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| Marquard – Korannaberg Adventures – Self-c Silo’s & Stables |
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| To make a reservation enquiry, click on the "reservation" button at the bottom of the page. |
| Korannaberg Adventures’ Selfcatering Silo’s & Stables (also see separate web pages for Korannaberg Van Zoelenshoek Guest House and Korannaberg 4X4 Bush Camp) are situated at the foot of the beautiful Korannaberg Mountain Range in the Excelsior district close to Marquard.in the Eastern Free State. The farm is 2 200 hectares in extent and forms form part of the 7 000 heactares Koranneberg Conservation area. It’s a nature lovers’ playground, with extensive grasslands on the mountain plateau and lush valley forests in several areas. It offers 769 plant species, 52 different kinds of trees (90% of these species are evergreen), 277 bird species, indigenous animal wild life that roam the grasslands freely and seven picturesque waterfalls, making it the perfect place for bird watching, camping, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Korannaberg’s 4X4 trail is rated amongst the first ten in South Africa with a 3 to 5 difficulty – and also has two 4X4 playpens for the ladies! Quad and mountain bikers will love the adventures that the trails offer and visitors can partake in many other adventures. Amongst these are rock climbing, abseiling, paintball, horseback riding …. and soon a breathtaking 210 meter long and 86 meter high zip-wire (foofie-slide)! At Korannaberg Adventures visitors will discover that the Free State is not flat! – and that Gert, Connie and Jacques are geared to offer visitors an adrenaline pumping and sole rebuilding “weer-lus-vir-die-lewe” stay. The Self-catering Silo’s are three story luxury self-catering units. In previous years these units were actually used to store fodder. They have been uniquely revamped to accommodate the weary adventure seeker. The silo’s consists of: a main bedroom (sleeps 2); a family, bedroom (sleeps 4 to 5); fully equipped open plan self-catering kitchen / dining room / living room and a bathroom. This is bound to be a unique experience for you and your family or friends. The Stables are ideally suitable for backpackers and hikers merely seeking a bed, each stable can accommodate 8-12 people. There are separate ablution facilities for gents and ladies, a fully equipped kitchen and braai area with lapa and pool |
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Activities:
Fishing In streams and dams on farm
Game Viewing In earlier years antelope such as the black wildebeest, blesbuck and springbuck roamed the area in large numbers. Gert took it upon himself to re-introduce these antelope, which now again roam freely. The more robust mammals such 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.
Bird Watching 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 ornithologist’s dream come true!
Hiking Trails Korannaberg Adventures offers various hiking trails – from 1 day (12 km) to two days (29km). Overnight in “Holkrans” -- an overhanging cave surrounded by trees and secluded by a waterfall. The ultimate is to overnight in The Hiker’s Credo: No man has the right to enjoy and use what nature has to offer unless he is prepared to take up the responsibility of protecting and conserving his natural heritage
Other Activities Korannaberg’s vegetation is virtually unspoilt. The large variety of plant species is mainly attributed to the geographical position of the mountain, 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 and experience nature in its full glory …a true Eden. FASCINATIONG 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
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| Rates: |
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Single |
Double |
| In season |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
| Out season |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
| Remarks: Rates are for Self-catering. Silos: two bedrooms (2 double beds and 1 x 3 bunk beds) sleeps 7 - R750 per silo per night. Each silo has a kitchen, living room and bathroom. Communual thatched braai lapa and pool closeby. STABLES: each stable can accommodate 8 - 12 people. Seperate ablution facilities for gents and ladies. Fully equipped kitchen and braai area with lapa and pool. R80 per person per night. |
| Rooms include : |
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No |
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| Phone |
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| Television |
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| Radio |
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| Heater |
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| Roof Fan |
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| Airconditioner |
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| Nearest Town: |
| Excelsior |
| Distance: 30km |
| Police: Yes |
| Hospital: No |
| 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 or overnight destination on hiking trails. 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. RESERVATIONS: Make a reservation enquiry (only an enquiry) by clicking on the reservation icon at the bottom of this page or contact the Farmstay reservation office hours: 039 313 0770 or phone August after hours on 082 882 7475. E-mail enquiries to August at august@farmstay.co.za |
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Any other information which may interest tourists to the area
Korannaberg’s 4X4 trail is rated amongst the first ten in South Africa with a 3 to 5 difficulty – and also has two 4X4 playpens for the ladies! Quad and mountain bikers will love the adventures that the trails offer and visitors can partake in many other adventures. Amongst these are rock climbing, abseiling, paintball, horseback riding …. and soon a breathtaking 210 meter long and 86 meter high zip-wire (foofie-slide)!
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| The Menu |
| Pre-arrange catering for groups and special occasions |
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Fully equipped for self-catering. |
| Farm Details |
| Farm Name/s: | Van Zoelenshoek - 2200 ha | | Farming Activities: Cattle and game |
| Farm History: Korannaberg Adventures initiated in the beginning of July 2000 when Gert bought the farm Van Zoelenshoek and saw the potential, not only for cattle farming, but also for tourism because of its beauty and uniqueness. |
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| A bit about your hosts: |
| Gert, Corrie and Jacques are your friendly hosts -- friendly and hospitable farming folk who lovingly share their beautiful farm with nature lovers |
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| How to get there: |
| Distance from Bloemfontein 135 km, Welkom 155 km. Route map supplied when reservations are made. |
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