About Vredefort Dome
The Vredefort Dome is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site (Asrobleme) in the world. Formed an estimated 2000 million years ago when a gigantic meteorite (larger than Table Mountain) hit the earth close to where Vredefort is today.
Did you know? The Vredefort structure is currently regarded the biggest and oldest clearly visible impact structure on Earth.
The force of the impact opened up a crater, which is still visible, and is about 40km in diameter. When visiting the area you will notice small hills in a large dome shape with beautiful valleys between them.
Evidence has been found by geologists that the cause of this upliftment was an extreme impact event, caused by an asteroid some 10 kilometres in diameter. The ring of hills we see now are the eroded remains of a dome created by the rebound of the rock below the impact site after the asteroid hit.
The original crater, now eroded away, is estimated to have been 250 - 300 kilometres in diameter. Some 70 cubic kilometres of rock would have been vaporised in the impact.
The Vredefort structure is currently regarded the biggest and oldest clearly visible impact structure on Earth. It just beats the Sudbury impact structure in Canada for this ranking. The Sudbury structure is some 200 km in diameter and is estimated to be 1.85 billion years old.
Within the ring of hills at Vredefort is found granitic gneiss rock. The force of the impact produced deep fractures in the underlying rock. Rock melted by the impact flowed down into the cracks, producing what are now exposed as ridges of hard dark rock - the granophyre dykes. This contrasts with normal geological dykes, where molten rock from deeper in the earth has flowed upwards through cracks.
Many activities can be enjoyed in the area. From river rafting, river tubing, abseiling, horse riding, mountain biking, archery or walking. Or visits to Anglo Boer War sites, the the largest wild olive forest in South Africa at Venterskroon, or a visit to a distillery where traditional South African "witblits" (extremely strong spirits) is made.
South Africa is a treasure trove for archaeologists and palaeontologists as it has produced some of the world’s oldest and most valuable fossils to date.
Need to Know
WhereVredefort Dome, Outside Parys, Northern Free State, Free State, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
Telephone+27 (0)18 299-5371
OvernightStay in Parys Accommodation, Free State
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
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Additional Reading
- Vredefort Dome - A World Heritage Site
- Did You Know? 25 Fascinating Facts about South Africa
- Weekend Breaks from Gauteng
- Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape (Northern Cape)
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KwaZulu Natal)
- Cape Floral Region (Western Cape and Eastern Cape)
- Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng / North West)
- Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (Limpopo)
- Robben Island (Western Cape)
- Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (KwaZulu Natal)
- Vredefort Dome (Free State)
- Khomani Cultural Landscape (Northern Cape)
- Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains (Mpumalanga)
Attractions near Parys
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Parys
Otters Haunt
Otters' Haunt is surrounded by water, forests and mountains in the Vredefort Dome Site. Rustic accommodations include a large guest house, bush c...
French Affaire
French Affaire is house is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as well as those who want to get away for a romantic weekend. Parys is located in the Vr...
Otters Haunt Bush Cabins
Otters Haunt Bush Cabins offer unique accommodation in Parys in the beautiful Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. Otters Haunt Bush Cabins consis...
Olivier Hut
Olivier Hut is located in the Free State on Palmietfontein Farm. This is a fly fishing paradise, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes. There ar...
Die Wit Huis Guesthouse
Die Wit Huis is located in a quiet area in the town of Parys, Free State. The property is a mere 3km from Parys Golf & Country Estate and 1km fro...
Die Boshuis
Located just 8km outside of town and close to the Dome World Heritage Site, Die Boshuis provides self-catering accommodation in Parys in an enclo...
Hidden Grace
Hidden Grace is a French styled guesthouse in Parys - spoil yourself to the luxury and French flair in South Africa's own Paris! Guests can relax...
Klein Parys
Klein Parys is situated in the heart of Parys, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. We are a five minute drive from the Afridome, th...
PoorBoys OverNight Stay
PoorBoys Overnight Stay offers an affordable place to stay in Parys. Guests are conveniently located near to shops, restaurants and activities su...
397 Vaal de Grace
397 Vaal de Grace is ideally situated on the secure Vaal de Grace Golf Estate in Parys, facing north and towards the river front. Guests have acc...
Wild Olive Country Retreat
Wild Olive Country Retreat is a fully furnished holiday home offering accommodation for 12 guests. The house has six bedrooms and four bathrooms...
398 Vaal de Grace
398 Vaal de Grace is situated in the secure Vaal de Grace Golf Estate in Parys. The estate faces towards the river front and guests have access t...
Porcupine Annexe
The Porcupine Annexe is a neat, comfy, self-contained annex to the holiday home next door. The annexe has a river view and sleeps three guests. T...
Cabous Hut
Cabous Hut is located in the Free State, not even 100km from Johannesburg, on Palmietfontein Farm. This is a piece of fly fishing paradise, surro...
The Gus Hut
The Gus Hut Holiday Cottage in Parys lies on the Palmietfontein Farm. This is a fly fishing paradise, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of t...
Die Wit Huis Cottage
Die Wit Huis Cottage offers Parys accommodation in a quiet area. The property is a mere 3km from Parys Golf & Country Estate and 1km from the Vaa...
Gentle Breeze Retreat
Gentle Breeze Retreat is a charming guest house offering bed and breakfast accommodation in Parys in the little country town that lies on the sou...
La Belle Guesthouse
La Belle Guesthouse is located in the charming Free State town of Parys. The guest house offers five Double Rooms and one Family Room; comfortabl...
Die Rivier Huis
Just 8km outside of Parys and close to the Dome World Heritage Site, Die Rivier Huis provides self-catering accommodation on the banks of the Vaa...
