Marquard

Marquard is regarded as the ‘Gateway to the Cherry Route’ and the Eastern Free State. This beautiful farming village lies close to Lesotho, and it’s convenient location offers visitors easy access to the magic of the Highlands. Visit the sites of Bushman paintings on the farms Korannaberg and Spaarveld and the historic Christmaskrans Cave where Boer women and children took refuge from the British during the Anglo Boer War. The historical splendour of the area can be viewed on many hiking trails, or if you’re feeling a little more daring, try one of the many exquisite mountain bike trails which take you on a thrilling tour of untouched beauty. The nearby Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is a must for a glimpse of white rhino and buffalo, placidly strolling the plains, while the Arizona Game Farm and three other conservancies offer majestic views of the Africa as it was in days gone by. Marquard is not only a convenient stop over, but it’s fascinating history, realms of untouched grandeur and scenes of unparalleled beauty, make it a destination waiting to be discovered.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Senekal 45 km

Average Rainfall: 370 mm

Average Temperatures: Summer 29°c; Winter 17°c

Banks – Absa, Fnb, Standard Bank

Atm’s – 1

Mountains – Koranna

HISTORICAL VIEW

Birthplace of President CR Swart

Christmaskrans Cave

Where Boer women and children took refuge from the British during the Anglo Boer War

San Paintings - On the farms Korannaberg and Spaarveld

Voortrekker Memorial

As part of the 1938 Great Trek centenary celebrations, each citizen carried a rock to the Dutch Reformed church to create this commemoration. A buried message is to be excavated here in 2038.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Trail Challenge Mountain Bike Race

Koranna Two Mountains Mountain Bike Race – September

Cherry Trail Sports Festival

Country Curio – Dried flowers, herb centre and coffee shop

Dutch Reformed Church – Build from sandstone

Shirls – home industries, art and crafts

Sparta Beef Feedlot – The largest in the Free State

ACTIVITIES

Fishing – Arizona Game Lodge

Game Viewing – Arizona Game Lodge, Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

Hiking

Horse Riding

Mountain Biking

The area offers a choice of the best trails in the country. Trails cater for both senior citizens and beginners. Marquard is often called ‘ The Mecca of Mountain Biking’. Koranna Hiking trail, Merriemetsi Hiking Trails, Kameelkop Hiking Trail, De Hoek Hiking Trail, Rietfontein Conservancy Bike Rides, Flora Ride Bike Trails, Cherry Trails Challenge Bike Trail, Koranna Two Mountains Bike Trail, Wolwerand Ride Bike Trail