Many people consider summer as the best season for holidays, but in some parts of South Africa you can have a winter holiday that can’t be beaten.

No one wants to have to battle raging winter storms, with wind and rain putting paid to all outdoor activities, especially around the coast.

In Clarens however, there’s so much to see and do, that even with a chill in the air, you’ll have more than enough to do outdoors that’ll keep the blood pumping enough to keep you warm.

You won’t be getting a tan, that’s for sure, but you’ll still be able to spend hours just exploring the rich tapestry of art that represents the work of local artists.

There really is no shortage of art in its many forms in Clarens, which makes it an ideal experience that caters to every taste, so much so that many of the visitors to this quaint village leave with a work of art or two to take back home.

There are so many nooks and crannies to explore in Clarens that you’ll be kept busy enough to keep the chill out, and the only way to do it is by stretching your legs for an eye-opening tour on foot.

With the Maluti Mountains as its backdrop, and the Rooi Berge (Red Mountains) forming yet another aspect of protection for this stunningly beautiful valley, Clarens is the ideal weekend getaway for visitors living in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Durban.

At the end of a short road trip to Clarens you’ll have arrived at the Jewel of the Eastern Free State, and what a jewel it is, ripe and ready to be explored any which way you choose.

Other than being the art mecca in South Africa, which it would be with more than 20 art galleries ready to be explored, Clarens is also home to over 20 restaurants dotted around the Village Square, which should be more than enough to satisfy every palate.

What about the outdoors in Clarens during winter?

If you love hiking, you’ll be in seventh heaven with the variety of hiking trails that lead out of Clarens. Whether all you want is a gentle stroll or one that challenges your fitness level, there’s a hiking trail suited to everyone.  Clarens now offers a parkrun in the mountains and beautiful nature.

You’ll find that the staff at Clarens Eddies B&B or Self Catering will give you all the inside info you need to find the right hiking trail for you.

Autumn and winter weather in Clarens:

As autumn takes hold and the leaves of deciduous trees take on the stunning colours of russet, gold, orange, yellow and more, the temperatures are still very mild in Clarens.

As for winter, bringing warm winter jackets will make very cold nights more comfortable while you’re painting the village red.

On your return to the warmth of Clarens Eddies you’ll have all the warmth you need, with electric blankets, fireplaces and fluffy warm duvets laid on in style.

While the days are still sunny and clear, you’ll need to wrap up a bit to beat the icy winds that snow-capped mountains bring to this beautiful valley.

Outdoor adventure in winter

Clarens in winter is perfect for outdoors adventure. That’s if you don’t shiver in your boots at the thought of ziplining or abseiling, white water rafting and taking to the sky in a hot air balloon!

Exploring wildlife& ancient history

Heading on over to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park for a game drive will more than satisfy your love of wildlife in a natural, protected habitat.

Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary is home to a few prides of lions and other wild cats, including beautiful leopards and a Bengal tiger, all of which were born in captivity, before finally finding safe haven at Lionsrock.

Clarens is 100 years old, but there were others that were here long before man ever founded this village. This is where you can enjoy the adventure of following in the footsteps of Dinosaurs, finding teeth, bones and claws left by these ancient inhabitants of this region.

It’s virtually impossible to go into the extensive list of winter activities to be enjoyed in Clarens, however, booking your accommodation at Clarens Eddies B&B/Self Catering will be the ultimate gateway to the best that Clarens has to offer.

This team will keep you warm, comfortable and thoroughly spoiled after a long day of exploration, and they’ll do it in award-winning style!