7 May 2005     to     8 May 2005

Click HERE for Bigger Map

Korannaberg is quite amazing in that it rises out of the comparatively flat surrounding area and seems to stand out on its own.

An old sandstone farmhouse stands next to the base camp.

Silvia setting up the dinner table while I did the meat.

The sunset this time was particularly spectacular.

Most of the others arrived a bit later and we had a great evening relaxing around the fire. Karen, who had not hiked with us previously, was initiated to our garlic snails and seemed to enjoy them...that's always a good sign!

With first day's trail having been re-laid, we had a guide accompany us as not all the new markers were in place yet.

Next morning the weather was great and we were on our way nice and early. Being late autumn in South Africa now, the temperatures stay in the low 20's Celsius which is nice for hiking.

Our guide, who was very knowledgeable in the medicinal uses of the local plants pointed out the various plants and uses to us.

We had plenty of Styles to cross in the next two days.

Looking across the first valley.

The farmer had marked the first part of the trail already but about halfway up the first valley the markings ended and that's when our guide came in handy. After first going up almost to the upper cliff face, one descends again to the valley floor. At this point our group split into two.

We were in the front group with the guide and Rob ended up with the lot in the back. At this point there were no more markings so the front group was laying out all sorts of signs to guide the lot at the back..which of course they did not see! Anyway with the help of some whistles we eventually found each other again.

On the last part of the first day one has the choice of following the old direct route to the overnight camp or taking a very round about route. Most of us were Kaput..so we opted for the direct route.

The overnight camp is a small rock overhang walled up by the farmer. A bit dark for my taste. Some of the group decided to brave the cold and sleep outside. At least we had plenty of wood and a great big fire was made that evening.

Rob and Cristl left before us, so it was just one rose and five thorns in our group on the second day.. old joke going back a few years :-)

Day two takes you to the edge of the Korannaberg. Here's an interesting rock just on the edge. Far down you can see the rest of the area.

A break on the second day.

The final part of the trail takes you down a long steep descent and back to the base camp.