Clarens is a beautiful hamlet set in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa. Nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Eastern Free State’, this small town boasts unparalleled natural beauty with its famous mountains, dams, rivers, and streams. Popular among those who seek to be close to nature away from the din and bustle of the city, Clarens is also a haven for adventure lovers as it offers an endless list of outdoor activities like horseback riding, golf, archery, hiking trails, abseiling, mountain biking, and quad biking. Go on a romantic hot air balloon ride over the picturesque landscape or enjoy a day of trout fishing in the streams or simply sit back and relax in the proximity of nature. Whatever you fancy, for the best places to stay in town, check out our top Airbnb vacation rentals in Clarens, South Africa, and book today!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 03, 2024.
1. Scenic solar-powered retreat (from USD 93)
Great for groups of up to six, this modern multi-story home sets the scene for a much-awaited nature getaway. The accommodation is mostly powered by solar power, which means fewer power interruptions. With a balanced mix of cozy features and handy amenities, you’ll surely have a nice place to come home to after exploring all the fun things to do in Clarens.
It has a well-appointed common area with a lounge, dining table, and self-service kitchen. Upstairs is a comfortable loft bedroom, which also has access to the private balcony overlooking the mountain and an open en-suite bathroom. Extra features include a fire pit, a spacious deck, and a braai grill.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had no wifi during our stay but it made it all the more relaxingCleanliness:
extremely clean was well keptthe house itself is beautiful and very comfortable and cleanHost:
the host is very helpfulabsolutely lovely spot and charlotte is a superb hostthank you charlotte for being a brilliant host and making us feel so welcomecharlotte is such a great host she was available throughout our stayamazing host beautiful home and wonderful settingRead more reviewsLocation:
this was a great location and housevalue for money absolutely stunning accommodation close to the squarewhat a beautiful placedzi is an absolutely unforgettable jewel for accommodation walking distance from all the shops and restaurants in clarence…this is a fantastic place to spend time in clarens
2. Self-catering home for the holidays (from USD 64)
Whether you’re lodging in Clarens, South Africa, for the winter or envisioning a summer retreat, this self-catering accommodation has just enough of what you need for a memorable stay. Situated next to local shops and eateries, this charming holiday house is packed with uniquely South African features, including an indoor braai that also serves as a fireplace, and there’s even an open bathroom in one of the two bedrooms.
It also features a few state-of-the-art amenities, including a smart TV in the lounge area and free Wi-Fi throughout. Complete with other interesting highlights such as the outdoor dining area and a large fire pit, this four-person modern abode is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your fur babies while visiting Clarens.
Top guest reviews
Host:
thanks gavin for being a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
clarens house is the ideal location to find peace and solitudebeautiful home with perfect locationawesome place and great locationgreat place close to town we had a great timethe house is gorgeous and compliments the location and surrounding area
3. Romantic loft apartment at village center (from USD 85)
Situated right at the heart of the village square, La Poste is a romantic getaway for two with fascinating views of the mountains. This loft-style apartment has a super-king bed with an open bathroom with a fancy bathtub where you can relax at the day’s end with a cool tall drink. There is a cozy living room area with a leather couch, a TV and an indoor fireplace. You can cook your meals in the functional kitchen with dining area. The glass doors of the apartment lead out to the private patio overlooking the charming courtyard where there are facilities for having a barbeque as well!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
spacious loft fitted with everything you could need including a wonderful wood burning heater for cold winter nightswe had a wonderful three nights in lyn's beautiful apartmentan awesome holiday in a fabulous apartmentbeautiful apartment in the centerthe tub in the room is an amazing (and very romantic) touchCleanliness:
clean well positioned and fitted with everything we neededspacious clean and comfortable with superb attention to detailclean stylish accommodation in the centre of townit was lovely and clean and just like the photosHost:
friendly place and peoplethe owner's representative was extremely helpful and responsive and added to the experiencelyn and simon were great hosts instantly available for any queriesyou do not see the host as you collect your room key out of a safe outside the doorlynn was very friendly and very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location right on the square with everything within walking distancethis place is ideally locatedgreat location charming and spacious apartmentthis spot is perfect mix of close to everything yet far away from the worldgreat location with everything you could need for a weekend away
4. Luxurious holiday home at foothills of mountains (from USD 81)
Perfect for large groups or families, this luxurious holiday home in Clarens, South Africa, is right at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains with scenic vistas on all sides. The house accommodates up to 8 guests in its three bedrooms – one with a super king-sized bed, one with a queen-sized bed and another with 2 bunk beds and a crib.
