Blog - Mont Rouge Clarens

How green is my Clarens!

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The town was totally transformed into a green valley. Clarens waterfalls such as the one in the Clarens Village Nature Reserve flow strongly and a captivating sight after the good rains.The town is also known for its charming , tree lined streets, boutique shops, restaurants and numerous art galleries.

Mont Rouge Guesthouse, a hidden gem, is surrounded by scenic views of nature and are also conveniently located close to the town square and the Nature Conservancy with many trails and hikes.

Titanic Iconic Landmark

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The small town of Clarens often referred to as the jewel of the Free State is an enchanting tourist attraction full of art, history and adventure. With its breathtaking landscapes of Majestic Maluti Mountainand the Rooiberge, and an abundance of trees that reveals its personality with the change of every season.

Mont Rouge Guesthouse is ideally located and only a short walk from the main square, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

Clarens Hiking

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The rock formations and colors are astounding and unlike anything you have ever seen. Clarens, the captivating and charming town is a fabulous place to visit while recharging your batteries! A network of trails, such as Clarens Mountain Trail, the Porcupine Trail and the Titanic Trail are but some of the several mountain trails that lead out of the village. The longest is a 4.5km, hike up the mountain and and the shortest a 500m amble down the stream in the village! Mont Rouge Guesthouse, hidden gem situated at the foothill of the Red Mountains offers affordable self catering accommodation for everyone!

Autumn you are a beauty!

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The air is crisp, our feet crunch fallen leaves everywhere we wander, and the sky just looks bluer somehow now that autumn is in full swing. Autumn leaves don't fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.

Mont Rouge Guesthouse a two-time winner of Tripadvisor's Certificate of Excellence, offers you beautiful and comfortable accommodation in a breathtaking setting.

While waiting for the stars to come out, sit at your own fireplace, share stories and experiences and warm up with a glass of wine!

Summer is officially here!

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

An easy three to four hours' drive from Johannesburg, Clarens has become the long weekend mecca of those after an arty, sleepy hollow with just enough entertainment not to be dull.

There is no shortage of accommodation in Clarens in the form of guest houses, self-catering establishments, lodges and B&Bs in the area, and nature-loving activities in particular are what attract those who enjoy the great outdoors. Everything at Mont Rouge guesthouse is different from the moment you arrived! There is so many surprises around every corner. In addition to our accommodation we offer a farm dam, converted into a swimming pool and a gym, called The Bar. We invite you to come and relax at our property.

MONT ROUGE GUESTHOUSE DID IT AGAIN!

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0200

This is truly a gym for regular gym goers, people who know their way around a squat rack not just a recline bike. The Bar is design for our own guests, especially given the prominent rise of a new tribe of amateur athletes out there today.

Pure Plaas farmhouse ready for occupation in Clarens

Fri, 10 May 2019 00:00:00 +0200

A cosy fireplace and red wine to warm you up. What more can you ask for when visiting the jewel of the Free State. One of South Africa's favourite places to unwind and truly enjoy the beauty of nature, Clarens.

Mont Rouge a tranquil guest house has the most beautiful garden and is perfect for a short hike or just a lazy day relaxing in front of a fireplace reading a good book or chatting with friends. The pure farmhouse offers tastefully decorated bedrooms. The bathrooms comes with showers and some with baths too. The chalets at Mont Rouge have a private patio with braai facilities. You park your car in front of your chalet.

You can enjoy spectacular sunsets while relaxing on the patio with your sundowner.Come and pay us a visit, we promise you won't regret it!

Guest Review Award from Booking.com!

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0200

We are delighted that the world's leading online accommodation booking website Booking.com has awarded us a Guest Review Award for 2018, thanks to the excellent feedback from guests who have stayed at Mont Rouge!

Many thanks to every one who stayed with us in 2018 and indeed many thanks to all those who have helped us on our way with their very kind reviews of us.

