Clarens is a scenic small town peacefully situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa.
Overview
| Country: | South Africa |
| Province: | Free State |
| District: | Thabo Mofutsanyana |
| Municipality: | Dihlabeng |
| Established: | 1912 |
| Nickname: | Jewel of the Free State |
| Total Area: | 13.7 km² (5.3 sq mi) |
| Population: | 751 (2011) |
| Population Density: | 54.8/km² (142/sq mi) |
| Time Zone: | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal Code (street): | 9707 |
| PO Box: | 9707 |
| Area Code: | 058 |
About Clarens
Established in 1912 and part of the scenic Highlands Route, the town of Clarens was named after the town of Clarens in Switzerland where exiled Paul Kruger spent his last days.
Often referred to the “Switzerland” of South Africa, Clarens is situated approximately 38 km south-east of Bethlehem and north-east of Bloemfontein – the provincial capital. Clarens is also situated 305 km south of Johannesburg, 390 km north-west of Durban, and is a popular weekend tourist destination.
Being a mere 19 km from the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens attracts tourists throughout the year, but it is during the spring and summer months that this little town comes alive.
Nestled in the majestic Maluti Mountains and known by locals as the “jewel of the Free State”, Clarens is a predominantly farming and art community town.
Clarens and the surrounding valley boasts a range of activities for everybody from abseiling and white water rafting to just sitting and enjoying a hearty meal or a refreshing sundowner in one of the towns cozy and diverse restaurants and pubs.
With fly-fishing becoming an ever popular sport worldwide; Clarens can claim fame to some of the best still waters and small streams in the South Africa.
Most of the fishing is controlled and managed by the River Rangers, who are available as guides on the various waters.
For the fun seeking, adventurous types, Clarens offers some of the most challenging 4×4 routes, existing quad biking, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, mountain biking, abseiling, golf, squash, tennis, bowls and fly fishing. With 18 art galleries in town the art lover is certainly guaranteed to find what they are looking for whether it be pastels, watercolors or oils.
