Cherry Route
Free State sandstone country — Clarens galleries and Fouriesburg cherry farms in the Maluti foothills.
About this route
In the Free State foothills of the Maluti Mountains, sandstone cliffs glow gold at sunset and South Africa's only commercial cherry farms blossom each spring. Clarens is the artist village — galleries, breweries, and the gateway to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Fouriesburg sits closer to the cherries proper, with farm tours and the annual Cherry Festival every November. A slow weekend loop with mountain views, easy hikes, and small-town suppers.
Stops along the route
- 1ClarensMajor stop
- 2FouriesburgMajor stop
Stays along this route
See all stays
Camelroc Guest Farm
Camelroc Guest Farm is a working farm retreat set against the dramatic backdrop of the Maluti Mountains near Fouriesburg in the Free State. The farm offers a mix of self-catering thatched-roof chalets and cosy farmhouse rooms, accommodating groups from 3 to 9 guests per unit. Seven self-catering chalets feature independent facilities including fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, and outdoor braai areas, while three farmhouse rooms provide a more intimate guesthouse experience with shared common areas, a fireplace, and home-cooked meal options. Activities abound on the 700-hectare property — marked hiking trails from 3km to 9km lead to the iconic Camelroc rock formation, river paths, and mountain viewpoints overlooking the Lesotho border. A 6km 4x4 off-road track is available for self-drive or guided Land Rover experiences, and mountain biking routes of 10km and 30km wind through the open farmland. The farm's location near Caledonspoort border post makes it a popular stop for travellers heading to or from Lesotho, while the charming town of Fouriesburg with its sandstone architecture is just a short drive away.
Mont d'Or Clarens
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Mont d'Or Clarens offers timeless charm where natural beauty meets refined luxury. This elegant hotel features various room types from classic rooms to self-catering cottages, perfect for romantic getaways or family retreats. The property boasts stunning mountain views, a restaurant, spa services, wedding venues, and conference facilities.
Merino Guest Farm
The guest house is located on a 650ha farm with an apple orchard, nestled between the As River and sandstone hills. Some of the things to do with us are to walk through nature up the sandstone hills which gives a 360 degree view of the surrounding farms. If the walk looks too far, it is possible to wet a fly fishing line in the river that is full of trout or just to sit down at the river's banks and let the tranquility fill your mind. There are also some tracks that can be followed with a bicycle to explore the farm. If all these activities are too busy for you then bring your binoculars and look for our feathered friends like the turkey ibis, long crested eagle or the bare cheek falcon. In the evenings one falls asleep, not with the noise of cars but the silence of a farm.
Highland Quarters
Highland Quarters is a Clarens Bed & Breakfast providing accommodation in 9 guest rooms for tourists visiting the Thabo Mofutsanyana region. Each room has an extra length Queen size bed. The en-suite bathroom has a large shower, toilet and basin. There is a flat screen TV with DStv. There is no fridge or any other form of catering facility. There are many excellent restaurants for your dining pleasure in Clarens.