Golden Gate Highland National Park is nearby.

Of special interest to both young and old will be the fossils that have been found in the area. Make sure you take the Clarens Dinosaur Tour which involves a talk, a display of fossils and a field trip.

Have you been to Clarens? How was your visit?



Clarens shops and restaurants

Above - Clarens has some interesting shops and great restaurants

Photo © Steven Herbert

Picturesque view of Clarens

Above - Clarens is a picturesque town

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Clarens

Above - Dutch Reformed Church, Clarens

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Residential area in Clarens

Above - A residential area

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading


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