LOCAL TRAVEL
DAY TRIP DELIGHT:
BY MILOU STAUB
JUST 90 MINUTES FROM JOHANNESBURG, CLARENS PROVIDES AN IDEAL DAY TRIP FILLED WITH ART, NATURE, AND RELAXATION. EXPLORE CHARMING GALLERIES, SCENIC TRAILS, AND DELIGHTFUL EATERIES IN THIS PICTURESQUE VILLAGE.
Tucked against the Maluti Mountains, Clarens has become a favourite escape for Jozi locals seeking to exchange city traffic for mountain air and creativity.
The drive is an adventure on its own. Once you leave the city behind, you’ ll see open farmland and golden grass fields. When the sandstone cliffs of the Eastern Free State come into view, it feels like you’ ve travelled much further than you actually have.
Start your day at the Clarens Village Square, where art galleries, craft shops, and cafés line the streets. Visit the Art and Wine Gallery for a taste of local talent or browse the handmade ceramics and jewellery that make ideal keepsakes. A coffee stop is a must! The Courtyard Café or The Highlander Restaurant are popular choices for a caffeine fix and freshly baked treats.
If you want some fresh air, nature is nearby. Golden Gate Highlands National Park is just a short drive away, offering mountain views, hiking trails, and wildlife such as eland and zebra. If you prefer to stay closer to town, you can go horse riding, try fly-fishing, or enjoy a gentle walk along one of Clarens’ s scenic paths. By lunchtime, relax at Clarens Brewery with craft beer and pub fare, or have a leisurely meal at Clementines Restaurant, renowned for hearty South African dishes. Don’ t rush; part of Clarens’ s charm is its unhurried pace.
An online reviewer couldn’ t summarise it better:“ The best thing about Clarens is the total absence of Big Retail, just farm-produce outlets, quaint eateries, artisanal bakeries, unique boutiques and galleries”.
Before returning to Jozi, enjoy one last stroll through the square. The late-afternoon light bathes the sandstone buildings in gold, with the mountains gently glowing in the distance; a perfect way to end your mini adventure.
Clarens shows that you don’ t need a lengthy holiday to recharge. Sometimes, all it takes is a tank of fuel, good company, and a road leading to somewhere beautiful. IB
72 INBOUND SA / JANUARY 2026