We had a lovely day in Clarens, a picturesque mountain village in the Free State province, nestled at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains near Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Known as the “Jewel of the Free State,” the town features sandstone architecture, numerous art galleries, and a vibrant outdoor adventure scene.
During our visits, the first-ever Clarens Festival of Lights took place from September 24–26, 2026, over the Heritage Day long weekend. It focused on sustainability, creativity, and community connection.
We stayed at the Chi Chi Tree Camp, perfectly located just a 5-minute walk from the town square and with direct access to the Clarens Nature Reserve. The friendly, knowledgeable owner, Lothar Vogl, offers a rustic, nature-immersed camping environment with terraced stands for tents, caravans, and overlanding setups, plus a communal bush kitchen and practical ablutions.
Lothar actively participates in regional conservation efforts and local community projects. The Clarens Nature Reserve features 12 well-marked, maintained hiking and walking trails—including a wheelchair-accessible path—winding through open veld and rocky sandstone formations. The campsite owner put significant effort into designing, clearing, and maintaining these local trails, which offer sweeping views of the surrounding Maluti Mountains and local wildlife.
Parking location – Clarens: 28.5146126S 28.4190496E (🅿️,🚻,🚿,💦,🔌)