There is a spacious open plan living cum dining room with a well-equipped kitchen. You can dine alfresco in the patio dining area as you soak in the beautiful surrounding apple orchard and mountain views. Modern amenities like indoor fireplace, central heating, TV, washer, and free parking on premises are available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view very comfortable and stylish staythe view is amazing and our stay was very comfortablelovely comfortable & warm house with underfloor heating electric blankets & fireplacewe were blessed to arrive to a big bouquet of cosmos flowers on the tableelectric blankets on all beds was such a blessing on a cold night highly recommendedCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablebeautiful and clean great stayvery clean and modern place in nice areabeautiful clean luxury and comfortableit is superbly decorated and it was sparklingly clean when we arrivedHost:
denise is a wonderful hostshe was very responsive in the run-up to our stay and provided several restaurant and hiking recommendationsdenise is a wonderful host and so helpfuldenise is just one of the perfect hosts that genuinely caresdenise was also so helpful and readily available to answer any questions leading up to the weekendRead more reviewsLocation:
a perfect stay close to everythingthe location is perfectthis house is absolutely beautiful and great locationgreat location where you can start hikes from outside the front gatefirst of all the location where the house is situated is quiet and secure
5. Open plan studio cottage in Larola suburb (from USD 31)
Enjoy stunning mountain views from this open plan studio cottage with large sliding glass doors in the peaceful suburb of Larola, 600m (656 yards) from Clarens town square. This cottage is a perfect place to set base for exploring the various outdoor activities on offer in the area like trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, ziplining, golfing, and many more. The studio has a comfortable double bed with an ensuite bathroom. There is a living room area with a functional kitchenette as well for cooking your meals. Amenities like TV, barbeque facilities, and free parking on premises are available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had an excellent 3-night stay at nicolene's the cottage was cozy and super cleanfull dstv as well if you want to stay in the rooma really lovely roomCleanliness:
clean house and very beautiful placevery spacious clean and modernthe studio is very clean and tidythe cottage was very clean and spotlesslovely very clean and modern furnished studioHost:
friendly host as wellfriendly and helpful hostthank you for being a wonderful hostthank you to nicolene she was a great hosthost is a great communicatorRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is beautiful and peacefulclose to the city centre but quiet enough to enjoy the peace of the suburbscute and comfortable little placevalue for money close to town and extreme sport placemodern space good location special touches
6. Romantic studio near town center (from USD 64)
A perfect romantic getaway in beautiful Clarens, South Africa, with art galleries, restaurants, and quaint cafes abound, this large studio is uniquely designed to appeal to your senses. A private entrance leads to the studio doors where there are a patio and a braai place for you to enjoy the delightful scenery all around. The studio has a luxurious queen-sized bed and a corner tub.
There is a collection of books and a music system for your relaxation. The living room is tastefully separated from the bedroom area and is complete with comfortable sofas, a fireplace, and Wifi. There is an open functional kitchen as well as a dining space within the studio.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
stylish well thought out comfortable great view no shortcomings and just an overall pleasurebeautiful views great location lovely interior and kitchengreat shower and bath very cozy beautiful view and attentive hostsclean comfortable and wonderful views of the mountainsgreat view of the mountains from the kitchen as you make your first cup of morning teaCleanliness:
beautifully decorated apartment and was very cleaneverything was super comfortable and cleanHost:
had great treatment from jolena and her staff would go again but would book top floorhost communicated very well and also allowed a late check outRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and stylish modern layoutwhat a great placegreat place and good value for money
7. Charming cottage in a farm with great views (from USD 70)
Located 5 minutes away from the town center, this picture-perfect quaint cottage for rent in Clarens, South Africa, is situated in the De Molen farm boasting gorgeous views of the countryside and the mountains. Walk down the mowed walks along Little Caledon River, try your hand at fly fishing, or hike up to the mountain caves – enjoy a wondrous vacation away from the bustle of the city at the Oak Tree Cottage.
