Clarens ArTS FestiVal

24-27 APril 2026

Experiences

Head back to our daily Programme HERE or jump to a different category by clicking one below.

Dawn at the Edge of Time: Sunrise, Coffee & Ancient Stories with Dr Gideon Groenewald and Charl Wessels

Join renowned geologist Dr Gideon Groenewald and geographer Charl Wessels for a pre-dawn adventure into Golden Gate’s dramatic canyons. Watch the sunrise ignite 200-million-year-old sandstone cliffs while exploring deep time geology, Gondwanaland’s fiery volcanoes, and how rivers sculpt landscapes. Sip fresh coffee as expert guides reveal how supercontinent breakups and volcanic forces created this breath-taking scenery. An unforgettable journey where ancient geology meets nature’s raw power.

Age Restrictions: suitable for ages 13 and above

Ticket Note: This is a self-drive excursion, please meet at Clarens Municipal Office on the Village Square at 4.15am to drive to Golden Gate in convoy. Dress warmly. Bring your own coffee, flask, mugs and a bite to eat. Price includes National Park Permit. 

R550

DINING WITH THE WRITERS

Join us for an intimate dinner at 360 Country Hotel with four of the festival’s star authors: 

LINDIWE HANI, RUDA LANDMAN, YEWANDE OMOTOSO & BRONWYN WILLIAMS. MICHELE MAGWOOD hosts. 

Age Restrictions: Adults only 

Ticket Note: Ticket price includes a two-course supper. Beverages will be available at the venue at your own expense.

R500

Surrender Hill & Hidden Caves: A Boer War Journey to Fouriesburg with Charl Wessels

Step back into 1900 with retired educator Charl Wessels to explore Fouriesburg’s pivotal role in the Anglo-Boer War. Discover the dramatic events at Surrender Hill, where desperate decisions shaped history on these Free State hillsides. The journey culminates with a walk-through remarkable water tunnels—secret passages where Boer fighters sought refuge from British forces. Experience history you can touch and feel in these hidden corridors of courage and survival.

Age Restrictions: Suitable for ages 13 and above

Ticket Note: This is a self-drive excursion, please meet at the Clarens Municipal Office on the Village Square at 7.30am to drive to Surrender Hill in convoy. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.  Price includes the Nature Reserve Permit. 

R350

Cook & Dine with Elmarie Berry 

Elmarie Berry’s winning recipes caught the eye on social media ten years ago. Today she has two internationally acclaimed recipe books to her name. For this special three-course lunch, Elmarie shows how she prepares dishes from Kosbaar: Skep herinneringe met ‘n feesmaal and The Table that you can enjoy afterwards. Local Clarenite, Naomi Visser is the hostess. Only 30 places are available for this feast.

Age restrictions: None

Ticket Note: Price includes the cooking demonstration, the meal and wine.

R750

EET SAAM MET DIE SKRYWERS

Geniet ‘n intieme aandete by die 360 Country Hotel saam met vier van die fees se ster-skrywers. Sluit aan by KYLE COWAN, DANA SNYMAN, JACO STRYDOM & LEON VAN NIEROP. ELNA ROSSOUW speel gasvrou. 

Ouderdomsbeperking: Slegs volwassenes

Kaartjienota: Kaartjie prys sluit ‘n twee-gang maaltyd in. Drankies sal beskikbaar wees op eie koste.

R500