If you’re looking for a road trip that veers completely from traditional areas around the coast in South Africa, then the Free State, which is the heart-centre of this beautiful country, is the province for you!

Whether you are traveling from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban or Bloemfontein, the N1 National Road will cross Clarens. 

Well actually, there’ll be a turnoff the main highway, but what you find after turning towards Clarens makes the journey an awesome adventure!

There are no beaches, since this is a landlocked province, but what it lacks in beaches is more than made for by wide open spaces anyone can ever hope for.

There’s more. A major part of the seduction that draws road trippers to the Free State and Clarens, aptly called ‘The Jewel of the Free State’, is that this is a haven for artists, whether painters or photographers.

In fact, Clarens is one of the most photographed areas in the Free State for the stunning views and colours born out of being snuggle up against the majestic Maluti Mountains, a short way from the Lesotho border.

The scenery is unforgettable, as the sun moves through the wide open skies colours constantly change, as they do through the seasons.

There is always a wealth of colour spilling from what nature has on offer. From the orange, brow, yellow and browns of autumn to the inspiring flash of colour brought on by spring and summer.

According to top holiday advisors worldwide, Clarens truly is the quintessential retreat from the madness of any city!

So, how far do you have to travel if you’ve decided on an adventurous road-trip instead of hopping on a plane?

From:

Johannesburg:  If you aren’t going to be stopping along the way for picnics, or being intrigued by other sights along the way, going via the N3 and R26 will take you an average of 3 and a half hours.

Bloemfontein: Again, taking into account whether you are taking the direct route without being seduced by what you find along the journey, you’d be looking at about 3 hours along the N1 and N5.

Durban: Same again, if you’re not distracted along the way, Durban is just over 4 hours away via the N3 – what a pleasure a journey like this would be, crossing from lush surroundings to wide open spaces surrounded by beautiful farmland, mountains and rivers.

Cape Town: Yes, we all know that the Mother City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but, if you want to add yet another great adventure to your visit to South Africa, the Free State and Clarens is a must! 

It’s the most worthwhile 12 hour drive you will ever take across this ‘old’ country!  Truth is, if you really want to make the most of a long road trip like this to get to Clarens, you’re going to get seriously distracted along the way as the countryside changes – so prepare well for this, and it’ll all be worth it by the time you drive into Clarens!

Book your accommodation at Clarens Eddies well before you start packing!!

The most important thing to do, before you start packing up for the trip, is to book your accommodation at Clarens Eddies Bed & Breakfast/Self-Catering!

Besides making the decision to take this road trip, you will find that the team at Clarens Eddies will have prepared the most comfortable, affordable accommodation in Clarens, just for you!

Enter a world of vibrant art galleries, well over 20 restaurants, over 30 exciting activities in and around the bustling Clarens Village Square led by the warm, welcoming team at Clarens Eddies.

This team embodies everything that makes this a road trip well worth taking from anywhere in South Africa!