The tiny Free State town of Clarens is one of South Africa’s finest destinations as it boasts a myriad of wonderful activities to enjoy for any taste or preference. The immense beauty that Clarens finds itself ensconced in is alone worth the visit: the town is situated at the foothills of the majestic Maluti Mountains and is blessed with resplendent natural magnificence that is especially accentuated during the months of autumn when everything is bathed and drenched in different shades of gold. Additionally, being approximately 300km outside of Durban or Johannesburg, Clarens also has a very good and convenient geographical location.
Because of its breathtaking aesthetic appeal, Clarens has become a lure for artists and photographers who have come to find bucketfuls of inspiration after spending time in this place. If you’re an avid art lover or even mildly interested in the subject, then a visit to Clarens will prove most rewarding; various artists have opened their galleries to the public here, while many of the farms nearby are home to precious Bushmen (San) paintings. Other interests of note include the museum, church, and the ‘Cinderella Castle’ that was built using 50 000 beer bottles. Clarens also features a slew of fine restaurants that are sure to satisfy the palette and appetite of any patron.
Clarens is not just about art and fine dining, however. In recent years, the town has become known as a very popular fly-fishing spot with some of the best fly fishing opportunities available; other draw cards are the extreme sports of white water rafting and abseiling. If this is not enough, Clarens is also in close proximity to the sumptuous Golden Gate Nature Reserve and the spellbinding Sterkfontein Dam Reserve.
