Accommodation in Clarence
Caledon Country House
Caledon Country House is located 5 km outside Clarens on Bethel Estate. It takes its name after the Little Caledon River that flows less than 500 m from this beautifully designed home. ... More »
Montanus
Montanus is a newly built home located on the Clarens Golf and Trout Estate in the picturesque town of Clarens. A popular tourist getaway destination, Clarens is the ideal town in which to relax over a weekend or for longer stays. ... More »
Forest View
Nestled in the sought-after tourist getaway of Clarens, Forest View offers everything needed to create a comfortable, memorable holiday for the whole family. The fully self-catering house is situated in the quiet, scenic area of Clarens called the Swartland. ... More »
Hannic's Retreat
Hannic's Retreat offer luxurious self-catering accommodation in the quaint and tranquil village of Clarens. ... More »
Ash River Lodge B&B
Commanding spectacular views of the Malutis and the Rooiberge mountains, Ash River Lodge B&B in Clarens is just a stone's throw from 16 restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. The lodge offers accommodation for up to 22 guests and is the ideal location for trips into the Golden Gate National Park. ... More »
Marken Cottage
Marken Cottage is a stone’s throw away from the beginning of several mountain walks as well as Clarens town square where restaurants, shops and galleries abound. The unit is also well situated to enjoy the expansive and restful views for which Clarens is known. ... More »
Clarens Retreat
Situated in the idyllic town of Clarens, approximately 3 ½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, Clarens Retreat offers stylish and comfortable self-catering accommodation whilst being nestled in-between the beautiful Rooiberge. ... More »
Clarens Inn and Backpackers
Deep in the foothills of the South African Maluti Mountains lies Clarens, a utopian village guarded by the majestic Rooiberge sandstone cliffs. Clarens Inn and Backpackers provides accommodation for adventurers with the first step in the countless journeys of discovery, relaxation and exhilaration which the famed ‘Jewel of the Eastern Free State’ has to offer. ... More »
About Clarence
Situated along the Highlands Route, a stone's throw from the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens is blessed with soul-stirring views. The Golden Gate gets its name from the shades of gold and ochre cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs for which the region is famous.
Many of the homes, restaurants and shops in Clarens were crafted from sandstone, contributing to the town's appeal. Make a point of popping into the local arts and crafts stores. Ask about the Artists Amble, a fun route that incorporates a number of galleries run by local artists. If you're in the mood for shopping, make a point of addling the colourful traditional Basotho blankets, arts and crafts to your list.
Ask any of the stores for a copy of the local community magazine, 'The Speckled Bean', which has loads of information on activities in Clarens, as well as insights into various social and community projects in the area.
The more adventurous should head out to a choice of holiday farms - such as Bokpoort Holiday Farm - in the Maluti Mountains near Golden Gate, which specialises in horseback adventures. Alternatively, find out about the fossil-hunting safari or visit the rock art at Schaapplaats Farm. History buffs should head for the Clarens Museum, Surrender Hill and other Boer War sites not far from town.
Clarens offers a fleet of attractions and is an adventure tourism hotspot, with quad biking, paintball, abseiling and white water rafting all available nearby. So plan a trip to Clarens now and find out for yourself why is called The Jewel of the Free State.