Sometimes you need to have a break

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

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? If chasing the thrill of adventure is for you, then don’t let this picturesque town fool you as it’s the adventure capital. You can go horseback riding out in the mountains, quad and mountain bike too, hiking, white water rafting or even trout fishing in the rivers of this beautiful town.

Mont Rouge guesthouse invites you to a peaceful country breakaway at the foothill of the Red Mountains. Self catering accommodation is available in the form of well equipped chalets and rooms. Clarens are surrounded by prosperous farms. There's a beauty in their stark landscapes.

Mont Rouge Guesthouse has done it again!

Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 +0200

The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

This really reflects the level of success that we have experienced in the past few years.
We aim to be one of the best guest houses in Clarens and plan to continue improving every day!
It’s always lovely to get confirmation that our visitors enjoy what we have to offer.

A huge thanks to our valuable guests who have consistently given us ratings of 4 stars and above, we really appreciate your kind words.

Stunning aerial view of Mont Rouge guesthouse!

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Mont Rouge guesthouse offers a serene retreat in a secluded setting at the foothills of the Red Mountains. This guesthouse offers affordable self catering accommodation. The Chalets are well equipped for your convenience. The guesthouse is also in close proximity to the town square with it's shops, restaurants and galleries.

Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee on the verandah of one of our chalets overlooking the immaculate garden. The view on the Red Mountains and Mount Horeb is breathtaking!

The early bird catches the worm at Mont Rouge guesthouse in Clarens!

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Some of the special species of birds that have been recorded at Golden Gate are Cape Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Southern Bald Ibis, Gurney`s Sugarbird, Ground Woodpecker, Bush Blackcap, Whitebellied Korhaan, Verreaux`s Eagle, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Yellow Wagtail, South African Shelduck etc.

Mont Rouge guesthouse has been rated excellent by 30 travellers! The self catering guesthouse has a review score of 9.1 from Booking.com! Come and stay with us and experience the spectacular garden, relaxing accommodation and friendly staff, not to forget the stunning mountain views.

The featured picture was taken at Mont Rouge guesthouse of a Whoopoe bird.

Mont Rouge Guest House hosted a brunch for Saudi Aramco employees

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0200

The gorgeous guest house can accommodate up to 18 people in 4 fully equipped self catering guest units. Four of the bedrooms has en-suite bathrooms and three of the bathrooms come with a shower and a bath. The romantic Lavender Room features under floor heating, coffee/tea making facilities and a flat screen TV.

The modern french style Attic comes with a fireplace, air conditioning and a flat screen TV. A fully equipped kitchen and bathroom with a spacious shower and Victorian bath is situated downstairs.

The Hakuna, a 2 bedroom chalet is decorated with an African theme. The en-suite batrooms come with a shower and a bath. The rest of the unit features an open plan living and dining area. The unit is also equipped with a fireplace and flat screen TV.

We invite you to come and experience the peace and serenity of this unique self catering guest house at the foot of the Red Mountains.

Spectacular Mountain Views from Mont Rouge Guest House! Hospitality is our passion!

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Mont Rouge self catering guest house is located just off the main street on the foothills of the Red Mountains with a beautiful picturesque garden. The busy town square is only a 5 minute walk from the guest house. Mont Rouge guest house offers breath-taking mountain views, tranquility and excellent service to ensure that your stay with us is a memorable one. The stylish Attic offers spectular views on the Red Mountains and Mount Horeb. The Hakuna, 2 bedroom chalet, offers unspoiled views on the Red Mountains.

All the guest units are well equipped. Some units has fireplaces and air condtioning. The Lavender Room has under floor heating available. All the beds are fitted with electric blankets to ensure warm and cosy nights. The en-suite bathrooms comes with a shower and a bath. The kitchens are equipped each with a 2 plate gas burner, coffee/tea making facilities, crockery and cutlery. The self catering units also has each a private barbecue area.

Mont Rouge Guest House offers comfortable self catering accommodation

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0200

The picturesque town of Clarens is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Mont Rouge Guest House is a stone's throw from the town square and the self catering chalets offers spectacular views on the Red Mountains and the majestic Mount Horeb.

