Clarens, a small town situated in the Eastern Free State Highlands, is famous for its wonderful climate and spectacular sandstone mountains and is probably one of the most scenic and charming spots in all of South Africa! Eight of the best things that travelers can experience while traveling in Clarens, South Africa.This is a list of things to do in Clarens.
The small village was known as the “Jewel of the Free State” because of its richness in beauty that comes with an aura of tranquility and peace.
Clarens is gifted with more trees than other Free State towns. It has light and fresh green willows and colorful blossoms of numerous fruit trees, making it an unforgettable sight during spring season while the magnificent shades of autumn attract nature lovers, photographers, and artists around the world!
So, if you are tired of getting around popular tourist spots because of the immense crowd every season, why not choose Clarens for a change. Although it is not that famous like other spots in South Africa, they also offer the same activities plus amazing Clarens accommodation like any other tourist spots the African country.
1. Visit the Clarens Brewery
Calling all beer lovers out there! Visit and sip away some of the fantastic brews at the renowned microbrewery in Clarens filled to the brim with delicious craft choices. Not a beer drinker? No worries! This brewery also offers a range of ciders too, and a great food menu that will surely satisfy your stomach— from meatball rolls and German sausages to hot chips and cheese platters served with mayo!
2. Enjoy the Wine and Arts
The town of Clarens is famous for being artsy, full of amazing creativity. Works of Aviva Maree, Pieter van der Westhuizen, J.H. Pierneed, Gregoire Boonzaier and more are on display. The venue also sells a broad range of South African wine so make sure to come and view some stunning arts and take a bottle or two of delicious wine with you!
3. Indulge in a Spa Treatment
If you wish to have a “me-time”, then the Clarens Wellness Day Spa should be the perfect place for you. This spa use Africology products that are fabulous and boast a range of signature treatments that make you feel divine! They also have a variety of packages which guarantees to send you to a state of bliss— from couple packages to family and kids day— this spa is a must-visit for the whole family to relax!
4. Go Horseback Riding
Release your inner cowboy and go on a horseback riding adventure with the whole family! Just 4 kilometers out of Clarens, Bokpoort offers you a great horseback riding experience. This family farm has been around since the year 1865 and oversees the whole of Clarens Valley— so ready your camera for the best scenic views ever!
But, if you are not the cowgirl type, Bokpoort offers other activities such as archery, team building, trail running, clay pigeon shooting, and mountain bike trails.
5. Go For a Hike
If you love the great outdoors, then it is highly advised that you take a hike in Clarens. It is a great town with numerous trails you can choose from.
And if you are up for an adventurous and challenging hike, then the Cannibal Trail is best for you. Don’t freak out about its name though, there are no cannibals ready to ambush you along the trails. Instead, you get to see historic rock arts, overnight facilities in a cave and more that will surely stick to your mind for many years!
If you want an easier trail, then the 2-hour hike in the Mushroom Rock Trail is the one for you. It has many rest spots along the way and you will be rewarded with a great picnic spot where you can rest and relax while taking in such an amazing view at the top of the trail.
6. Be Extreme
If you want some adrenaline action, then you will love Clarens Xtreme— an adventure company which offers a lot of cardio activities such as MTB trails, abseiling, paintball, quad biking, white water rafting and more! Also, they offer a shuttle to AfriSki, a ski resort in Lesotho, just 2 hours away from Clarens.
7. Hop in a Hot Air Balloon
View the beauty of Clarens like never before as you float above this magnificent town on a hot air balloon. Do not forget to bring your camera with you since it will surely you show you breathtaking views and sceneries!
8. Dinosaur Tour
Do your kids love dinosaurs? Then you Clarens can indulge them! A dinosaur tour in Clarens will expose you to a broad range of fascinating fossils. The tour starts with a talk about the paleontology and geology where you will learn about what the planet was like during the day of the dinosaurs then you get to view fossilized dinosaur footprints and bones that will surely amaze your kids!
