Good to know, before arriving in Clarens
Country life is a little different – so be prepared for your adventure.
We bring to you… a little piece of Gypsy Life.
Here you will discover a place, where tumultuous colour, quirkiness & creativity abound.
Clarens is a quint village full of friendly people, fresh air and spectacular nature!
THE JOURNEY
Remember… the journey is part of the holiday. Take it slow n easy, and feel the city stress seep out of you.
Clarens is about a 3.5 hour journey from Johannesburg and about 4.5 hours from Durban.
If travelling from PTA & Joburg east, travel on the N3. You can take either the Villers offramp or the Warden off ramp.
The Villiers, Frankfort, Rietz route has been terrible in the past, but the road works are nearly complete, and the road is good again.
The route via Warden is also good.
From JHB North travel via Sasolburg.
Drive slowly (60km) through Bethlehem. The traffic cops are always out n about.
If travelling from Durban, on the N3, you can go via Harrismith, or you can take the R74 Colenso/Bergville offramp. (194) This will take you on a shorter and more scenic route, via Winterton, Bergville and past Sterkfontein dam.
Both routes take you through the spectacular Golden Gate Highlands Nature Reserve. If you are fortunate enough to time your arrival for dusk you will get to see why the massive sandstone out crop is named Golden Gate. The golden hue of the sandstone cliffs around sun down make for phenomenal photos!
When travelling from the Eastern Cape, don’t be tempted to drive the scenic route that hugs Lesotho, passing Ficksburg. The road is appalling. It highly advised that you take the freeway past Bloemfontein. Then Senekal, Bethlehem to Clarens. It is longer, but much safer.
Drive slowly (60km) through Bethlehem. The traffic cops are always out n about.
ONCE IN CLARENS
Drive into town on main road.
Pass the square.
Continue Straight up Main road. Pass the NG Church.
Turn right into Malherbe Street at the Primary School.
We are the first house on the right hand side, just after the town houses. You will see the sign on the pavement.
101 Malherbe Street Clarens, Free State 9709
CHECK IN AND OUT
Check In is between 2pm & 7pm
Check Out is between 8am & 10am
Please let us know if you need to arrive or depart at different times. We will try our best to accommodate you. Subject to availability.
We will send you a whatsapp. Please reply with your estimated time of arrival.
During the weekend please give us a half hour heads up of your arrival time, to ensure that we are here to greet you and let you in.
CLARENS SHOPS & RESTAURANTS
Clarens works on country village time and pace.
Shops open late, close early – sometimes.
Shops only open at 9am ish and close at 4 or 5 pm.
Some shops are closed certain days of the week.
Restaurants close at about 8 or 9pm, so if you are arriving late, rather stop in Bethlehem/Harrismith.
There are a few bottle stores, butcheries and basic grocery stors.
There are chain grocery stores in Clarens, we suggest that you bring your own food, or stop at the Dihlabeng Mall on your way past. The mall has everything you need.
There is a chemist and doctor in town.
There are some weekends that the town is full past capacity. Plan well and book activities and restaurants well in advance.
Our Guest House is close enough to town to walk, but far enough away to ensure peace and quiet.
There is a huge array of places to eat. We are happy to make recommendations.
WHAT TO PACK
With the weather that we have been having lately, we recommend packing
your bikini and your thermals!
In winter Clarens is much colder than the rest of the country, so pack extra warm jackets, hoodies etc.
There are lovely walks in the mountains catering for all fitness levels, so pack walking shoes. The mountains are where you will experience the true peace and tranquillity of Clarens.
Bring your costume for a wonderful swim in the dam!
The guest house, wagons and vans are fully equipped, so you only need to bring your food, drinks, and charcoal/wood for the braai and bonfire.
We don’t recommend drinking the tap water, but we have bore-hole water for you, it has been safety certified but feel free to bring your own bottled water if you prefer.
Bring your fancy kitchen equipment like blenders, bullets etc.
Don’t forget your passports and car papers if you are going into Lesotho.
Our TV’s work on Netflix. If you want DSTV, bring your log in details.
Tell your colleagues there absolutely no signal anywhere near Clarens so you can be assured of some peace. But if you do need we have free WiFi. See
WHAT NOT TO PACK
Leave your city chaos behind and allow your selves to take a breath and enjoy all that the country lifestyle has to offer!
Due to the nature of our property we are not child or dog friendly
Regrettably the area is not wheelchair friendly.
Looking forward in meeting you soon!!!
