Fly Fishing Archives - Nowhere to go? Know where to go!

Where To Eat

Clarens Brewery

Hanging out with great company, sipping on ice-cold draughts and tucking into some delicious grub – what more do you need to make a great outing with your loved ones? And if this is just the thing you’re looking for after a long day hiking and being adventurous in and around Clarens, then Clarens Brewery is just the place to refuel, refresh and simply have a good time. This is one of the country’s first brew-pubs, cideries and distilleries, so you can expect to sample and enjoy great beers, ciders and distillate (request for the tasting board to sample a few options before placing your drink order), all while being part of the fantastic craft revolution that is sweeping our country. It is an absolute must-visit when you’re in the area.

Clementine’s

We all love a fabulous meal, which is why you need to visit one of the best dining options Clarens has to offer. Clementine’s is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Clarens, where you can expect excellent food, a great atmosphere and friendly service. The pork belly, oxtail and steaks are all highly recommended. With such great food, you can expect this place to be busy and packed over the weekends and holiday season. To avoid disappointment on your next visit to Clarens (and Clementine’s), make sure you book your table at this popular gem well in advance.

Sugar & Cinnamon

Whether you’re after a delightful breakfast or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Sugar & Cinnamon offers all things delicious from pancakes and glorious chocolate cake to home-style meals and good coffee, all with a stunning view of the mountains in the distance. Just a short distance away from Clarens, this is a hidden gem that gives travellers and even locals a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air out on the countryside. Talk about a great way to start the day.

Where To Shop

The Purple Onion Deli

The Purple Onion Deli is hard to miss – it’s situated around the town square (in the Clarens Windmill Centre) with a little windmill spinning away right next to it and the majestic mountains in the background. This quaint shop gives guests an exceptional country deli experience, unlike anything you’d find in the city. They source unique, handmade and special products that are made with yesteryear’s recipe, including jams, fudge, coffee, marmalades, cherry items (seasonal), chocolates, pasta, preserves, biltong and much more. And best of all, it’s all absolutely delicious.

The Cherry Company

Love everything that smells, tastes and even looks like cherries? Then The Cherry Company will be your cherry heaven! From the moment you walk into the shop, you smell cherries, as the shelves are stocked with all things cherry. And to delight your taste buds (one of my absolute favourites): the cherry liquor. Trust me, if you’re nuts about cherries, this is one spot you cannot miss while visiting Clarens.

The Ugly Duckling

Who doesn’t love quirky and interesting gifts? If you’re looking to shop for something unique for family and friends or want to take something home with you to remind you of your visit to Clarens, then make sure you check out The Ugly Duckling. As their slogan says, it’s “the shop that’s worth a stop”. This store will have everything from unusual gifts and furniture to carpets, mirrors, one-off items, toys, indigenous instruments and souvenirs.

Tobias Art

If you have a flair for all things artistic and creative, then Tobias Art is a must-visit. This spot is a landmark destination for discerning shoppers who are looking for that something ‘out of the box’. They have everything from paintings, pottery and pillows to T-shirts, handbags, handmade soap, incense and jewellery. They even have interesting vintage toys in store.

Where To Play

Ficksburg Cherry Festival

If you are frequent visitors to Clarens, then you know all about the Ficksburg Cherry Festival. But if not, then you’re in for a treat. Ficksburg is the cherry capital of the world and every year in November, they host the Ficksburg Cherry Festival that attracts many travellers and cherry lovers from across the country. A must during this festival is the Constantia Cherry Farm tour with a picnic and the McKinley Chocolate Tour. This year the festival will take place from 16 to 18 November 2017.

Plenty of hiking trails

Love the outdoors and spending time trekking along trails and exploring? Then Clarens is just the place for you, as it has plenty of hiking trails no matter your level of experience. If you want something quick and easy, then take the Spruit Walking Trail, but if you’re looking to up the tempo and the time, then why not take the Kloof Hike that’s about 2.5 to 3 hours long!

Outdoor Adventures

If it’s adventure you want, Claren Destinations has it. There are plenty of extreme adventures you can experience in Clarens, all you have to do is book and enjoy. They offer a variety of experiences to get your adrenaline pumping, including river rafting, abseiling, paintball, hiking, rock climbing, enduro trails, zip- lining, quad biking, archery, fly fishing, a variety of day tours and even skiing and snowboarding in the colder months.

