Clarens

Afrikaans name: 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?

Above - Clarens has some interesting shops and great restaurants

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Clarens is a picturesque town

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Dutch Reformed Church, Clarens

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - A residential area

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Things ewe never knewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Published: 2015 - Page: 41

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 107

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 143

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 300

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 12

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 348

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 360

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 246

Mooiloop! The Book - Author: SABC 2 - Published: 2016 - Page: 70

go! - Issue 171 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 46

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 204

Getaway - Vol 35 No 02 - Author: - Published: 2023 - Page: 46

go! - Issue 155 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 101

Getaway - Vol 29 No 10 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 53

Getaway - Vol 29 No 07 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 40

Getaway - Vol 29 No 06 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 50

Getaway - Vol 29 No 01 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 69

Getaway - Vol 27 No 09 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 78

Drive Out 4X4 Trail Guide - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 26

Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 682 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 32

Wikipedia - Clarens

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