Clarens, known as the 'Jewel of the Free State', deserves its name. Like a jewel, it's unique, it's special, it's captivating and it is beautiful! It is nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and is near the Golden Gate National Park.
Clarens is a hub of creativity, tranquillity and adventure. It is home to art galleries, restaurants and little boutiques but the opposite too - white water river rafting, 4x4 trails, mountain bike trails and hiking trails. It has recently been voted as the best trout fishing destination in South Africa. There is something here for everyone!
Clarens is part of the Eagle Route -one of the Free State's big 5 tourism routes.
Centrally situated, it is 336 kms from Johannesburg, 284 kms from Bloemfontein and 389 kms from Durban.
- 18 art galleries
- Clarens Brewery
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park is on its' doorstep
- Oldest dinosaur nesting site
- White water river rafting
- 4x4 trails
- Quad biking
- Golfing
- Experience Sotho life dating back to the 16th century in the Basutho Cultural Village
- Mountain bike trails
- Hiking trails.
- Clarens has recently been voted as the best trout fishing destination in South Africa
Clarens is named after a town in Switzerland where President Paul Kruger lived in voluntary exile during the Anglo Boer War. After the war, when the British claimed victory, he refused to return. The Free State Basotho War from 1865-1866, started as five 'burghers' (citizens) from the Transvaal Republic were murdered and war was declared between the Transvaal Republic and the Basotho people. Paul Kruger fought alongside the burghers to defeat the Basotho. Clarens was named to honour him and his service.
