101 Trail Guide | 2010

Koranna Getaway

About 30 km west of Clocolan in the Eastern Free State, deep in the heart of cattle country, is where you will find Koranna Getaway.
The farm features two trails, the Plateau Trail and the Kloof Trail, and on arrival you will receive a detailed map of each. At just over 21 km, the Plateau Trail is longer but easier, and takes some 4-5 hours to complete.
The Kloof Trail is shorter, only 9½ km, but way more challenging, taking around the same time.
The Plateau traverses the lower plateau grasslands, and is a leisurely drive designed to make you relax (the map points out 19 numbered attractions), but there are enough surprises to keep you on your toes. Little streams are forded, and tight twists and turns encountered en route to the Witstinkhout Uitspan camp.
From there, the tracks swing north past the reservoir and into the first in a series of eroded dongas.
Then it’s south past Losberg lookout, a tricky ascent where diff lock should be engaged to avoid wheelspin, and into more dongas, a water crossing or two and some very steep slopes.
One last deep water crossing later and you’re back on the main dirt road, heading back to the lapa.
The more well-known Kloof Trail is well marked and features some of the most spectacular scenery in the Free State – but there’s some pretty rough driving to negotiate first.
This trail was originally built by woodcutters in the early 1900s, as their donkeys dragged wild olive wood up and down the mountain.
Over time, and with the passage of cattle, the idea to upgrade the trail evolved. It’s rough from the start, so be prepared. The first obstacle is the very slippery Bly of Gly (Stay or Slide). Next up is a waterfall, and then a rocky stream crossing, an aloe forest, and the infamous Pofadder Pass.
Perilously steep with loose rocks and no grip, you are advised to engage diff lock, lower tyre pressure and idle up at low revs.
Once you reach the top, the scenery changes from dense trees and rocky ground to grasslands.
Take some time to enjoy the view, because a few more obstacles and a couple of hours later will find you back at the top of the pass making your descent.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
Self-catering cottages or camping

What else?
Choose between game viewing, bird watching, horse riding, hiking, hunting, quads, abseiling (with your own gear), mountain biking, swimming and a children’s playground.

Contact:
Johan and Isa Eksteen
082 449 8430,
082 302 9638,
eksteenj@xsinet.co.za,
www.korannagetaway.com

Nearest town: Clocolan (30 km)

Best time to go: April, and November/December.

Trail distances: 31 km if you drive both trails. Plateau Trail is 21½ km and Kloof Trail is 9½ km

How long will I be driving? Both trails take some 4-5 hours to complete.

GPS: S28.89409 E27.30562

Full Review | TOP TEN 2006

Nearest town Clocolan (26 km)
Contact Johan Eksteen
Tel 082499 8430 or 082 302 9638
Fax 0866 263083
Email eksteenj@xsinet.co.za
Best time of year All year (April is best)
Maximum vehicles 15
Route distance Two trails: 13 or 26 km (5 – 6 hrs)
GPS Points S28 52 55.2 E27 19 04.4

My first introduction to Koranna Getaway was a conversation with Johan. I was trying to arrange a visit that suited my graders, who were on a really tight schedule. He would have none of it. Diplomatically, he informed me what should happen. We met somewhere in the middle. By the end of the conversation though, I knew that Koranna Getaway would be on the shortlist for the Top 10. His passion was tangible. As it turned out I was right – and so was he. Koranna Getaway is incredible.

Koranna Getaway is more than just a trail – it is a getaway, with a location so remote that there is no denying the solitude you experience. 
When you arrive, prepare to unwind. Take the time to slow yourself down, because time is what you are going to need and time is what Koranna Getaway demands.

The first thing you see upon arrival here, besides the awe-inspiring surroundings of course, is three stunning bungalows and a beautifully enclosed lapa hugging the mountains. Their location is undeniably perfect. Your response is instinctive. That’s it! I’m not leaving! Your soul breathes.

Now all that said, Koranna Getaway boasts two outstanding trails.
One is a half-day route, the newer of the two, which traverses the lower plateau grasslands. It’s a leisurely 31km drive that is designed to make you relax and enjoy your surroundings.

The other is the more well-known Kloof Route or Poffader Pass. Although the shorter of the two, a mere 12km, you need to put aside a minimum of five hours
to complete it.

The trail features some of the most spectacular scenery in the Free State. But before you can feast your eyes on it, there’s some pretty rough driving to negotiate first. No artificial obstacles here, just pure brute beautiful nature.

Interestingly and by way of explanation, this route was originally built by woodcutters in the early 1900s, as their donkeys painstakingly dragged wild olive wood up and down the mountain. Over time, and with the passage of cattle, the idea to upgrade the trail evolved.

After six months of hard work and sweat, the route was finished. Care was taken to preserve the plants and trees and only three of the bigger trees were cut down during construction, resulting in a winding perilous pass, hence named Pofadder.

The trail is well marked and Johan has taken great care to ensure you absorb all its splendour. Waterfalls are clearkly marked, footpaths recommended and additional info supplied.

Once you reach the top, the scenery changes from dense trees and rocky ground to more easy-going grasslands. The view is breathtaking so take the time to soak it up.

If you have had your fill of 4x4’ing at this stage, then there are other activities on offer. Horse-riding provides another angle from which to enjoy Koranna. Cycle or walk through the spectacular mountain scenery. Go trout or bass fishing or even hunting, but that needs to be arranged in advance and is closely monitored.

In summary, Koranna is a fantastic weekend getaway for the whole family. Their trails, scenery and facilities are some of the best on offer anywhere... and the passion of Johan and Isa is contagious. It’s a must!

Why go there?

• Excellent accommodation and great scenery, especially the waterfalls
• Variety of trails and natural beauty of this unique part of the Eastern Free State. Katse dam only 150km away

The cost

• Trail: R200 per vehicle. No day visitors. R300 per vehicle for 2 trails
• Chalets: R80 per person per night
• Camping: R30 per site per night

Where to stay
Accommodation for 22 people in three sandstone chalets.
They share a communal lapa with open-plan kitchen, fireplace and
hot water showers with flush toilets.
The bush camp caters for campers or caravans. No toilet; only water is supplied. Spitbraai, catering or picnic baskets on request.

What else?
Activities include game viewing, bird watching, horse riding, hiking, fly-fishing, hunting, quads, abseiling, mountain biking, swimming and a children’s playground.

Visit Ben Nevis Cherry Winery, Makoadi Angora rabbit farm and Evening Star with its pottery and historical church.