Clarens San Traverse
Discover the best kept secrets of the Eastern Free State. Situated between the bustling art village of Clarens and the craggy sandstone Maluti mountains, this slackpack offers the unique combination of high berg wilderness and cultural treasures. The area, famous for its landmark San paintings, well-preserved dinosaur fossils and intriguing African folk lore tales, is home to your charismatic mountain guide who will regale you with colourful stories of the past providing an original interpretation of ancient trance ceremonies and African traditions. Staying in charming country guesthouses just outside of Clarens, in the comfort of your guesthouse, you will enjoy delicious meals served with traditional hospitality. With transfers and luggage transfer arranged all you need to do is wake up and enjoy the golden-lit sandstone trails so unique to this part of the world. The daily distances and gradient are very manageable making this the perfect beginners’ hikes for those less fit.
Hike-At-A-Glance
Trail location
The trail is located near the town of Clarens, close to the Maluti Mountains in the Eastern Free State.
Nearest city
Clarens is the closest town, with access from the city of Bloemfontein or Durban
Transport options
Clarens is on the R712 between Bethlehem and Harrismith, 280 km from Bloemfontein (3 hrs), 390 km (4 1/2 hrs) from Durban. Normally self-drive.
Trip Duration / Options
Standard Package: 3 nights / 3 days of hiking
Additional days accommodation and hiking in the area can be arranged. The location is 20 km from Golden Gate National Park
Start / Finish
Start: St Forts Farm; 6.3 km outside of Clarens on the Fouriesberg Rd.
Finish: As above
GPS (Clarens)
GPS: 28˚30'59.99 S / 28˚24'59.99 E
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: 12-16 km Day 2: 10-15 km Day 3: 7-12km
Trail Grading
On a grading of grading of Easy-Moderate-Strenuous
This trail should be regarded as moderate to easy.
Physical Fitness
On a level of 1 to 5:
Average level of fitness required with a few steep rocky ascents and decents. We have had 6-year-olds and 80 years happily complete this slackpack. Ability to occasionally walk on uneven, rocky surface.
Technical detail / Terrain
Ninety percent of the trails are well maintained and very clear. There are a few rocks to negotiate and some steep rocky descents/ascent. One section has a small ladder to climb down.There is one small section with longish grass
Accommodation
3-4 star equivalent farm stay Guesthouses.
Food Supply / Catering
Delicious home cooked meals are served in the comfort of your accommodation.
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Logistic support / Guiding
Fully guided and transfers to the trail head. Luggage is transported between venues.
Highlights
Expertly interpreted visit to world-class san painting sites, historically preserved comfortably accommodation, exclusive trail access, fine dining, arts and crafts in nearby Clarens Town, spectacular sandstone formations
Other Activities
Swimming, artisanal restaurants and breweries, 18-hole golf course, arts and crafts, art galleries,birding,horse-riding,rafting,trout fishing
Golden Gate National Park is 20 km from Clarens for pre or post trail visits
Fauna & Flora
The unique geology and vegetation in this area provides a wonderful mecca for birding and Wildflowers spotting. Birds of Prey from Amur Falcons, Bearded Vultures, Hawks and Black Eagles patrol the wide open skies. Grassland flowers include Boophane, Kniphia,Purple Squill and many rare orchids.
Climate
The good climate is warm and temperate. During the winter season temperatures can plummeted well below 5 Degrees but precipitation levels are significantly lower compared to those experienced in summer. Occasionally there is a scattering of snow.
Seasonality & Best Time Year
Shoulder season Spring and Autumn are warm and stable for a great hiking experience. Spring Sep-Nov as the best times for wildflowers.
Group Size
Minimum of 4 persons – maximum 12
Price P/P
Rates are based on a sliding scale of number of people. Price starts from R5775 pp sharing
Price Includes
3 Nights Accom (per person sharing basis)
Full Catering: 2 packed/picnic/restaurant lunches for the hike days and 3 dinners and 2 breakfasts at the accommodation, 1 breakfast at a Clarens restaurant
Hiking Guide – an experienced mountain guide to explore the San paintings, fauna and fauna on the trail, as well as history of the area
Hiking Permits and land permissions for the 3 hike days
Price excludes:
Travel and health insurance
Own alcoholic and sports drinks
Travel to and from the start
Here you'll find any scheduled trails that you can join. Trails may be booked up to one year in advance, so be sure to scroll ahead using the arrows on the left to find if there are any available. The trail operator page will also list any scheduled trails.
If you would like to enquire about different dates, please fill in the form below. Trails are initiated when someone makes an enquiry, and go ahead once the minimum numbers are confirmed.
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