The Clarens Camino

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of South Africa with the Clarens Camino, where you can escape the hustle of everyday life, embark on a rewarding journey, and recharge your soul amidst breathtakingly landscapes and hidden gems! This journey is not about the destination – It’s about appreciating the space in between.

What makes this Camino unique?

In addition to the amazing nature experiences, Nico, a seasoned facilitator with extensive training and ministry experience will guide you as a mentor, leading you on an inner journey of self-discovery. This transformative Camino walk will involve daily reflections, personal growth, and creative expressions.

Each day will begin with setting intentions and conclude with reflections on the day’s experiences and challenges. Interactions with fellow pilgrims, sharing stories and wisdom, and capturing the stunning landmarks and natural beauty through sketches and photos will enrich the journey. The Camino will serve as a path of self-discovery, celebrating achievements and overcoming obstacles. Reflections and gratitude practices will enhance the journey, while practical notes and keepsakes will offer valuable insights and cherished memories. Contributions from new acquaintances will add a personal touch, making this Camino a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.

2026 Dates:

11 Jan
25 Jan
8 Feb
22 Feb
8 March
22 March
12 April
26 Apr
10 May
24 May
14 June
28 June
12 July
26 July
9 August
23 Aug
6 Sept
20 Sept
4 October
18 October
8 November
22 November

Trail Info:

5 Days – 5 Nights
59km’s
Min 8 hikers
Max 14 hikers

Included:

Accommodation
Two meals a day, and a snack pack
Guiding Fee
A journal to use for reflection and notes
Tea/Coffee
Slackpacking
Transfers back from end of trail

Excluded:

Alcoholic beverages

Trail Day by Day:

Arrival during the Afternoon: Day 1: Eg Sunday Afternoon

We embark on your adventure in Clarens, the entrance to the majestic Maluti Mountains. We will meet and greet and acquaint ourselves with the surroundings of this beautiful village. You will be given your journal which will be for your eyes only. Confidentiality will be respected. Keeping a journal during your Clarens Camino walk can be incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. Your journey will offer not just some physical challenges but also moments of reflection and personal growth. It also provides a space to document your thoughts, emotions, encounters, and any insights during your journey. Later, these entries can serve as a cherished keepsake of your experience.
Accommodation: Elsewhere Guesthouse – Clarens

Day 2: Eg Monday

Your adventure continues in the picturesque village of Clarens nestled in the Rooiberg Mountains in the Eastern Free State. After a restful night at Elsewhere Guesthouse, you will traverse through the 800-hectare Clarens Nature Reserve, showcasing breathtaking mountain views.

As you delve further into the reserve, the trail meanders amid ancient sandstone structures and verdant valleys teeming with a variety of plant and animal life. The air is refreshing and brisk, carrying hints of wildflowers.

Next, we will journey through St Fort Farm, a place that transports you to a simpler time, away from the urban rush. St Fort is the residence of Mushroom Rock, where the Clarens sandstone formations create a landscape filled with caves, ravines, and hidden corners.
Distance: 13km
Accommodation: St Fort Guest farm

Day 3: Eg Tuesday

In the next leg of our journey, we will venture towards the Caledon River, bordering Lesotho. Our hike will lead us through stunning farm vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes. We’ll pass beneath sandstone cliffs offering great views of Lesotho, encounter scenic rock pools, and venture into a forest with a magnificent overhang of multi-coloured sandstone. During the summer, a seven-story waterfall cascades from above.

Nestled at the base of the Maluti Mountains, we have the opportunity to stay at a hidden treasure, the Old Mill Drift Guest Farm, surrounded by a magical and captivating landscape.
Distance: 14km
Accommodation: Old Mills Drift Guest Farm

Day 4: Eg Wednesday

Today, we embark on the stunning Maluti route, renowned for its beauty and scenic views, featuring the Eastern Free State’s very own ‘God’s Window’. Keep an eye out for blesbok, reebok, duikers, and various other wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting diverse bird species like the paradise flycatcher, hoopoe, raptors, and the majestic, crested barbet. The majority of this route follows along the Caledon River, offering a picturesque setting for your walk.
Distance: 17km
Accommodation: Barbet Country Cottages

Day 5: Eg Thursday

On this day, we will ascend above the world, reaching the summit of the Verwulf Mountains to behold expansive mountain views of Lesotho to the south and the well-tended lands of South Africa to the north. You will stand in a place where dinosaurs once wandered. Discover an authentic 190-million-year-old dinosaur footprint along this path, clearly visible and belonging to the Theropod family. You will also find the Queen Victoria rock formation, Khoi San rock art and a dinosaur’s femur imbedded in rock. Embark on a journey to escape the hustle and bustle, rediscover your inner self, and admire the unspoiled and magnificent creation of God.
Distance: 15km
Accommodation: Lesoba Guest Farm