Points of Interest in Clarens
8 points of interest in Clarens, Free State with CastAwayZA. Get GPS directions on the free app.
Points of Interest
Ash River Outfall
Clarens, Free StateThe Ash River Outfall is a significant engineering site located approximately 8–10 km from Clarens in the Free State, South Africa. It marks the point where crystal-clear mountain water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is released from a tunnel into the Ash River. Water Source: The water originates from the Katse Dam in Lesotho's Maluti Mountains and travels through a series of underground tunnels. Supply Chain: From the outfall, the water flows into the Liebenbergsvlei River and eventually reaches the Vaal Dam, supplying the industrial and domestic needs of the Gauteng province.View details →Points of InterestSmiley Face On Mount Horeb
Clarens, Free StateThe Smiley Face on Mount Horeb is a prominent yellow landmark painted on the side of a mountain overlooking the town of Clarens. It serves a practical purpose as a radio relay station for the local police station. Located near the summit of Mount Horeb—the Free State's third-highest peak—it has become a popular destination for hikers. The Hike: Reaching the Smiley Face is considered a moderate hike. However, the trail continuing from the Smiley Face to the actual summit of Mount Horeb is significantly more difficult.View details →Points of InterestThimuli Cave
Clarens, Free StateThimuli Cave is a natural attraction located in the Maluti Mountains along the scenic R711 road near Clarens in the Free State, South Africa. It is known for its impressive rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and offers a serene environment for nature lovers and photographers. Location: Situated on the R711, approximately 10 km from the intersection near Butha-Buthe (if approaching from that side) or a short drive from Clarens. Access: The cave is located on private farmland. Visitors typically walk a few hundred metres from the entrance gate, followed by a short hike up the mountain to reach the cave.View details →Points of InterestSurrender Hill
Clarens, Free StateSurrender Hill is a historical heritage site and mountain pass located on the R711 road, approximately 10–14 km southwest of Clarens in the Free State. It marks the site of one of the most significant Boer setbacks during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902). Mass Surrender: In July 1900, Boer forces were encircled by British troops in the Brandwater Basin. On 30 July, General Marthinus Prinsloo surrendered with 4,314 men, making it one of the largest captures of the war. Destruction of Arms: The British destroyed approximately six million rounds of ammunition and numerous Boer weapons on this hill.View details →Points of InterestLangtoon Dam
Clarens, Free StateLangtoon Dam is a scenic, well-known reservoir located near the Glen Reenen rest camp in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park within South Africa's Free State province. Situated along the park's loop roads and accessible via trails like the Ribbok hiking route, the dam is a prominent public viewpoint that mirrors the surrounding orange sandstone cliffs and Maluti Mountains. Separately, a historical man-made water structure of the same name in northern Kruger National Park was intentionally demolished using explosives by SANParks to restore the natural hydrology and ecosystem of that region.View details →Points of InterestThe Vulture Hide
Clarens, Free StateThe Vulture Hide, also known as the Vulture Restaurant, is a dedicated wildlife viewing structure situated along the Oribi Loop within Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Managed by SANParks, this site functions as an active supplementary feeding station where safe animal carcasses are regularly placed to support endangered avian scavengers and protect them from regional threats like poisoning and habitat loss. The hide provides a sheltered vantage point for researchers and birdwatchers to observe rare high-altitude species, most notably the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) and the Cape Vulture, as they feed and interact alongside other local species like the Southern Bald Ibis and Jackal Buzzard. Access to the hide requires a short walk from a designated parking area on the loop road, and actual bird activity at the site fluctuates depending on the recent availability of carcasses provided by park management.View details →Points of InterestOribi Loop
Clarens, Free StateThe Oribi Loop is a 4.2 km one-way tarred driving and cycling route located within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State. Situated just east of the Glen Reenen Petrol Station along the R712, this scenic loop winds through the Oribi basin and offers panoramic views of the area's iconic sandstone cliffs. It serves as a primary route for spotting native wildlife like zebra, black wildebeest, and blesbok, and provides access to a dedicated vulture conservation feeding project.View details →Points of InterestBlesbok loop
Clarens, Free StateThe Blesbok Loop is a 6.7-kilometre, tarred, one-way driving route located within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park near Clarens. Accessible to standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, the loop begins east of the Glen Reenen Rest Camp off the R712 and enforces a strict speed limit of 30 km/h. The high-altitude road features viewpoints like Generaal's Kop and Langtoon Dam, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife including blesbok, eland, black wildebeest, and zebra.View details →See all 8 points of interest in Free State — free
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