National GTG - Venue Proposal - Eastern Free State

[iHilux]

As part of the preperation for our national GTG, we will be need to decided on an appropriate venue to hold this event.

There are ofcourse a number of susgestions, and my proposal is for the Eastern Free State.

The Korannaberg is my proposal, so have decided to add some pics. I suggest that each venue proposal be motivated with some info and pics.

The great thing about the Korranaberg, is that there are three venues right next to each other, ie within 10km of each other. This allows us an oppertunity to exploit three different trails all in the weekend.

This is the first:

Merrimetsi

“It becomes difficult to remember individual trails, much less their specific parts. So it’s a rare trail indeed that one can recall vividly, without referring to notes or photographs, a couple of months after the event. Merrimetsi is such a trail.” – (Neil Harrison, Editor – SA 4x4 Magazine, September 2004)


The Merrimetsi 4x4 family trail is designed with the family in mind, but still offering dad enough challenges to truly test his nerves. Your day starts in the erosion ditches were you and your vehicle are put through the paces to see if you both still have what it takes to tackle the trail. The trail combines superb mountain scenery with great driving challenges in an area steeped in South African (Boer) War history, and rich in fauna and flora. No less than 266 bird species have been identified, along with 52 indigenous tree species. The trail starts with a steep climb to the top of the Korannaberg, with an exhilarating ride between sandstone rock faces. In places you cross rock plates no less than three metres from the edge of the cliff, with the very steep 30m climb up Devil's Throat guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. The descent into the riverbed is another attention grabber, as you can't see where you're going. Other highlights include tip-toeing over loose rock and gravel and through some badly eroded areas, while keeping a watch for wildlife. (Copyright- Drive Out, March 2002)


The Merrimetsi 4x4 technical trail is a half day trail that can be combined with the family trail. The trail follows sandstone rock faces, were there is no road to follow and only the directions given by the guide will guide you safely through and over the various obstacles. Obstacles with names like the see-saw and driving along the edge of a 150-metre high cliff face is an experience you will never forget.


The Merrimetsi 4x4 Extreme track is an 800-metre loop track that’ll take you about an hour per vehicle to complete. “This is a steeply-sided rock face that’ll seemingly take your vehicle to its roll over limits, You’ll need a good navigator here and preferably someone with long arms as they’ll often be standing a good metre and a half below you.” – Copyright – Neil Harrison, Editor – SA 4x4 Magazine, September 2004)

[iHilux]

This is the second:

Koranna Wegbreek

General Info
If you don't what so see or hear anyone during your annual getaway, this is the venue for you. All this lies against the ever-impressive backdrop of the magnificent Koranna Mountain in the Eastern Free State.

Our venue is a unique outdoor lifestyle, inspires a feeling of mystery and awe sense of real wonder not to be found anywhere else!!

Perfect venue for corporate days and team building.

Experience your 4x4 vehicle and have some fun with the family (Family team building)

A most enjoyable outing for the family, "a truly unique and unforgettable experience".

There are several beautiful natural areas, with plentiful vegetation, fauna & Flora, panoramic views, magnificent rock formations, Wake up to the sound of farm life and experience the tranquil atmosphere.

Our Lapa are supreme style, spaciousness & comfort for the enthusiastic nature lover, discover our secret!!!

Beautiful picnic spots, playground on site a paradise for children exploring a place full of trees and bird life provide hours of fascinating natural rock pools. Playing on an open lawn.

Relax and have a getaway in a private estate, Lots to do?.. Plenty of time to do!

FLORA

Situated in the Korannaberg conservancy, if offers a unique eco-system.

Sweet and Sour vegetation growing form the east and west, meet on the Koranna Getaway KLOOF route. One of the most diverse habitats for flora and Fauna. With no less than 52 indigenous tree species, over 560 plant species;

The ordinary Taaibos, Gwarrie, Olienhout, Ouhout and Witstinkhout trees are found.
Under waterfall "Overhanging cave" you can witness a flourishing 450 million year old fern, 90% of these species are evergreen.

FAUNA

On the birding side:

Korannaberg has a rich bird life and it is estimated that as many as 277 species can be found in the area. Endangered species such as the Black Eagle and Martial Eagle & Jackal buzzard are frequently seen.

The typical species are: Black Korhaan, Swansons Francolin, Orange river Francolin, Natal Francolin, Helmeted Guineafowl, Red Capped Lark, Rock pigeon, Bokmakierie.

