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Information on Clarens, Free State, South Africa

Conference Venues South Africa brings you information on Clarens situated in the Free State Province of South Africa including information on Facilities and Recreation, Climate, Founding, History Suburbs, Town Planning and Geography.

conference centres Clarens

Clarens is a small town situated at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State and nicknamed the Jewel of the Eastern Free State. It was established in 1912, and it is named after the town of Clarens in Switzerland where Paul Kruger spent his last days, after being exiled.

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The tranquil village atmosphere combined with a mild climate, and scenic views makes Clarens a popular getaway for city dwellers from Bloemfontein, Durban, Johannesburg and others. Clarens is known for its lovely climate and spectacular sandstone mountains. It has recently been named as the best trout fishing waters in South Africa and is one of the most beautiful spots in South Africa. It is close to The Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its sandstone formations.

Clarens is part of the picturesque Highlands Route and is surrounded by mountains. The Rooiberge range encompasses the village, whilst further towards the southeast are the Maluti mountains in shades of blue and purple. All around are the sandstone cliffs with their multi-coloured layers - these horizontal strata are a characteristic feature of the area. Many homes in the Clarens Valley are made from or clad in sandstone.

There is a selection of places to stay in Clarens and in the surrounding area. Activities in the area include white water rafting on the Ash river, abseiling and horse riding. There is often live music on the weekends at local restaurants.

 

Clarens History

A farm called Leliehoek was bought from Mr. Hermanus Steyn in 1910, and in 1911 Mr. Piet de Villiers sold his farm Naauwpoort, situated near the Titanic rock, to a company wanting to establish a village there. These two farms were divided into erven and sold for fifty pounds each. A committee was appointed in 1912 to conclude negotiations, and a decision was made to name the village Clarens in honour of President Paul Kruger’s influence in the area. This came about in the following way - During the Basotho war of 1865 - 1866, five burghers from the Transvaal were murdered in the Eastern Free State, and as a result, war was declared between the Transvaal and the Basotho leader, Moshoeshoe. Paul Kruger, together with a commando of burghers, defeated the Basotho at the Battle of Naauwpoortnek. President Paul Kruger spent his last days as a voluntary exile in the attractive village of Clarens in Switzerland, and thus Clarens was named for this Swiss town. A monument was erected on the farm Ararat just outside Clarens, in honour of the five burghers murdered by the Basotho on the 29th of September 1865, during the siege of Naauwpoort. This monument was later moved to Clarens placed in the central town square, where it stands to this day.

Towns and Suburbs of the Free State province of South Africa

Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Brandwag, Clarens, Dan Pienaar, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg, Gariep Dam, Harrismith, Kroonstad, Ladybrand, Langenhovenpark, Parys, Rayton, Sasolburg, Senekal, Smithfield, Thaba Nchu, Vredefort, Welkom, Wepener

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