5 Things to do in Clarens, Free State

Clarens, situated on the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State, is a must-visit! Anzelle Hattingh, our copy editor, visited Clarens recently and share’s her list of 5 things to do in Clarens, Free State.

 

The handiest tip of them all…

First of all, put in some extra leave and kick off your weekend breakaway… during the week – and really experience Clarens in its full quiet, cosy splendour! The town offers fare and wares for any taste and penchant, and accommodation is diverse and affordable.

Passport up to date?

Pop over the Caledonspoort Lesotho border to AfriSki on the Mahlasela slopes. Make your selection from a host of extreme sports – hiking, 4×4 and mountain biking tracks, zip lining, abseiling, paintballing and of course, when the snow falls (June to August), snowboarding and skiing. And if you’re anything like me, and your knees weren’t built for squatting and a wet, cold pair of pants is not your thing, sip glühwein in front of the fireplace in Gondola (apres ski) Café or find your comfort at Sky, situated on the roof of Africa, the highest restaurant in Africa at 3 010m above sea level.

 

Roadtrip to Rosendal

Artistic, picturesque and quaint. Warm, plattelandse hospitality and magnificent sandstone panoramas presents the eastern Free State at its finest. Join the charming people of Rosendal for a Spring Festival, 2 – 4 September!

Between Clarens and Fouriesburg lies a hidden gem

Fairview Estates. With different accommodation types available, appaloosa horses, Bonsmara cattle and even alpaca, the farm feeling does not get more authentic than this! We visited the De Rust farm cottage. Nestled among rolling sandstone hills, accessible by diff-locked vehicles only, this is seclusion at its finest.

And for the 4×4 enthusiast

Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve in the Witteberg mountain range (that forms the feet of the majestic Maluti) boasts three guided offroad routes. This has been one of the most grueling, yet satisfying 4×4 sites we’ve ever experienced and it’s an absolute must if tracks and trails excite you.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a quiet breakaway or an adventures holiday, with the variety of things to do in Clarens, everyone will have a great time visiting this stunning town.