Clarens Valley is in the Eastern Free State Highlands, situated 20 km's from Golden Gate, 40 km’s from Bethlehem and on the Northern most point of Lesotho.  We are about 4 hours normal travelling from Durban, 3 hours from Johannesburg, and 3 hours from Bloemfontein.  Clarens is known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate; it is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa and has recently been acclaimed as the best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa.  We have spectacular horse riding country that very few people have discovered. 

Clarens is part of the scenic Highlands Route and is surrounded by mountainous splendour. The Rooiberge is the range encompassing the village, whilst further on towards the southeast, the mighty Maluti’s stand proud in shades of purple and blue.  All around are the sandstone cliffs with their multi-coloured layers - this horizontal strata is a unique geological feature of the area, and is known as the Clarens formation.  Many homes in the Clarens Valley are made from Clarens Sandstone.

 The village has become know as the “Jewel of the Free State” - rich in beauty, with an aura of peace and tranquillity.  Clarens is endowed with more trees than most other Free State towns - the fresh, light green willows and colourful blossoms of the many fruit trees are an unforgettable sight in spring time; whilst the magnificent autumn shades of the Lombardy poplars attract artists, photographers and nature lovers. 

 

Clarens is fast becoming a retreat for established and budding artists where they can practice their craft in the beautiful surrounds of the Eastern Free State. Clarens and the surrounding area is a source of inspiration for many artists. Clarens is not short of arts, crafts, traditional curios and blankets, art galleries, gift shops, pottery studios, a huge variety of handmade items, antiques and much more.  Spend a day walking around Clarens visiting all these shops. 

Arts & Crafts Shops in Clarens that have web sites can be found below.

 

 

 

 Another feature which adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the village is the many sandstone buildings.  The popular Golden Gate National Park is located in the near vicinity of Clarens, and the area attracts many visitors.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND CLARENS:

Clarens has a variety of accommodation establishments to offer visitors to the area.

 And if you have a need for something adventurous, then Clarens offers you a wide range of outdoor and sporting activities.  From a brisk 9 holes at the scenic Clarens Golf Club to some of the finest trout and fly fishing waters in the country.  

Other activities marking Clarens as the adventure capital of South Africa are river rafting, abseiling, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, four wheeler bikes, paint ball, clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 trails, tennis, squash, bowls and Greywing Partridge shooting.

On the more relaxing side is bird and game watching, hunting for dinosaur remains and viewing the many Bushmen paintings in the area.

No matter your reason for visiting: From a romantic weekend to business conferences and team building weekends, Clarens will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated  and wanting more.