A unique experience that encompasses the best of the Clarens and Golden Gate area of the Free State. Fully guided with comfortable accommodation and delicious meals provided. Daily hikes are especially curated for this tour and use trails on private land not ordinarily accessible to the general public. Your charismatic guide provides unique insights into the local culture, geography and history. A highlight are visits to hidden and spectacular San rock art paintings. Minimum numbers per group 4 pax-12pax
What's included
Lunch
Landing and facility fees
Dinner
Breakfast
Transfers where applicable
Transport to and from base accommodation. To supply own drinks.
What to expect
Day 1: Day 1 Arrival
Clarens
10h
Arrival at an historical guest-farm located in a picturesque setting just outside of Clarens town. Settle in, unpack and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Day 2: Day 2 Distance 13.5 km - Including visit to Schaaplaats San cave painting site
Clarens
1 day
We begin the day with a five km walk along a small tributary of the Caledon River through farm lands to the Schaaplaats rock art site, a national monument. This site has been given special prominence as home to paintings from some of the finest artists of the later stone age depicting, amongst others, therianthropes (a fusion between animal and human) and rain animals, both central symbols of the ancient shamanistic cere-monies.
After a short rest we head up onto the Basotho montane highland with dramatic views of the village of Clarens nestled in the craggy limestone mountains of the Rooi and Witte Berg. Passing the legendary cannibal caves we make our way through the kloof ravine to our next over-night stop.
Day 3: Day 3 Distance 10.7 km - Including visit to Batwing Caves
Clarens
1 day
The day starts with a gradual climb into a scenic kloof via inter-esting rock formations and a small waterfall via Batwing caves Making our way into sandstone ravines with streams winding their way through Ouhout forests, we past the ancient dwellings of the legendary cannibals of the Moshoeshoe tribes. Enjoy your guide’s well-researched but occasionally unorthodox interpretation of hidden bushman rock art sites depicting ancient trance ceremonies performed there thousands of years ago.
Day 4: Day 4 Distance: 5.5-10km - Including scenic walk through the biodiverse conservancy
Clarens
12h
The journey begins on the Clarens town square, continuing along a riverine path, we make our way up a mountain trail to the cliffs overlooking town where we are rewarded with views of Clarens, the peaks of Titanic, Naaupoortsnek and Mount Horeb. This contour path clinging to the cliffs is very beautiful but fairly exposed. For those that do not have a head for heights there is an option of a higher but longer path across the mountain. This is beautiful circular route beginning and ending in Clarens and encompassing all aspects of the Free State fauna, flora, and geology. Depending on the groups time schedules and energy levels there is optional day’s distance of between 5.5-10km. After a leisurely amble, you can wind down your slackpack weekend with a craft beer and a scrumptious lunch at one of the gourmet restaurants in Clarens. Just in time for an early afternoon departure.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Arrival day at St Fort Farm
End point
Arrival day at St Fort Farm
Additional information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
