Crater camping
The Vredefort Dome is famous and a popular tourist attraction. Get your camping gear and hiking boots ready and come see what makes this crater so special.
Two million years ago, a meteorite struck the area between Koppies and Vredefort in the Free State, causing a 301 km2 crater. According to Unesco, the Vredefort dome is the oldest, largest and deepest complex meteorite impact structure in the world and of exceptional scientific value.
When in the area, it’s a beautiful place to explore. From Parys, dirt roads wind south through the crater’s western hills on both sides of the Vaal River.
We pitched camp at the Tava Lingwe Lodge, 27 km outside Vredefort on the R95. Our route took us through the village of Venterskroon to Parys, and then back along tarred road to Tava Lingwe.
YOUR FIRST TURN-OFF
is between Tava Lingwe and Vredefort on the S713 (S27.069091 E27.235926). The world is still flat here – typical
Words and photos Helenus Kruger
Free State – and you drive between fields and cattle pens. Before long the dome’s hills appear on the horizon. Your next turn is left onto an unmarked dirt road (S26.970972 E27.214976), and 200 m later, you arrive at the Vaal River.
The single-lane Schoemansdrift Bridge takes you across the river into the North West, but don’t simply drive on. Stop a while, walk back over the bridge and watch brown-hooded kingfishers and anglers trying to catch their next meal.
After the bridge, the road winds through the hills away from the river. You are now on your way to Venterkroon, where you’ll find refreshments. Your next turnoff is 10 km from the bridge where you turn right at the Leeufontein road sign (S26.889497 E27.206146), and then again 4 km
later at the
Venterskroon road sign (S26.879716 E27.222134).
From here the road takes you through a kloof, and 7,5 km later it delivers you into Venterskroon (S26.887859 E27.268006). Now is the time to stretch your legs and find something to quell those hunger pangs.
A great spot is the characterful Venterskroon Inn on the main street. Enjoy walking through the town and absorbing its tranquility. Visit the dome’s Information Center, located 100 metres from the inn. (The centre was closed during our visit due to renovations.) On your way out of town, check out Thabela Thabang (S26.860894 E27.287642).
There is a small dome information centre here and you can also get a permit and map that you will need before starting one of the four hiking trails. The Milk and Honey tea garden here serves light meals.
From Thabela Thabang, the road runs along the river, but the dense bush blocks your view of the water. Your next right turn is 6 km along (S26.845249 E27.343574), after which the road takes you to a sharp left turn (S26.853792 E27.337669) where you get a view of the river.
Parys is now just two more turn-offs away. So, 10 km after the last turn-off, turn right onto tarmac (S26.887204
E27.400795), and 8 km farther, turn right again. A few hundred metres later, you’re once again at the river and then drive into Parys.
STAYING IN PARYS
is an absolute must. A bustling main street is lined with antique shops and trinket shops, as well as restaurants. From Parys, it is blacktop all the way over Vredefort back to Tava Lingwe.
This 100 km route takes you three to four hours, depending on how often and for how long you stop. Relax, pack a picnic basket, stop often, admire nature, and get something to drink or eat along the way.
If you want to experience the geology, history and nature of the dome first hand, Gustav Engelbrecht of Dome Impact Tours is the man to call. Gustav takes groups on dome tours through private land you wouldn’t normally be able to access. You drive in your own vehicle and stop often where he shows you the wonders of the dome. You have a choice of two tours: four or seven hours, and they cost R200-R400
per person. Call Gustav on 072 130 1995 or go to domeimpacttours.co.za.
TAVA LINGWE LIES
at the foot of a hill that has been aptly named Grootkop – it is the highest hill in the otherwise flat area.
The giant campsite has 82 stands divided into three blocks, with ablution facilities at each block.
The stands all have power points (the regular household socket), a free-standing braai with a grid and a bin – stands share the taps. There is grass throughout, but not many trees so make sure you check in early to get one of the few spots that has some shade.
The ablution blocks have everything you’d expect: showers, basins, mirrors, handwash, paper towels and toilets. In the women’s facilities, one of the showers makes way for a bath.
The playground has something for everyone: there’s a swimming pool with two small slides and grass all around it, a bunch of trees and a few loungers and tables with benches. The activities include table tennis, pool, mini golf, outdoor chess, volleyball and a park.
The reception building also houses a restaurant and kiosk that sells the basics, including wood and ice cream.
Keen to get active? Take on the Duiker and Klipspringer hiking trails. The 2,5 km Duiker route takes you to the top of Grootkop’s summit, from where you have a view of the Free State plains with the dome’s hills in the distance.
Despite being 1.5 km long, the Klipspringer route is steeper and requires clambering over rocks. With a cup of coffee in hand, you can watch the sunrise from a bench at the top, before descending back to the campsite. Providing you’re up early enough.
Game drives (R200 per person) take place twice a day, at 09:00 and 15:00. You’ll spot giraffes, blue wildebeest, zebras and sable antelope, among others.