Marquard

Where Time Stands Still

Moemaneng Tavern Tours:
David Zim: 083 627 9266

Polo

Sparta is home to a very vibrant Polo club. This club hosts the Free State polo championship annually and regularly hosts international teams.

Join us for a game of Polo and treat yourself to some Pims

The race takes place in the Korannaberg Conservancy, which offers sublime mountain biking terrain along jeep track, single-track and dirt road, with no tar in sight. The first 35km are flat with a couple of climbs to split the field before riders tackle the first of the two mountains. With names like "Widow's Hill" and "Derailleur's Demise" you can be sure you are in for a challenge. The climbs are long - about 7km and 4km respectively - with little respite at the top as the terrain bumps, turns and steps.

Koranna mountain bike race

 

Mountain-biking

There are very few tarred roads in Marquard and there is no traffic either...
One of the most pleasant activities is simply riding your bike around the quiet streets, looking at the old houses and the beautiful sandstone church. Much thought has been put into the convenience and accessibility of the MTB trails to riders staying in Marquard which will lead them out onto numerous riding trails and distances.

Most rides are along dirt farm roads and jeep tracks - the overgrown ones yield superb crops of the infamous devil thorns of the area.

There are fine views of the surrounding area, and most of the climbs in this trail network are gentle, suited to all levels of riders. However, the Two Mountains trail in the Korannaberg Conservancy, is some what different!

Hiking

For the past 14 years, hikers have been taking to the Koranna Hiking Trail in the picturesque Koranna area. 1 day (12km’s) or 2 days (29km’s)

There are fine views of the surrounding area, and some of the trails are:

Korannaberg Adventures

Koranna Getaway

Merrimetsi Hiking Trails

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.

4x4 Trails  (at least 3 vehicles)

The route is approximately 20 km long and it is suggested that 6 - 7 hours be allowed to complete the route in order to enjoy all it has to offer in the line of breathtaking scenery, wildlife, a variety of flora and birdlife.

This route takes you right to the top of the Korannaberg and has various obstacles like erosion ditches and steep inclines - "die Gang" and "Duiwelskeel" - a 40m gradient of 30 degrees + (this, of course is optional). An overhanging cave provides shelter for your lunch break. A little further away, still on top of the mountain at "Mushroomklip", a safari camp is being developed.
Grading 3-5
3 different routes (obstacles optional)
2 playpens for fun
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.

Horseback riding

8 horses are available for a game viewing tour through the canyons  

Abseiling

210m long

Zip-wire

86m high

Rock climbing

Speaks for itself, lots of fun

Paintball / African drumming

A great team building exercise

Sport

Golf, tennis, squash. Something for everyone

Annual Wildsbraai

The Marquard Young Mens’ association hosts an annual Wildsbraai in August. All the proceeds are donated to charity. Patrons are invited to taste blou wildebeest, springbok, blesbok, kudu, crocodile and much more.

Cooking in the Country

The Marquard Business Association hosts an annual cooking in the country day in May or June. The event consists of a cooking demonstration by a chosen chef. After the demonstration participants are given the opportunity to strut their stuff, get cooking and try their own faire. A good glass of wine and a little inspiration is all you need