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Two hikers on top of the chain ladders at the Tugela Falls hike

Your Complete Guide to Hiking Tugela Falls

Imagine standing at the edge of the world — wind pulling at your jacket, 3,000 metres of thin mountain air in your lungs, and a river sliding silently over a cliff edge a few steps away, disappearing into a valley nearly a kilometre below. No guardrails. No crowds. Just you, the Drakensberg escarpment, and the raw, unfiltered scale of Africa's highest waterfall. That moment doesn't come easy — it costs you a long drive, a bumpy 4x4 ride, a set of chain ladders that will test your nerve, and several hours of honest climbing. But ask anyone who has stood at the top of Tugela Falls, and they'll tell you the same thing: every step was worth it. This guide gives you everything you need to get there safely, smartly, and ready to earn it. ... Continue Reading
A view from below looking up at the Tugela Falls hike chain ladders

Tugela Falls: The Hike That Tried to Break Us (And Almost Did)

Picture this: two grown men, one tent, one sleeping bag, and a storm doing its absolute best to end them—somewhere on top of the Drakensberg in the dead of night. This is the story of Project Tugela Falls. And yes, I would do it again. Project Tugela Falls got an early start. I left Pretoria at 05:00 to be in the Clarens area by 09:00 — a good four-hour drive with a 30-minute pit stop. The goal was to spend the day in Clarens and explore it a bit more. ... Continue Reading
Outside the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre

A Friday in Clarens

If you're searching for Clarens things to do and honestly don't know where to begin, let me save you the scroll. Clarens — the so-called "Jewel of the Free State" — is one of those rare places that manages to be a dinosaur museum, a craft beer destination, an art village, a hiking trailhead, and a mountain-view coffee stop all at once, without breaking a sweat. Nestled in the Maluti Mountains foothills and just 3.5 hours from Joburg, this little town punches well above its weight. We went for one day and barely scratched the surface. This is the story of what we found — and the long list of reasons we're already planning to go back. ... Continue Reading
Looking towards St  Fort Farm from Mushroom Rock Hiking Trail High Point of View

CLARENS: Things To Do, Eat, Shop, and Stay – Your Complete Guide

Last updated: 10.03.2026 - Forget everything you think you know about small-town South Africa. Clarens is where dramatic golden sandstone meets world-class art, where adrenaline-pumping rapids flow year-round, and where you can hike ancient caves in the morning and dine at Michelin-quality restaurants by night. This is the Free State's best-kept secret—and it's time you discovered why. ... Continue Reading
Pretoria Food Trucks

Pretoria Food Trucks: Where to Find the Best Ones This Weekend

Pretoria's best meals don't have fixed addresses — they have wheels. In 2026, the city's food truck scene has quietly become one of the most exciting dining landscapes in Gauteng, but only if you know where to find it. Markets have shifted, night markets have closed, new ones have opened, and your favourite vendors have moved on without telling you. ... Continue Reading
High Point of View of Mushroom Rock on St  Fort Farm, Clarens

23 Clarens Hiking Trails – Updated List

Last updated: 09.03.2026 - Whether you're a casual walker seeking an hour-long stroll through nature, a family looking for a pet-friendly outing, or a seasoned hiker ready to conquer 2,449-meter peaks, Clarens delivers hiking experiences that punch way above their weight. From the Clarens Nature Reserve's beautifully maintained village trails to the legendary multi-day expeditions through Golden Gate Highlands National Park, this Free State gem offers over 20 distinct hiking adventures within minutes of the town square. ... Continue Reading