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Clarens, Free State photo by Christiaan Cloete-

10 Best Facts about Clarens, Free State

Clarens is a small town situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa. Clarens is nicknamed 鈥渢he jewel of the Eastern Free State鈥� and it was established in the year 1912.

The town was named after the town of Clarens in Switzerland where Paul Kruger was exiled and spent his last days.

However, Clarens has situated 336km from Johannesburg and 284km from Bloemfontein, and also 389km from Durban.

Clarens is famously known for its peaceful ambiance, many art galleries, scenic views, and mild climate.

During your visit to Clarens, there are numerous things to do so let鈥檚 see the 10 best facts about Clarens Free State.

Golden Gate National Park photo by Zaian-

1. Clarens free State has a National park called the Golden Gate Highlands National Park

The Golden Gate National Park is situated at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The park boasts of having lush vegetation and excellent views of wildlife and it is also one of the best Free State tourist attractions.

The park has over 140 bird species for you to see and the mammals that live there include the black wildebeest, Burchell鈥檚 Zebra, Springbok, Blesbok, and the threatened Oribi among many others.

However, the park has other activities that you can participate such as nature trails, horse riding, and swimming.

Contact: +27 (0)58 255 1000, Golden Gate@sanparks.org

Fax: +27 (0)58 255-0980

Website:www.sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate/tourism/general.php

Bibliophile Bookstore photo by unknown-

2. Bibliophile is one of the Popular Bookstore in Clarens

Bibliophile offers an incredible selection of fiction and non-fiction books may at low prices as well as audiobooks, travel guides, maps, puzzles, games, and activities for all ages.

However, if you鈥檙e not an avid book reader the bookstore also has a great music section that stocks a good supply of jazz, classical, and world music available on CD and Vinyl.

The bookstore has an artist corner that offers a treasure trove of canvases, paints, easels, sketchpads, and other handy essential art supplies for budding or seasoned creatives to enjoy.

Contact: +27 (058) 256 1692, clarensbook@gmail.com

Address: Bibliophile,312 Church Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.

3. Hiking in Clarens Conservancy

In Clarens, another popular outdoor activity is hiking through the Clarens Conservancy furthermore locals and visitors can enjoy some incredible scenic hikes.

However, there are several trails in and around Clarens to enjoy all of which are maintained and developed by the local Clarens Conservancy.

Trails and routes include the likes of Kloof and Dam Walk, Spruit Walk, and the longer Kloof Mountain trail.

Routes include Mallen Walk, Sandstone Koppie-Maluti View, Scilla Walk, and Leucosidea Trail each with varying lengths and rewarding views, and also scenery to savor.

For more information on local hiking trails please contact the Clarens Tourism body or visit their website.

Website: clarens.co.za

Address: Clarens, Free State, South Africa.

White Water Rafting photo by Clarens Xtreme- Clarens Xtreme Facebook Page.

4. At Clarens, there is White Water Rafting

Just outside of Clarens you can make a splash on Ash River with Clarens Xtreme. The beautiful Ash River provides year-round white water rafting experiences and offers nine rapids with stunning scenery and great birdlife.

However, you can enjoy white water rafting as a family, with friends, or even as a corporate adventure, and the permitted ages run from 6 to 106.

Furthermore, experienced guides will take you down grade 111 and IV rapids while ensuring your safety and fun.

To explore white water rafting booking is essential and the activity includes a half-day white water rafting experience which is complete with all necessary equipment, transport to and from the river, and drinks.

In addition, half-day trips depart daily at 08:15 am and 13:00 pm from their base, and during winter the time slots change slightly to 11:00 am to 15:00 pm to ensure optimal warmth.

A minimum of two people must book this activity.

Contact: +27 (058) 256 1260

Website: clarensxtreme.co.za

Address: Clarens Xtreme, 531 Sias Oosthuizen Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.

Clarens Brewery photo by Ossewa-

5. There is Beer Tasting at Clarens Brewery

At Clarens brewery, you can enjoy exploring one of South Africa鈥檚 first brew pubs, cidery, and distillery.