Where To Sleep

Kiara Lodge

There’s a little bit of everything at Kiara Lodge. It makes for the perfect family getaway home as it has plenty of facilities to keep the little ones busy. These chalets are all complete with balconies that offer stunning views and are within walking distance to the dam, playground, swimming pool and restaurant. Also, you won’t be too far away from the main street in town, as it’s just down the road.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens

This luxurious four-star retreat is nestled close to the Golden Gate National Park and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens exudes sheer style, luxury and design that blends in with the natural beauty of the stunning little town of Clarens. It boasts 70 luxurious rooms perfect for any occasion, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, team-building endeavor, a business conference or an adventurous weekend escape with the family.

Lake Clarens Guest House

Apparently, this guest house has even hosted Brad Pitt… If you want 4-star luxury at its finest along, stunning country views and quick and easy access to town, then book a stay at Lake Clarens Guest House. Their luxurious rooms are furnished to make your stay as comfy as possible with queen-sized beds, TVs, fridges, snack basket and a safe, and are all tastefully decorated. And best of all, all bedrooms have an exquisite view of the lake and mountains.

With two in-house restaurants, you get a variety of dining options for every occasion and experience. The fine dining a la carte restaurant called Rambling Vine offers diners an exceptional dining experience, complemented by an award-winning exclusive wine list offering. Rambling Vine is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years. The dress code is smart casual and regrettably, no sneakers, shorts, t-shirts or slops will be permitted.

Twist restaurant has recently undergone a complete refurbishment, and now has a modernised and sophisticated look with the finest most flavoursome and homemade dishes. The Executive Chef shows off his excellent culinary skills with a Sunday Carvery Lunch on every first Sunday of each month. The carvery selection offers a variety of roast meats ranging from lamb and beef to chicken, casserole dishes and fresh country salads.

There’s a fully operational Kids Club facility available which offers a whole new way for families to enjoy time away together, while also giving grown-ups a chance to really enjoy their break this Easter. The Kids Club caters for all age groups from toddlers to teens over weekends, long weekends and school holidays. A Kids Holiday programme is offering a lot of fun activities including an Easter egg hunt. Click here to view the program.

The Mountain Bike Activity Centre, known as The Cog & Sprocket, is ideally located for both mountain bike and trail running enthusiasts. It offers access to single tracks (varying in distance from 1.29km – 12km), along with several other useful facilities including deli-style dining, shower amenities, bike wash bays and ample parking. Complimentary for in-house GUESTS, and a nominal fee for day visitors, you can explore the countryside in 5-star style. More reason to escape to the outdoors in the country. Is the country outdoors calling your name? Then click here to find out more!

Time spent in the countryside would not be complete without the opportunity to relax, recharge and rejuvenate at the award-winning Mount Grace Spa. Located at the top of the property, with beautiful views of the Magaliesburg, the spa offers the ideal environment to unwind and ease away the stress of Jozi living. The spa has been named as the Top Spa in South Africa for the second year running. With 18 treatment rooms (of which nine cater to couples) and a variety of treatments and promotions on offer, look no further for a blissful pamper experience. End your treatment with a calming and complimentary hydrotherapy journey, which includes time in a heated flotation pool, steam room and reflexology walkway to name a few. Click here to view seasonal packages.

Indulge and enjoy full privacy during by selecting your preference from 16 unique conference venues spread across the property for privacy and tranquillity, secluded from daily distractions and which can accommodate up to 220 delegates. A dedicated events team will ensure that your exclusive event runs efficiently, smoothly and successfully, for a truly tailor-made experience. Experience the difference with a variety of themed tea and coffee breaks as well as healthy options. An express spa treatment menu is also available.

Other activities on offer at the hotel include fly-fishing, birding and tennis. There are a variety of off-site activities to also enjoy whilst making the most of your time in the countryside. Click here to view the African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa activity guide.

Pre-booking of Spa treatments is essential to avoid disappointment, inquire with the Spa Team for other Spa offers.

View all spa packages here.

For More Information

Tel: 014 577 5600

Email: [email protected]

Web: marriott.com/jnbmg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/africanpridehotels

Twitter: www.twitter.com/APHotels #MountGrace

Harrie's Pancakes

Harrie's Pancakes is an institution. They’ve got all kinds of pancakes on the menu – both sweet and savoury options - but, if you’re not in the mood for pancakes, they also serve egg breakfasts, salads, croissants and more. But back to the pancakes - some flavours that really get the drool going are dark chocolate mousse, fig preserve and pecan nuts. And on the savoury side, chicken and mushrooms with cashew nuts, sticky pork with peaches and spring onion. They even have gluten-free pancakes!

Address: Shop 87, Naledi Street, Dullstroom.