EARTH'S LARGEST CRATER - VREDEFORT DOME HIKING | Parys, South Africa
The Vredefort Dome (Crater) is currently the largest and one of the oldest known meteor impact sites in the world. It is South Africa's seventh World Heritage Site and this is largely due to the research scientist from Wits University, including Dr. Rodger Hart. One hundred kilometers south west of Johannesburg, South Africa are the towns of Vredefort and Parys, the latter lying next to the Vaal river.The towns are a short deviation from the N1 highway to Cape Town. In an arc to the north and west of the towns is a partial ring of hills, some 70 kilometers in diameter. The hills are centered on Vredefort. The ring of hills and the area within them is known as the Vredefort Dome.his is the biggest meteorite impact that geologists have yet found on Earth and it is nearly twice as big as the impact that killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. This makes it a site of great importance for scientists.The Vredefort Dome is a beautiful tourism place situated approximately 100 km from Johannesburg.
Activities around Vredefort dome -
Vredefort Meteorite Hiking Trails
Abseiling
Water Rafting
Fishing
4x4 Trails
Vaal river water sports
BREATHTAKING PANORAMA ROUTE | Sabie, South Africa Tourism
Experience the picturesque beauty of nature in and around Sabie - a small country town nestled in the majestic Drakensberg escarpment mountains of the Mpumalanga province, South Africa.Sabie is less than four hours drive from Gauteng and the OR Tambo International Airport, a relaxing hour's drive to and from the Kruger National Park, and within minutes from a number of spectacular waterfalls in pristine mountain streams.Within a 10km radius of Sabie are a selection of truly beautiful natural waterfalls, some of which include delightful walks through the forests. There are many picturesque routes to neighbouring towns such as White River, Hazyview and Graskop.Sabie is located on the Panorama Route which is one of the scenic highlights of any tour through South Africa. Stretching along the escarpment it includes some magnificent tourist attractions such as Blyde River Canyon, with its famous Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, and the nearby historic 1800’s gold mining town – Pilgrims Rest.The summer climate in Sabie is delightful – warm days and cooler nights (temperatures between about 14 and 30) whilst winters are even better, with early morning mists curling through the mountains, followed by warm dry days and crisp cold nights when the stars seem close enough to touch.
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Silver Mist Resort, Limpopo, South Africa
Discover a magical place in Magoebaskloof, Limpopo Province – where mountain meets river and the spirit of adventure is born. Situated near Haenertsburg, on Silver Mist Game and Trout Estate, between Polokwane and Tzaneen, our adventure centre with accommodationis an ideal stop over en-route to the Kruger Park or for a family holiday, a corporate team-building getaway or just a day out. For those of you seeking a tamer alternative, bring your mountain bikes,hiking boots, bird books, binoculars and picnic baskets. Whether you’re in it for the personal experience or taking on the challenge as part of a team, visiting Silver Mist will not only leave you feeling refreshed,but rejuvenated and ready to take on any challenge!
VREDEFORT DOME DAY TOUR
Winter is the best time to visit the Vredefort Dome as the days are mild and the long drive and walks are tolerable. We had visitors from New York and St Petersburg, Russia, on this day tour. One only gets to appreciate the size and scale of the Dome when trying to pack the whole story into one day. Invevitably the choice of sites to visit is selective. But we did see some of the finest examples of meteorite impact melt in the rocks, and got a good look at the spectacular scenery of the Bergland - the mountain collar that surrounds the Dome core. Our New York visitors missed the afternoon visit to Bushman etchings and the gold mine tunnel, but it's all here in the video! - Graeme. impact@vdome.co.za +27 56 8181814
Tour South Africa with Hotspots2c
Located on the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa provides seemingly countless reasons to visit. You could embark on an urban adventure in vibrant cities, get away from it all along the coast where two oceans pay homage to the shoreline and escape to nature on a safari or trek through the mountains.
South Africa landscapes are as vast as the country is diverse, to experience it, you need a trip that encompasses much of what this destination offers. Travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg with Hotspots2c, to give yourself a real chance of discovering South Africa.
Set off from Cape Town along Route 62, which is famed for being the longest wine route in the world. As you come across vineyards, taste the country’s aged nectar from ancient cellars while your other senses become entangled with soaring peaks, twisting passes, and the Karoo Plains. This road will bring you to Oudtshoorn. It may be a cosy town, but it’s also the ostrich capital of the world, where your palette will be indulged further with Ostrich steak and kebabs. In just this one short breath of journey, you’ll begin to experience some of South Africa’s celebrated diversity.
As you continue onwards towards the idyllic seaside town of Jeffrey’s Bay (perfect for a spot of surfing), you’ll touch down in Sedgefield, where you can explore some of the country’s heritage and wilderness. As you venture further, the pitstops for South Africa’s nature become even better. You’ll visit Addo Elephant National Park, spend a couple of nights beside unspoilt coastline in Chintsa, learn more about the country's complicated past in Coffee Bay and stand on the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also set off on a safari in Kruger National Park, one of the greatest wildlife destinations in the world, and experience the African bush. The final leg of this epic trip is in Johannesburg, an ever-changing city that's considered to be the heart of South Africa.
If you’re ready to start exploring South Africa’s sandy beaches, safari plains and rugged landscapes, head over to TourRadar to find the best deals on this itinerary, as well as many other amazing tours.
Aerial Video of The Vaal River 4K Must See! (My Beautiful South Africa)
Decided to take the drone up to the boarder of GP and FS to do an event shoot. What amazing beauty! This was especially awesome because of the famous joke, What do you call two days after rain in Cape Town... Monday The weather was super cool and flying was a breeze!
Oliewenhuis Bloemfontein, The Free State
Drakensberg Park, or uKhahlamba Park
World Heritage Site South Africa
Drakensberg Park, or uKhahlamba Park, is the largest protected area on The Great Escarpment of the southern African subcontinent
IMAGES OF THE DOME
This collection of images is taken from mountain bike trails in the Vredefort Dome. During the wonderful summer of 2009-10 we have had so much rain that the skies and landscapes were ever-changing and always beautiful. The trails shown here include offroad tracks in the Dome Bergland, cattle paths and gravel roads in the Free State, and the famous Crater Cruise route. What a place to cycle! But don't take my word for it, come and do it yourself! - trails vary in difficulty from gross to groovy. - Graeme, Parys, South Africa. +27 56 8181814 or mobile +27 84 245 2490.
Looking for The Lost City of Kalahari
My two youngest sons and I had the pleasure of visiting a strange and desolate place in the North Western corner of South Africa. It is claimed to be one of the places to look for The Lost City of Kalahari. Even though I don't think the place has anything to do with lost cultures, I still think the place has its own spirit. The horn like structures on top of one hill and the Stone Henge like structurs on top of another, it could easily been a place of wordship in a long forgotten past.
The legend of The Lost City was first claimed by an American adventurer, line dancer, artist and inventor by the name of William S Hunt or the Great Farini as he called himself. He went to Kalahari on several occations, and after one of his trips he claimed to have found the ruins of a lost civilisation. He went to Royal Geographical Society in London and told about his findings. Since then, more than 30 expeditions has been looking for the Lost City, without results.... The City is still very much lost and the legend continues.