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OOxwagons – South Africa’s Voortrekker pioneers rode in them, blazed trails in them, sometimes gave birth in them and died in them. Relive those days when you sleep out at the Clarens Oxwagon Camp. Dine out beside a crackling camp fire before bedding down in a comfortable old-time oxwagon.
The Clarens Oxwagon Camp is a living reminder of those feisty, Dutch-speaking Voortrekkers (literally 'one who goes before') who left the British-ruled Cape Colony in the 1830s and 40s to forge independence and a new life for themselves in the vast, largely unexplored interior of South Africa.
Oxwagons carried these pioneer families, their worldly possessions and their dreams of a place where they could live in freedom, unfettered by British rule.
Tucked away in a tall poplar grove surrounded by golden sandstone mountains on St Fort farm just outside Clarens, off one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the eastern Free State, is Clarens Oxwagon Camp.
St Fort farm is known for its views of the aptly named Mushroom Rock, the nearby San rock paintings and the excellent fly-fishing.
Inside the sturdy wooden walls encircling the open-air camp you'll find the wagons. There are 14 of them, each authentic and restored, furnished with 4 single bunk beds, sleeping up to 8 people.
The camp is self-catering, so bring all your own food and drink. There's a kitchen with a kettle, a two-plate stove, a washing up area and an undercover braai area. Most importantly, however, there's a campfire where you can sit late into the night and swap tales with the other guests.
At the end of the evening as the stars blaze over the mountains, climb into your white canvas oxwagon with its cheerful red wheels, curl up in a comfortable bunk and dream of those long-ago days.
The area around Clarens is one of the loveliest in the whole country – expect soaring red mountains, clear mountain streams, winding roads lined with poplars and panoramic views.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Clarens Oxwagon Camp
Tel: +27 (0) 58 256 1260
How to get here
Take the N3 west from Johannesburg. Then the R26 to Bethlehem and follow the signs for Clarens. The Oxwagon Camp is 7km from Clarens on the Fouriesburg Road.
Best time to visit
It can get very hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter, so spring and autumn are best.
Things to do
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a short drive away, as is the arty town of Clarens.
What will it cost?
Please enquire directly about rates.
Length of stay
One night is sufficient for the oxwagon experience. But if you are using the camp as a base for exploring the area, then 2 or 3 nights.
What to pack
The Clarens Oxwagon Camp is self-catering, so bring all your food and drink (Clarens has a number of excellent supermarkets, butcheries, delis and liquor stores), as well as cooking utensils.
What's happening
Among the most popular events in the area are the Clarens Craft Beer Festival in February and the Cherry Festival in November.
Best buys
Clarens is a shopping mecca. Find African crafts and curios, art galleries, handcrafted leather, pottery, handmade quilts, jewellery, jams and preserves, freshly baked bread and pastries… and lots more.
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