Animal wild life:

Chacma Baboon (mountain baboon)
There are +/- 50 different species of smaller mammals such as Suricate (Stokstert meerkat) Rock Hyrax (dassies), ground squirrel, springhare, mice & hares
Ant bear (aardvark), Warthog, Porcupine. Black-backed Jackal.

Other game that may be spotted is the elusive mountain reedbuck, ribbok, springbok, duiker & steenbok.

Water life:

Bass, barbel and carp fish in dams.
Broadband-grass frog (common river frog)
Platanna etc ...

Wild life in Miniature:

Millipede, Dung beetle, Grasshoppers & termite Scorpion

Reptiles:

Puff adder, (Pofadder), Brounhouse snake, Mole snake, Rinkals. Skaapstekertjie.
Gecko, Blue gecko and many more..

History

The mountain inherited its name from the Korannas (also known as the Abatule tribe) who settled on the plateau during early 1800?s.

Natural and cultural history of the "koranna kraals" is still there?

Some potsherds where found on the plateau.

Kloof Route4x4 Routes

Grading: 5
Distance: 14 km

This route was based on an old cattle track used by the farmer drive cattle to grazing on top of Koranna Mountain. Woodcutters used this track to pull down trees from the mountain in the previous century. The feature that makes this place so unique is that two-veld types, one from the east and one from the west meet in these hills, thus the variety of flora. This route is not for the beginner 4x4 driver, dangerous spots, inaccessibility etc. The more experienced driver will however reap the rewards at the top, plenty of viewpoints waterfalls undulating savannah and the feeling of being with yourself.

The pass starts at 1500m above sea level and will climb within 2km to 1800m above sea level. The scenery changes from dense trees and shrubs and rocky ground to a more easy-going grassland plateau. Where you can sit back and relax while you soak up the atmosphere. You can see far and wide at this panoramic view from the top

There are spots where you get out of the vehicle for a while, and admire the breathtaking scenery, overlooking the beauty of the waterfalls. There's some pretty rough stuff to negotiate in getting to the top of the Koranna Mountain. The mountain trail features some of the most spectacular scenery in the Free State. This route is closed when it's wet as it would simply be too slippery to even attempt the ascent.

You need some sound technical skills -
The route down the mountain follows the same path. Caution is advised when driving down the rough sections, first gear low range should do the trick while the foot brake might come in handy every so often. We recommend that tyre be deflated to between 1.4-1.6 bar for lighter vehicles like Hilux, Isuzu etc. and 1.8-2.0 bar for heavier vehicles Land Cruisers Discovery Prado etc. This is not only for the sake of you getting to the top but also to minimize damage to the pass. Low range diff lock a must.

Plateau Route4x4 Routes

Grading: 3
Distance 24km

Relaxed parts very challenging, yet family safe and fun. When planning to drive this route put at least 4-5 hours aside to be able to stop and have a picnic along the way.

The trail starts of fairly flat into a kloof and then up onto a plateau where the wary will spot some mountain rheebuck. It then winds its way along a series of dongas and will provide enough challenges to test your 4x4 and driving skills. You'll have the pleasure driving this trail without the constant fear of scratching the vehicle because of an overgrown pathway or neglected maintenance. Moddergat play if you dare! This route is ideal for quad bikes. Plenty of viewpoints as well as shaded picnic spots. Clean drinkable water available on route.

[iHilux]

This is the third:

Korannaberg Adventures

Korannaberg Adventures initiated in the beginning of July 2000 when Gert Conradie bought the farm Van Zoelenshoek and saw the potential, not only for cattle farming, but also for tourism because of its beauty and uniqueness.

It’s a nature lovers’ playground, with extensive grasslands on the mountain plateau and lush valley forests in several areas. The Korannaberg has a climate of extremes-very warm summers and very cold winters.

It offers a variety of 769 varieties of plant species, 52 different kinds of trees (90% of these species are evergreen), 277 bird species (among these are the Black and Marshall eagle), indigenous animal wild life that roam the grasslands freely and 7 picturesque waterfalls, making it the perfect place for bird watching, camping, hiking, mountain biking, etc.






CLIMATE


The Korannaberg has a climate of extremes. In summer the temperature often rises to 30°C during the day and in winter the temperature often drops to below 0°C during the night. Invariably the days are beautiful and sunny. The area has an average rainfall of about 900mm per year and mostly during the summer months from October to March. Rainstorms are frequently accompanied by thunder storms in the afternoon. September, October, February, March and April are the best months to undertake a hiking tour in the area.


