Central SA
Explore CSA’s gems this Tourism Month with OFM: Clarens─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:07 Mon, 08 Sep 2025
Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September and provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy.
Clarens is a town in the Bethlehem district, 10 km from the Lesotho border, situated between Golden Gate and Bethlehem. It was established in 1912 and named after Clarens in Switzerland, located between Vevey and Montreux, where President Paul Kruger died in exile.
Clarens is well known for its natural beauty, with a wide variety of walking and hiking trails. It is also known for stargazing, hot air balloon rides, and quad biking, with a variety of galleries, restaurants, and spas.
“Clarens, the jewel of the Free State, offers a variety of festivals like the Beer Fest, Arts Festival, and Cape to Clarens Wine Festival, and the Titanic Trail Run, among others,” said Sugar & Cinnamon restaurant owner Soretha Pelser.
“The Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers breathtaking rock formations and natural beauty with hiking trails and horse riding. And the new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre that opened recently has had thousands of visitors.
“Clarens is ideally situated. Therefore, visitors from all walks of life visit us regularly.”
Source: Plekname van Suider-Afrika (Protea Boekhuis, 2020)
