Clarens travel guide

This village was named after the Swiss resort on the shore of Lake Geneva where President Paul Kruger died in 1904. The settlement was only laid out in 1912 and has no historical past to explore, but the relaxed feel of the place makes it the ideal spot to use as a base to explore the highlands. Tourism has taken over in this tiny, pretty village and a number of galleries, craft shops and tea rooms surround a grassed square with a few sandstone buildings and large trees. The grasslands which dominate the sandstone slopes are known for their large variety of wild flowers in the summer months. It is the closest village to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park when approaching from the west. The natural beauty of the area has attracted a number of artists to the region.

There are five quite well-preserved cave paintings on a farm called Schaapplaats, 20 minutes’ walk from town. To visit these paintings, call in at the local tourist office, Clarens Destinations Market St, T058-256 1542, http://www.clarenstourism.co.za, daily 0900- 1300, 1400-1700, who will phone ahead to let the farm owners know you are coming. Clarens is a small community and the staff in this office are helpful, local booking agents for accommodation and activities, and know all the local artists and craftspeople. It’s worth a stop if you are considering buying quality pieces.