ROCK FORMATIONS





The visible rocks of the mountains consist mainly of sandstone, however mudstone can be found on the lower slopes. Dolerite penetrations (iron stone reefs) are scattered throughout the area. The sandstone has been eroded to interesting forms and shapes that contribute to the beauty of the area. the mountainside presents a number of rock shelters, holes and crevices. One of the most interesting features along the various routes, is “Holkrans” an overhanging cave surrounded by trees and secluded by a waterfall.


VEGETATION

The Vegetation in the area is virtually unspoilt. The large variety of plant species is mainly attributed to the geographical position of the moutain, which is located in a dry and wet weather transition zone. Extensive grasslands are typical of the mountain plateau while valley forests and shrubs of limited extent can be found in several locations. Wild Olive and ordinary Taaibos, Ghwarrie and Ouhout are abundant. Some of the unique and rare species found in the specified area are the Red Pear, Wild Peach and Mountain Kasuur. In the “Holkrans”overhanging cave, you can witness a flurishing 450 million year old fern. Come ans experience nature in its full glory- a true eden.


FAUNA

In earlier years Antelope such as the Black wildebeest, Blesbuck and Springbuck roamed the area in large numbers. The owner Mr Gert Conradie took it upon himself to re-introduce these antelope, which now again roam freely. The more robust mammals suh as the caracal, baboons, Mountain reedbuck and Porcupine have flourished. In addition the area boasts ± 50 different species of smaller mammals such as dassies and mice.





Korannaberg has a rich bird life and it is estimated that as many as 277 species can be found in the area. Endangered species such as the Black Eagle, Cape Vulture and Martial Eagle are frequently seen roaming the air space. Some of the more typical species that can be seen, are: The Black Korhaan, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Red Capped Lark, Cape Turtle Dove, Rock Pigeon, Olive Thrush, Bokmakierie and Cape Robin.

An ornithologists dream come true!






A HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT





As far back as the earliest inhabitants (more than likely the Koi-San), people have found refuge in the lush Korannaberg mountain valley. The mountain inherited its name from the Korannas (also known as the Abatula tribe) who settled on the plateau during the early 1800’s. They were more than likely the cause of the Koi-San’s migration.


THE KOI-SAN

The rock paintings that inhabit the surrounding rock shelters and caves are proof that, approximately 250 - 300 years ago the Koi-San dwelled in the area. The best examples of this primitive art-form are depictions of hunting and social activities, found in the “Holkrans” overhanging cave. A stop over on the 4x4 trail for lunch.

A differences in the drawing style and the depiction of horses indicate that of the paintings were not executed by the Koi-San, but rather by the Korannas at a later period.

Perfect for those group weekends to get the team spirit going or simply to break-away to a
tranquil setting, were you can relax while you soak up mother nature.

Taking into account our ideal location, we are geared to offer you a adrenaline pumping, sole-rebuilding, “weer-lus-vir-die-lewe” stay with us.

Come on one of our many adventures and discover that the Free State is not flat!

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:

• 4x4 Route (at least 3 vehicles)
• Grading 3-5
• 3 different routes (obstacles opptional)
• 2 playpens for fun and for the ladies






• Tag along in our 4x4 vehicle
The trail is definitely worth a visit and is great value for money. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility, or simply want to get away from the city, Korannaberg Adventures is the spot. It’s good for the soul.

[iHilux]

And here you guys were all thinking that the Free State is flat.......

[SYRON CONVERSIONS]

:? But mate I was told that The Earth was flat, now you tell me that the states are also flat.

These trails that you have mentioned, can you tell me if your new Cruiser will be able to make them?
, does a person have to stick to the actual trail, or are there altinative more difficult options available?

[ToyX4]

Thanks Wade. These looks very lekka.

[iHilux]

Does a person have to stick to the actual trail, or are there altinative more difficult options available?

There alre always "options" available....... Down in the valleys, this area has nice sandy, load soil, and a "little" soil errosion here and there make for excellent "play grounds".

One thing is for sure...... Korannaberg cater for every ones needs...... from a game drive to extreme.

[SYRON CONVERSIONS]

And if i do not bring my wife..........

[ThysdJ]

And if i do not bring my wife..........

Then you can't come... somebody's got to keep you under control...

[Scorpion]

Was that Dastbin airlifted to that spot?