Visit South Africa: How Clarens is setting the standard for sustainable tourism

Clarens is setting the standard for sustainable tourism in South Africa. The author's South African Airways flight, SA53, touched down at OR Tambo International Airport at exactly 4:05 a.m. The author was part of the hosted media delegation for Africa's Travel Indaba 2026.

Lesogo Marimo of South African Tourism had advised the hosted media delegation to pack warm clothing. The author arrived at the Premier Hotel and told Asivile Mzinyati and her colleague that as a Ghanaian accustomed to heat, "I could manage the South African chill." The 2026 event will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre from May 12 to 14. The route cuts through one of South Africa's major agricultural regions. Along the journey, the delegation passed several important agricultural towns, including Kroonstad, Welkom, Bethlehem, and Bloemfontein.

Visitors to Clarens can enjoy white-water rafting on the Ash River, abseiling from sandstone cliffs, hiking, climbing trails, and a range of outdoor adventure experiences. Rafting on the Ash River, whose Grade 3 and 4 rapids attract thrill-seekers from across South Africa, is among the town's standout attractions.