Reputed to be one of the best trails in the country, the trails traverse the majestic Korannaberg mountain in the Eastern Free, an area that is rich in natural and historical assets. The trails are situated in the 7,000 Korannaberg Conservancy which was founded early in 1985. Both the Koranna, a 2-day backpacking trail and the Merriemetsi, 3 one-day trails, set out from the historical Merriemetsi Victorian Farmhouse and Barn.
The Koranna 2-day hiking trail is part of the Koranna Conservancy that was established by Maluti Centre of the Wildlife Society of Southern Africa and the surrounding farmers. The number of hikers allowed on the trail is limited to 15, due to limitations in the overnight facilities.
Route description (Koranna 2 Day Trail) :
Day one: 18 km ..
From base camp you follow a southeasterly direction towards Boskloof. The trail goes up into the valley and is rather strenuous. Once on top of the plateau, you walk mainly through grassland, and from here the route goes up an incline. Once you are at the cliffs you walk in a westerly direction until you reach the waterfall. This is an ideal place for your lunch stop. From the waterfall you walk towards Wonderkop and then up the mountain through the Wild Olive tree forest to the overnight stop.
Day two: 12 km ..
The first part is mostly through grassland and takes you towards Mushroom rock. From here you walk along the western ridge of the Koranna Mountains until you reach "Magul se gat". This must be one of the highlights of the trail. You need to crawl through a tunnel, so remember to take a torch. Follow the directions at "Magul se gat" and at the hollow cliff from where you continue towards the sandstone marble rocks, over grasslands and then down the mountain towards Merrimetsi.