Flanked by the Maluti Mountains, the arty town of Clarens is known as the Jewel of the Free State for its quaint buildings, tree-lined streets and breathtaking setting.
By James Bainbridge
1. Out and about
Art trail
Clarens is South Africa’s original artists’ town, having long attracted painters with its poplar trees and stunning mountains, which seem as though they belong in a French Impressionist landscape.
One such artist is personable former Rhodesian Richard Rennie, who arrived in 1990 and now sells moody semi-abstract landscapes in his gallery on Main Street.
275 Main Street, www.richardrenniegallery.webs.com
There are enough galleries and boutiques for a day of browsing, with a smorgasbord of bric-a-brac, books, CDs and wine offered for sale alongside the canvases and sculptures. Look out for Clarens Gallery, which juxtaposes Middle Eastern rugs with watercolours and oils from closer to home.
323 Main Street, www.clarensgallery.co.za
2. Out and about
Clarens Xtreme Adventures
These outdoor enthusiasts add some adrenalin to the slow country pace, offering a range of activities on the gnarly local rapids and rocks. At the top of the list is white-water rafting on the Ash River, one of South Africa’s best rafting spots, with grade three and four rapids, scenic riverbanks and plenty of bird life. Alternatively, reach for the heavens on the two 150m-long zip lines or the 50m abseil from a sandstone rock overlooking town. Also on offer are mountain-bike tours and rentals, putt-putt, paintballing, archery, quad biking and day trips to Lesotho’s mountain villages. The on-site cafe, cocktail bar and deck are ideal for recovering after tackling the Ash.
531 Sias Oosthuizen Street, 058 256 1260, www.clarensxtreme.co.za
3. Out and about
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
One of SA’s most serene parks, Golden Gate Highlands is named for the golden hue of its sandstone cliffs, especially the dramatic Brandwag Buttress formation. An easy 25 km east of Clarens, in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, the park with its shimmering grasslands is spectacular at sunset.
It offers the rare opportunity to hike in a national park without a guide, plus animals (which include various antelope species, Burchell’s zebras and jackals). The walking trails extend from short meanders to the 28 km Ribbok Hiking Trail, where sightings of rare bearded vultures, bald ibises and black eagles are possible. There are guided tours of the Basotho Cultural Village and scenic self-drive loops off the R712, the main road through the park.
R712, 058 255 090, www.sanparks.org
4. Out and about
Caves and rock formations
True to its setting in the rugged Eastern Free State Highlands, Clarens is itself surrounded by various interesting rock formations. Two local landmarks are the hefty Titanic Rock, which overlooks the entrance to town, and the precarious-looking Mushroom Rock, just outside Clarens on Clifton Farms. From the turn-off to the Second Boer War site Surrender Hill, towards Fouriesburg on the R711, a 30-minute walk leads to the Motouleng fertility caves. In a narrow river valley with beautiful rock formations, sangomas live in traditional huts below the southern hemisphere’s largest cliff overhang. Traditional healers as well as herbalists visit this sacred site, which holds a San burial ground. Pay a small fee and ask consent to enter the caves, where you can light a candle and drink from the sacred spring. Clarens Xtreme Adventures offers a half-day guided tour.
5. Eat and drink
Clarens Brewery
Try their seven standard ales and seasonal beers, ranging from blonde and weiss to stout and red. Brewer Stephan Meyer, who built the brewery using vessels reclaimed from the dairy industry, also makes fruity Red Stone cider and liqueurs, as well as whisky and apple brandy. Free tastings, brewery tours and lunch platters of German sausages are also on offer. Pop in during the Clarens Craft Beer Festival in February (www.clarenscraftbeerfest.com). 326 Main Street, 058 256 1193, www.clarensbrewery.co.za
6. Eat and drink
Cafe Moulin
On Groenhoek Guest Farm, 12 km east of Clarens, Elsa Buys, a winner of the KykNet cooking programme Kokkedoor, serves delectable food in a quirky setting of corrugated-iron walls and pumpkins. The trip is well worth it to sample her platters and burgers, along with views of the Brandwag Buttress formation. Book ahead for the Harvest Table, a brimming Sunday buffet.
Groenhoek Guest Farm, R712
073 804 3051, schalkbuys@gmail.com
7. Eat and drink
Vito’s Ristorante
With a retro interior and glorious views of the Maluti Mountains from its deck, this much-loved Italian eatery has just recently broadened its menu. Now – in addition to a good selection of pizzas, pastas and vegetarian options – a very satisfying wine menu and some house specialities, including beef curry and oxtail stew, are on offer. Commendable service and the location on the main square add to Vito’s appeal.
325 Market Street, 058 256 1328
Golden Gate Sunrise
AA Quality Assured accommodation in and around Clarens
Born Free Lodge
(AA Quality Assured Superior status)
Only three hours’ drive from Joburg, the comforts of Born Free Lodge in The Clarens Golf Estate await. The en-suite rooms, which can accommodate up to eight in total, are well appointed with everything you might need. For when it’s chilly outside – and winters can get very cold – the underfloor heating will keep you as cosy as ever, and the air conditioning is welcome in summer. Secure parking is available.
Take a relaxing stroll to the village, play a round of golf or use the lodge as a base from which to explore the surrounding mountains and attractions.
42 The Clarens Golf Estate, Clarens
082 900 6452,
The Clarens Country House
(AA Quality Assured Highly Recommended status)
With its four self-catering apartments, The Clarens Country House is perfect for a romantic getaway, or for a group holiday of up to 10 friends or family members. Tucked away in a wooded part of the secure Clarens Golf Estate, it offers stunning uninterrupted views of the surrounding Maluti mountains. Originally a stone shed, the building dates back over 100 years. It has been beautifully renovated and decorated, with the works of Herman Charles Bosman as a theme.
A short walk will take you to the village square, with its restaurants, shops and art galleries. On the estate itself, guests can play 18 holes or relax and enjoy an in-house spa treatment. Also nearby, you’ll find the local craft brewery and a selection of exciting adventure activities.
213 The Clarens Golf Estate, Clarens
082 449 2082, www.theclarenscountryhouse.com
Visit www.aatravel.co.za to find more AA Quality Assured accommodation
Photography Gallo/Gettyimages, istockphoto
(This article was first published in the summer 2015/16 issue of AA traveller magazine)