The brewery is set in the foothills of the beautiful Maluti Mountains and it is where passion and fun live.

When visiting the brewery there is a range of excellent beers, craft gins, ciders, juices, and liqueurs that is plenty to purchase and enjoy.

In addition, a selection of tasty food, brew-up bites, salad bowls, and more are set for a great visit. Clarens brewery doesn鈥檛 work on reservations, therefore, you can stop by and if a table isn鈥檛 available you can enjoy a free taster while you wait.

Contact: +27 (058) 256 1193, hello@clarenbrewery.co.za

Website: www.clarensbrewery.co.za

Address: Clarens Brewery, Shop 1, Rosemary Center, 326 Main Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.

6. At Clarens, you can Embark on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

When visiting Clarens another unmissable experience is booking a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride.

However, whether you book it for a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary or surprise engagement, or simply an unforgettable life memory a hot air balloon ride over Clarens with Hot Air Ballooning South Africa is always a good idea.

While at it you will experience breathtaking views and scenery of the Maluti Mountains and the surrounds.

Contact: +27 (011) 802 4318, info@hotairballooningsa.co.za

Website: www.hotairballooningsa.co.za

Address: Hot Air Ballooning SA, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.

7. At Clarens, you can enjoy Horse Riding

When visiting Clarens and the surrounds you can enjoy horse riding.

There are several local tour providers each offering the thrilling experience of riding safely through the Free State and enjoying unique local scenery in and around Clarens.

Some of the top local providers include Schaapplaats Farm which is situated 12km from Clarens, Bokpoort Horseback Adventure, and Holiday Farm which is located 5km from Clarens, Gladstone Stables which is situated at Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and Clarens Outrageous Adventures.

Furthermore, most rides can accommodate children and adults and are generally located for everyone from beginners to experienced riders but also check with your tour operator of choice beforehand.

8. At Clarens, you can explore the local art gallery

 Clarens offers a wonderful array of local art galleries with something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the well-known offerings include Art and Wine Gallery, Addy and Hoyle Art Gallery, Blou Donki Art Gallery, and Tina De Beer Gallery.

9. At Clarens you can take Part in Quad Biking which is offered with Maluti Mountain Adventures

For an exhilarating quad biking experience, it is locally well known that Maluti Mountain Adventures is the place to go.

The 4×4 quad biking adventure is guaranteed to take you on an unforgettable adventure with rewarding breathtaking views.

During the ride, the route takes you through an incredible and scenic mountainous game viewing area where Springbok, Zebra, Black wildebeest, Caracal, and Zealand amongst many others can be seen.

However, there are provisions for beginners or experienced riders and better you can challenge your team to an adrenalin-pumping quad racing or go on a lone journey.

Contact: 076 727 7920/ 082 454 9164

Instagram: @maluti_mountain_adventures

Visiting time: Monday to Sunday 8 am 鈥� 5 pm

10. At Clarens, you can take a trip back in time to Basotho Cultural Village

At the Golden Gate National Park, one of the frequent stopovers is the Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp.

In visiting here, you will step back in time to an 18th-century Basotho village where you will get to see and experience the lifestyle of South Sotho from the past few centuries.

However, the tour will start at the Khatloa as you enter the chief鈥檚 village and you will be offered a sip of mqombothi which is sorghum beer, and also you may engage in a traditional game of maraba-raba.

The experience gets even better when you have a peek at your future at the Ngaka the chief鈥檚 bone thrower and then enjoy some motoho and dipabi from the chief鈥檚 wives.

As you would be guided by a tour guide an educational experience is going as well as various utensils, objects and crafts would be explained by the guide.

Furthermore, a trip to the Basotho Cultural Village is worthwhile as you get to indulge yourself in a true African experience.

Contact: +27 (0) 58 721 0300

Instagram: @basotho_cultural_village

Visiting time: Guided tours Monday to Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 5 pm.