The newly renovated Attic has a outside deck with stunning views on the Red Mountains and also on Mount Horeb. The unit can sleep up to 6 people.

The Hakuna is a 2 Bedroom Chalet and the deck offers unspoiled views on the Red Mountains. The unit can sleeps up to 6 people.

The tastefully decorated Lavender Room has a verandah with an excellent view on the mountains. The unit sleeps 2 people.

Whether you are looking for a romantic breakaway or a peaceful self catering family Chalet come to Mont Rouge Guest House your home away from home!

Mont Rouge guest house has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017!

Sun, 25 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Mont Rouge guest house would like to thank all the guests who shared reviews and feed back Guests of all ages are hereby invited to visit us here in Clarens. A built in fireplace in each of our self catering Chalets ensures cosy winter nights.

A very popular choice is the Lavender Room.This tastefully decorated bedroom has under floor heating. The en-suite bathroom has a shower and a bath. Another popular choice is the Attic. The modern double story unit features 2 bedrooms upstairs.The living area is equipped with a built in fireplace and air conditioning. The french style bathroom is downstairs and is equipped with a shower and a Victorian bath.

Whether you are looking for a tranquil country family stay or a romantic getaway let Mont Rouge guest house enchant you! Relax on wooden decks while enjoying incredible mountain views and sunsets!

Clarens a weekend mecca where Mont Rouge guest house welcome guests with open arms!

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

The Clarens Beer Festival held every February has become one of the must-attend events of the year and the Lush festival, for music lovers is fast becoming one of the more popular weekends away.

Artists from all over the world flock to Clarens, not only because the views are breath-taking, but also because many of the art galleries and resident artists offer courses where aspiring and accomplished artists can hone their craft.

You’d think that just being in the area, with its magnificent mountain views and quirky stores would be enough reason to visit. But in Clarens there is no end of activities you can indulge in that’ll leave you rosy cheeked and feeling at one with nature. From horse riding, hiking and archery to fishing, dinosaur hunting and hot air ballooning, there is definitely something for every taste. A walk around the town won’t take more than an hour (especially if you don’t stop at every store, something that’s hard to do). Of course, golf lovers will thoroughly enjoy the perfection of the Clarens Golf and Leisure Estate.

Be careful when you visit Clarens, though. You’ll find yourself dreaming about packing it all in and moving there. It’s not just the pure beauty of the town, it’s also the people who are friendly and welcoming. The frenetic activity each weekend means that there’s no such thing as ‘small town syndrome’ because there are so many new people to meet. Whether you visit in summer when the climate is perfectly warm, or in winter where you’re likely to encounter snow, Clarens is definitely a place to put on your bucket list for a weekend (or longer) of nature’s nurture.

Mont Rouge guest house offers guests well equipped self catering chalets and rooms. All units at Mont Rouge guest house have barbecue facilities available outside. We offer the guest top class accommodation with free parking and free WiFi.Special low rates applicable during midweek. (Mon to Thur). Our friendly staff go out of their way to ensure a memorable and comfortable stay. We would like to invite you to stay with us, hospitality is our passion!

Clarens an artist's hideout

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

No sooner have visitors arrived in Clarens than they find themselves in a frenzy of art-buying, restaurant-hopping, cycling, game driving, trout fishing, birding and late-night partying; then ask themselves where exactly did that quiet weekend or couple of days go?

And that’s the point: a visit to Clarens is so rich with experiences, you need to make sure you set aside enough time in the area because it passes all too quickly.

Clarens offers a fleet of attractions and is an adventure tourism hotspot, with quad biking, paintball, abseiling and white water rafting all available nearby. So plan a trip to Clarens now and find out for yourself why is called The Jewel of the Free State.

Guests visiting this quaint town can rest assured, you will be welcomed with open arms at Mont Rouge guest house, your home away from home. The chalets have well equipped kitchens for self catering accommodation whilst a fireplace and electric blankets ensure warm and cosy winter nights.

