Bethlehem & Surrounds Information
Clarens
The town of Clarens in South Africa is a picturesque village which has become very popular with artists as it is located in a setting of spectacular sandstone outcrops and streams are lined with willow and poplar trees.
The town is named after the Swiss town where President Paul Kruger died in exile in 1904. The Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) President’s historical links with the area date back to 1866. In the village are fine sandstone dwellings, two beautiful sandstone churches and an old mill which is still in working order.
If history interests you visit the Clarens Museum. Visitors can undertake guided fossil-hunting trips and on farms in the area are several rock painting sites.
.jpeg "Scenic drive from Bethlehem / Bohlokong: Golden Gate Highlands National Park")
Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Basotho Cultural Village
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa has been named after the twin bluffs – Sentinel (or Brandwag) and Mushroom Rocks and Gladstone’s Nose which resembles the profile of the former British prime minister.
It is renowned for its mountain scenery dominated by impressive sandstone formations and expanses of grassveld. There are several short trails e.g. Holkrans Trail features spectacular caves and sections have to be negotiated by wooden ladders.
A guided walk will take you to Cathedral Cave where a stream plunges some 30m through a narrow opening in the cave roof resembling the domed roof of a cathedral. There are game-viewing loops where one can view the game e.g. black wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest, grey rhebok and zebra. There are many bird species e.g. bald ibis, and a variety of birds of prey for bird watchers.
Basotho Cultural Village
The Basotho Cultural Village lies within the QwaQwa National Park in South Africa. Here the lifestyle and architecture of the South Sotho is accurately depicted from the 16th century to the colourful present.
The village is a living museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the people. Cultural activities are staged at an amphitheatre. Visitors can take a one hour guided tour or join the Ngaka (traditional healer) on a 2hr walk on the medicinal and customary uses of plants and a bonus see rock paintings. At the restaurant visitors can sample a traditional Sotho meal.
Bethlehem Attractions
Clarens
The town of Clarens in South Africa is a picturesque village which has become very popular with artists as it is located in a setting of spectacular sandstone outcrops and streams are lined with willow and poplar trees.
The town is named after the Swiss town where President Paul Kruger died in exile in 1904. The Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) President’s historical links with the area date back to 1866. In the village are fine sandstone dwellings, two beautiful sandstone churches and an old mill which is still in working order.
If history interests you visit the Clarens Museum. Visitors can undertake guided fossil-hunting trips and on farms in the area are several rock painting sites.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Basotho Cultural Village
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa has been named after the twin bluffs – Sentinel (or Brandwag) and Mushroom Rocks and Gladstone’s Nose which resembles the profile of the former British prime minister.
It is renowned for its mountain scenery dominated by impressive sandstone formations and expanses of grassveld. There are several short trails e.g. Holkrans Trail features spectacular caves and sections have to be negotiated by wooden ladders.
A guided walk will take you to Cathedral Cave where a stream plunges some 30m through a narrow opening in the cave roof resembling the domed roof of a cathedral. There are game-viewing loops where one can view the game e.g. black wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest, grey rhebok and zebra. There are many bird species e.g. bald ibis, and a variety of birds of prey for bird watchers.
Basotho Cultural Village
The Basotho Cultural Village lies within the QwaQwa National Park in South Africa. Here the lifestyle and architecture of the South Sotho is accurately depicted from the 16th century to the colourful present.
The village is a living museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the people. Cultural activities are staged at an amphitheatre. Visitors can take a one hour guided tour or join the Ngaka (traditional healer) on a 2hr walk on the medicinal and customary uses of plants and a bonus see rock paintings. At the restaurant visitors can sample a traditional Sotho meal.