The compact cottage offers one double bedroom with an attached bathroom. There is a small kitchenette with dining area. The evenings are perfect for relaxing in the cottage patio and marveling at the flower garden all around.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
brian & lin thought of all the comforts including a bed heatera cozy little place with a fantastic view on a great farmthe rooms were clean and tidy complete with everything we needed for our stayCleanliness:
the house was very well furnished and cleanclean fresh air and relaxation is what we needed and it's exactly what we gotthe accommodation was clean and comfortable and we would certainly love to go back soonHost:
lovely host toolin is a wonderful hostthank you for being such wonderful host friendly and openstunning spot and helpful hosthosts were very friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location on a farm which is just a short distance to clarens or the golden gate parkgreat location to get to golden gate for hikes quadbiking horseridingclarens itself is a very nice countryside placethis place is very well situated just minutes between golden gate np and clarensgolden gate park is unbelievable what a beautiful corner of the world
8. Lodge for 8 guests with mountain view (from USD 48)
If you are traveling in a large group, then the beautiful Applegate Lodge accommodating up to 8 guests is perfect for you! The stylishly designed house is surrounded by lush green lawns and has wonderful views of the mountains from all sides. The house has four spacious and well-decorated bedrooms – one with a king-sized bed and three with two single beds. The master bedroom has glass doors that open out into the lawns. There is a large living room with sofa, TV and indoor fireplace. There is an adjacent functional kitchen with dining area. The large glass doors of the living room open out to the porch and the lawns from where you can marvel at the stunning mountain views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good value comfortable stunning viewthe bedrooms are very comfortable and the electric blankets were much appreciated for the cold winter nightsvery comfortable bed with warm linen and lovely indoor fireplaceit’s spacious and comfortable with amazing views to make your stay specialwe especially loved how cosy every room was in the wonderful clarence winter evenings and morningsCleanliness:
clean / scenic / spacioushouse was clean on arrival and was daily cleanedsue’house is nice and cleanbeautiful clean home however very noisyclean tidy and an added bonus to have the space cleaned for usHost:
she is definitely a super hostthe hosts are extremely friendly and welcomingsue is a wonderfully accommodating host and our stay was perfectthe host is extremely responsive and a place i will return tosue is a very understanding & supportive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great place and close to the squaregreat place within spitting distance of main street and the main square of clarensgreat place in a great location just ouside of the townthe place is situated very close to all local attractionsvery nice accomodation - close to all that clarens has to offer
9. Cozy cottage near town center
Nestled at the doorstep of the Golden Gate National Park, Honeysuckle cottage is located at a short stroll away from the town center and is a great base for setting off for adventures on mountain biking, hiking, quad biking, horse-riding or river rafting. The cottage accommodates up to 4 guests and has two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a comfortable living room with a wood burning stove and an equipped kitchen with dining area. The large glass doors of the living room open out to the front porch and garden area from where you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
19.32 km (12.0 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
10. Luxury accommodation with mountain view
Relish a sumptuous barbeque with a fascinating view of the mountains from the patio of this modern luxurious house overlooking landscaped lawns. The house accommodates up to 6 guests and has three bedrooms – one with a king-sized bed, one with a queen-sized bed and another with two single beds. The spacious living room is comfortably furnished with an indoor fireplace and has an adjacent open functional kitchen and a dining space with large glass doors that open out to the patio. Modern amenities include Wi-Fi and free parking on the premises. The house is also pet-friendly!
19.12 km (11.9 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
11. Cottage within walking distance to town center
Uninterrupted views of the Maluti Mountains and Mount Horeb greet you at this charming cottage located within walking distance to all the shops and restaurant in town. Enjoy your breakfast at the alfresco dining area on the patio of this beautiful cottage with manicured lawns around it. The cottage has two spacious bedrooms – one with a king-sized bed and another with two single beds. Additionally, there are two sofa beds in the plush living room with an indoor fireplace and a TV. There is an equipped kitchen for you to cook your meals and a dining area. Basics like Wi-Fi, heating, and free parking on premises are provided at the cottage.
Clarens, Free State, South Africa
18.93 km (11.8 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is comfortable for 3 or 4 peopleit has a beautiful view and cozy with everything you will needcozy loving fully equipped beautiful views and perfect locationlots of blankets also provided and the bed in the main bedroom was very comfortablehomey living space and everything you need to make it a comfortable relaxing stayCleanliness:
it was clean comfortable and fresh after some new paintwonderful cosy and clean place would stay again any timethis is a lovey clean and stylish place with no-hassle check-inHost:
garden beautiful and pet friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
close to everything yet peacefulwonderful accommodation and location is perfectwalking distance from great shops and restaurants in clarenslocation location location we enjoyed our stayclose to town cosy cute and safe x
12. Holiday home at 2 minutes from town center
Located at a 2 minutes distance from the town center, this beautiful holiday home is nestled at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and offers panoramic views of the countryside with the backdrop of the glorious mountains. The house accommodates up to 6 guests and has three bedrooms – two with king-sized beds and another with two single beds and a crib. Relax by the indoor fireplace in the cozy living room, cook a delicious meal in the fully-equipped kitchen, or enjoy a barbeque in the patio as you soak in the beautiful surroundings – your vacation could not get any better than this!
Clarens, Free State, South Africa
19.45 km (12.1 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is stylishly decorated and very comfortable with underfloor heating that was an absolute luxury in wintertons of space for a group of people with large rooms and aesthetics pleasing decorCleanliness:
very clean and equippedvery clean and spacious accommodationvery clean and well equippedthe house is well equipped clean and comfortablespacious clean warm just all around great place to stayHost:
chivonne was a great hostthe host was friendly and always willing to helpdidn't really meet the host but terri was quick to respond and very helpfulthank you for hosting us had a wonderful time at clarensRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the main attractionsgreat location and great valuegreat location and value for moneygreat stay perfect location neat place beautiful homedrive to clarens town is short complex was quiet and felt secure
Live close to nature in the idyllic little town of Clarens in South Africa
Clarens, a picturesque little town set at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in South Africa, is a haven for nature-lovers and thrill-seekers due to its diverse outdoor activities on offer ranging from hot air balloon rides and trout fishing to mountain biking and hiking. For the best places to stay, check out our list of top ten Airbnb vacation rentals at Clarens.
Frequently asked questions about the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Clarens, South Africa
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