Discover the best-kept secrets of the Eastern Free State. Situated between the bustling art village of Clarens and the craggy sandstone Maluti mountains, this slackpack hiking tour offers a unique combination of high-berg wilderness and cultural treasures.
The area, famous for its landmark San paintings, well-preserved dinosaur fossils, and intriguing African folklore tales, is home to your charismatic guide who will regale you with colourful stories of the past providing an original interpretation of ancient trance ceremonies and African traditions.
Staying in charming country guesthouses just outside of Clarens, you will enjoy home-cooked meals served with traditional hospitality in the comfort of your accommodation. With transfers arranged, all you need to do is wake up and enjoy the golden-lit sandstone trails unique to this part of the world. The daily distances and gradient are very manageable making this the perfect beginners’ hikes for those less fit.
Slackpack info:
Duration: 3 days, 3 nights with the option of a discounted additional night or two hiking in the Golden Gate Reserve
Recommended fitness level: Easy – Moderate
Average daily walking distances: 6-15km
Accommodation types: Lodge, including dinner and breakfast. Lunch packs are supplied daily.
Price: From R7050 pps
Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, vehicle transfers, a registered guide & conservancy fees
Group size: Min 4 persons Max 12
Read more about the Claren’s San-Traverse slackpack here and below on Tripadvisor and in our featured article in Go! magazine…
What is slackpacking?
Slackpacking is a luxurious spin on traditional thru-hiking or backpacking that allows you to experience nature without the crushing weight of a heavy pack. Instead of hauling a heavy pack containing your tent, sleeping bag, stove, and multiple days of food, you hike with only a light daypack containing the essentials—like water, a rain jacket, and some snacks.
The heavy lifting is handled for you. After a full day of hiking, you arrive at a comfortable guesthouse, lodge, or cabin, where your bags are already waiting. Instead of pitching a tent and eating dehydrated meals, you get to enjoy a hot shower, delicious carefully prepared meals, and a soft bed.
This style of hiking makes long-distance trails accessible to a broader range of fitness levels, families, and older hikers who love the outdoors but want to avoid physical strain. Slackpacking allows adventurers to focus entirely on the scenery and good company rather than physical burden of the journey.
Have a look at some of our current trails that are available such as the popular Clarens San Traverse, Wakkerstroom Wonder or Zululand Rover and start planning your next trip today!
Why choose Spekboom Tours for your next trip?
We know every traveller is different, which is why we design our trekking tours around your unique expectations. Julia takes time to create personalised routes that take you beyond the usual tourist paths, offering a holiday experience that feels effortless from the moment you start planning.
Each itinerary is crafted with care, focusing on lesser‑known trails and memorable landscapes to give you a journey that feels both refreshing and rewarding. We match every tour to the interests, pace, and preferences of our guests, ensuring you enjoy the best possible adventure without the stress of organising it yourself. Whether you’re seeking quiet nature escapes, new cultural discoveries, or something in between, we’re here to shape a trek that fits you perfectly. Get in touch today and let us help you plan an unforgettable experience.