Golden Gate National Park

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Located in the foothills of Lesotho's Maluti Mountains, the park is renowned for its extraordinary landscape and abundance of caves and shelters.Loved for its unusual scenery and renowned for its golden aura as the sun illuminates its sandstone cliffs and outcrops, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province lies equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, and is the ideal escape for those longing to stretch their legs, breathe fresh mountain air and allow nature to restore their balance.

Mont Rouge Guest House is situated 20 km from Golden Gate in the quaint little town called Clarens. We believe in providing a warm welcome to all guests of all ages. Here at our guest house you can just unwind and let your stress melt away. The self catering cottages and chalets are well equipped and each unit has a deck or balcony which provides guests with spectacular mountain views. The accommodation at Mont Rouge guest house is highly recommended because of it's location near the Red Mountains. Free Wi- Fi is also available on the entire premises.

Clarens Perfect Retreat for City Dwellers

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

You can travel to Clarens, a small town that sits in a valley, as Clarens is an easy drive from cities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West Province.And many city dwellers are known to enjoy a lot of leisurely time in the town, which has grown into a tourists destinations that’s even been named one of the top 10 towns to visit in South Africa.

There is a Town Square to explore with plenty of cute little shops along the pavements that include arts and crafts places, home-industry shops, furniture stores, boutiques, art galleries, side walk cafes and restaurants.

Sightseeing is a huge part of Clarens tourism especially in regards to the towns biggest draw card, its mountains as Clarens is situated at the foothill of the mighty and majestic Maluti Mountain. And all you can do as you drive into the town is slow down, take in the fresh air and views, to better understand why Clarens is nicknamed the ‘jewel’ of the Free State province.

Mont Rouge Guesthouse, only a stone's throw away from the town center, offers you affordable self catering accommodation.

Afriski Resort Winter Season

Fri, 26 May 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Skiing & Snowboarding
It is also a little known fact that people have been skiing in various Southern African mountain ranges since 1929. One of the most ideally suited locations are the Maluti mountains in the Kingdom of Lesotho. A lot has changed since 1929 and the introduction of modern snow making facilities and lifts to Afriski since 2004 have allowed skiing and snowboarding to flourish in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

The resort operates much as a European ski village does including all the essential components for a great ski holiday, from the accommodation, ski equipment, snow passes, ski school, food etc.Mont Rouge guest house offers upmarket, affordable self-catering accommodation and is situated only 120 km from Afriski resort.

Seasons in Clarens

Sat, 08 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0200

The Autumn season in March seems to be a colorful time for the town of Clarens with food stalls, flea
markets, concerts and shows, which celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Clarens such as the towns Lifestyle Cook Off, Country Market, Surrender Hill marathon. The Clarens Craft Beer Festival, an event dubbed as the best in South Africa, are held at the end of summer.

There’s a chilly bite in the air as it gets bitterly cold in the mid-winter therefore its advised to pack accordingly with temperatures that can dip to as low as 10 degrees below zero and generally during June and July Clarens experience light snow falls, and the only annual quilt festival in the Free State.

But what seems to be the majority rule is that the autumn and spring seasons are a good time of year to visit. As the tree filled town of Clarens offers a wonderful display of colourful blossoms in spring time, while the abundance of cosmos is a sign that the town is nearing the end of summer and in the autumn shades of the season’s colours oranges, red and rustic brown of the Lombardy poplars is an attraction. More so for what the town is known for, it’s artists, photographers and nature lovers.

Clarens Jewel of the Free State

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Clarens is an artists' haven with many well-known artists either living in or frequenting the village, with many art galleries scattered around the village square and the town. The tranquil village ambience combined with scenic views and a mild climate has made Clarens a popular getaway for city dwellers from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban, among other places. Clarens is known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate; it is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa and has recently been acclaimed as the best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa. Mont Rouge guest house offers guests upmarket accommodation. The chalets comes with self catering facilities and unspoiled mountain views.