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Korannaberg Hiking Trail/Merrimetsi
Hiking Trails
Marquard/Winburg, Eastern Free State
Trail Closed
The
Korannaberg Hiking Trail is situated close to the historical Free State
town of Winburg, once the seat of government of the independent Orange
Free State during the latter part of the 1800s. The trail traverses a
7000ha conservancy and is quite remarkable for the richness of its flora
and its scenic beauty. The trail is well marked and can be considered
quite strenuous but should be included in any list of trails
to do.
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The
Accommodation
The
base camp consists of an old barn set under the shadows of nearby
sandstone cliffs. The barn is equipped to take up to 15 backpacking
hikers and 24 hikers doing the Merrimetsi day trails. |
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The
Merrimetsi Barn provides a comfortable starting point for the trail.
It has a two plate electric stove, pots, kettle, pans, 3-legged pot,
braai grid and wood and fridge. |
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The
ablutions consists of three hot showers, two flush toilets and four
basins. |
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The Ablutions |
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The
trail-Day 1- 18Km
The
trail starts by crossing grassland before entering a beautiful
forested kloof. |
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A beautiful crystal clear
stream runs through the kloof, ideal for a quick swim before the
ascent through to the top of the kloof. |
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The
hiker passes lovely rock formations and pools. |
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As one
nears the top ,the views back down the kloof are beautiful. |
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On
reaching the top one views some further rock outcrops that one
approaches across open grassland. When reaching the rocks, there is
a large rock overhang that is an ideal place for lunch. |
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The
afternoon walk starts with a short climb and then levels out for a
pleasant walk through grassland following the top of the escarpment
and passing some interesting rock outcrops. The trail then descends
to cross a valley before a steep climb that takes every ounce of
energy to achieve. There follows a short walk across grassland to
the overnight cave. |
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The
cave is hidden among indigenous trees and has an enclosed section
that provides protection from the elements on cold or wet nights.
Water is obtainable from a nearby stream. There is a toilet and
firewood provided. |
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The
Trail- Day 2- 12Km
The
second day of the trail is probably even more spectacular than the
first. More beautiful rock outcrops and some amazing panoramic views
of the farmland far below. |
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It is
really worth taking time to savor this beautiful area. |
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The
trail eventually descends steeply back to base camp along a path
shared with the Merrimetsi day trails. |
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Merrimetsi
Day Trails
For those hikers that don't feel like doing the
backpack trails, there is the option of doing a choice of three day trails
that return the hiker each night to the Merrimetsi Barn. The distances
are 10Km (approx. 4hrs), 14Km (approx. 6hrs) and 6Km (approx. 4hrs).
Conclusion
The Korannaberg and Merrimetsi
Trails are not new trails but will be new to a number of the new hiking
fraternity. Even for those who have previously done this trail it is
certainly worth another visit. The trails are longer than most of the
recently introduced trails and should provide even the fittest and most
"seasoned" hiker with an outing to remember.
Trail accredited by Southern
Africa Trail Owners Association
Bookings
The Koranna and
Merrimetsi Hiking Trails can be
booked through
Jacana
Travel Marketing
and Reservations
Telephone
0861Jacana (0861 522262) or +27 12 734 2978
Fax 012 734 0159
e-mail
info@jacanacollection.co.za
Footprint Hiking
Club
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