After spending the night in the city of Ladysmith, the goal of the new day was to reach Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. However, the road would bring us several pleasant surprises.
We were doubting the route by which to enter the country, but after thinking it over carefully, and recommended by the owner of the accommodation, a local Afrikaner, we decided not to enter the Drakensberg mountains and take the north route.
Date of the visit: October 2019.
It is said that the best way to get to know a country is to drive during the day. In the case of South Africa, this premise is especially true thanks to its extraordinary nature.
After spending the night in an excellent accommodation, (where, by the way, we tried one of the best breakfasts we enjoyed during our trip), we headed to refuel in the city center. There is the town hall, which is located in an interesting building, in a typical colonial style.
As an additional comment, to mention that one of the most famous South African traditional music groups hails from this city, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
On the way, we headed west, where we would leave the Drakensberg mountains on the left, and headed across a highway in a merely arid environment, which at certain times reminded me of my home region of Castilla y León.
Passing through the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, a large reservoir that shelters numerous species of animals. Looking for information, we found that it is the third largest reservoir in the country.
We went around the reservoir, we turned left to go to another nature reserve, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. In my opinion, it is the place I have visited that has made me feel most like being on another planet.
It is an arid area, where, apart from the road, man has not altered the landscape. The traveler feels lonely, and this feeling is made more palpable by practically not finding cars on the road. It is striking to see how the wind has sculpted the peculiar rock formations.
Once you have entered the protected area, the road turns winding and slightly uphill, until you reach a point called Protea Corner. There you have magnificent views of the area, where you can only hear the wind blowing. An ideal place to stop. If you search with this name, it will not be found on the map, however, these are the coordinates: 28°31’57.2″S 28°40’00.3″E.
On the way again, it took us half an hour to get to Clarens. I have to admit that while I had no expectation of this place, I was very pleasantly surprised. My opinion is, this is the typical town that appears in a road movie. In fact, our trip can be considered a road movie in itself.
Despite being of a small size, its location, surrounded by mountains, and the authenticity of its streets and houses, make it a mandatory stop. The perfect place to get lost.
Although we only thought about having a coffee, the fact of finding a craft brewery made us stay for lunch. I had never tasted a hazelnut-flavoured beer before, which was so smooth and refreshing.
In its half way, the main street widens leaving space in a square fully covered with grass, called the town square, and a magnificent tree stands imposing in the centre. It reminded me personally of the one in the movie Forrest Gump. Coincidentally or not, when entering a store, curiously, the song Rebel Rouser by Duane Eddy, included in the soundtrack of that film, was being played.
It is full of craft shops, all of them themed, and decorated with very good taste, making a very picturesque setting that is very authentic. Shopping lovers will surely enjoy it.
The town has a special charm that makes the traveller not want to leave it. However, we had still planned to reach Maseru that same day, crossing the northern border of Lesotho, and we set off.
Looking for information, we found that there are many leisure options in Clarens. From hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking to even fossil hunting. For further details, please check the information below.
After spending about two hours in the village, we set off to our next stop, which was none other than the border with Lesotho. A new country was waiting.
In my opinion, I think it is worth spending one or two nights there, to enjoy both the authentic atmosphere and the excellent nature in the surroundings.
Did you know that …
… every November there is a cherry festival in Ficksburg, a town not far from Clarens? It is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in South Africa.
… a lot of artists live or have a residence in Clarens? The quiet atmosphere and the picturesque surroundings make an ideal location to develop their art.
Related Links
Clarens Tourism Information
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
https://www.sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate/
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
https://www.southafrica.net/uk/en/travel/event/ficksburg-cherry-festival
Where to Stay
Check “Lavender Line” in Ladysmith. Confortable beds and clean rooms. In addition, private parking.
Useful Information
If you drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, make sure you have enough gas, as there are no oil stations.
Map of Locations
Credits
All photos taken with Motorola One Vision.
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This is my first time go to see at here and i am in fact impressed to read all at single place. Karil Pinchas Hekker