Caprivi Hut
Caprivi Hut is located in the Free State, not even 100km from Johannesburg, on Palmietfontein Farm. This is a piece of fly fishing paradise, surr...
466 Vaal de Grace
Situated on the fabulous Vaal de Grace golf estate, 466 Vaal de Grace offers comfortable accommodation in two separate units. The house is the on...
Rose Acres Guest House
Rose Acres Guest House is located in the heart of Parys in the Free State. The Guest House features six guest suites, each with an open en-suite ...
Casa Cara Guesthouse
Casa Cara Guest House has standard, deluxe, superior and family rooms. All rooms have private courtyards and are equipped with TV & DStv (Hospita...
Kavango Hut
Kavango Hut offers accommodation in Parys, not even 100km from Johannesburg, on Palmietfontein Farm. This is a piece of fly fishing paradise, sur...
Afri Gastekamers
Afri Gastekamers is a charming guest house offering comfortable accommodation in the quaint town of Parys which is situated on the banks of the V...
Dome Inn Lodge
Located a short two hour drive from both Pretoria and Johannesburg, Dome Inn Lodge offers luxury accommodation in the picturesque Vredefort Dome....
Aqua View Riverside Guesthouse
Aqua View Riverside is a holiday home (accommodates 10 guests) situated in the picturesque town of Parys on the banks of the Vaal River within th...
Mistique Waters Guesthouse
Mistique Waters accommodation is situated across the banks of the Vaal River in Parys. Boasting magnificent views of the river, one can enjoy a r...
Katima Hut
Katima Hut is located in the Free State, not even 100km from Johannesburg, on Palmietfontein Farm. Katima Hut is furnished with a double bed and ...
Boom69 Guesthouse
Boom69 Guesthouse offers self catering accommodation in Parys situated in the heart of the town, near the scenic Vaal River. The guesthouse is ne...
Riverrun Resort Farmhouse
Riverrun Farmhouse offers self-catering in Vredefort on the Riverrun Resort situated at the Vredefort Dome near Parys, along the Vaal River. The ...
Cormorant Cabin
The Cormorant Cabin is perched on a koppie and sleeps four guests in two bedrooms. The first bedroom is furnished with a double bed and the seco...
Savannah Game & River Retreat
Savannah Game & River Retreat is a secluded African bush retreat where tranquility and relaxation awaits you. At this small and intimate safari l...
Le Grand Chateau
Le Grand Chateau is an elegant gem that lies in the heart of the Dome World Heritage Site. The hotel seamlessly blends elements of the old and th...
Bergpatrys at Kieriebos
Bergpatrys is a cottage located on Kieriebos Guest Farm in Vredefort. Just 2 hours' drive from Johannesburg, on a rural dirt road, you will find ...
Otters Haunt Den
Otters Haunt Den is a comfortable holiday home in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, surrounded by water, forests and mountains. The self ca...
Tinktinkie at Kieriebos
Tinktinkie is a bachelor unit / studio holiday apartment located on Kieriebos Guest Farm in Vredefort, only two hours' drive from Johannesburg. T...
The Vaal River Bush Lodge
The Vaal River Bush Lodge is the perfect getaway for intimate weekends or large group vacations. The house offers Parys self catering accommodati...
Bokmakierie at Kieriebos
Bokmakierie has two bedrooms. One bedroom is furnished with a Queen-size bed and the other with a two single beds. The cottage has a well-equippe...
Tava Lingwe Game Lodge
Situated in Vredefort and just 35kms outside of Parys, Tava Lingwe Game Lodge offers a variety of accommodation from fully equipped chalets to lo...
KayanZee Lodge
KayanZee Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Parys and has a great view of the river. From here you are just 4km away from Sunwa River Ad...
Mirabel Guesthouse
Mirabel is a gorgeous guesthouse situated close to the centre of town and the Vaal River which both offer a wide variety of attractions and activ...
Guineafowl Cottage
Guinea Fowl cottage offers accommodation in Parys, surrounded by water, forests and mountains in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. It is a ...
Jackalberry Guest Farm
Jackalberry Guest Farm offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city near the Vaal River. The accommodation is a mere 135 km from O.R Tambo In...
Things to do in the area
Abseil with Earth Adventures
Earth Adventures offers safe and exciting abseiling at a number of venues around the Vredefort Dome. Thrill seekers can chose from a number of av...
Berry Picking at Bon-Af Berry Farm
For a day out with a difference, why not go berry picking at Bon-Af Berry Farm and experience picking berries straight from the bush. If you gath...
White Water Rafting In Parys
Bring your family, friends or colleagues, come and explore Parys and Upper Vaal white water rafting and experience a river trip you will never fo...
Paintball at Earth Adventures
Earth Adventures Paintball is situated on the scenic banks of the mighty Vaal River, on the grounds of a private farm on the outskirts of Parys. ...
Flyfishing with Earth Adventures
Earth Adventures offers fly fishing enthusiasts a number of glorious fly fishing opportunities on the Vaal River. Experience the thrill of catchi...
Berakah 4x4 Eco Trail
Berakah 4x4 Eco Trail on Berakah Farm in Parys, is a 4x4 route that is 15km long, and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. The route travels ...
Vredefort Meteorite Trails
If you ever watched the movie ‘Bio-Dome’ and thought it was great that they had so many different ecosystems in one confined space, then make sur...
Hartelus Mark
Just next to the bridge that crosses the mighty Vaal River is the inviting market called Hartelus Mark. Here, visitors and local regulars are inv...
Dog and Fig Brewery
In 2008, a group of friends joined forces to turn their love for authentic craft beers into something that everyone could enjoy. Thus was born th...
Accommodation convenient to Vredefort Dome
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Free State Accommodation / Northern Free State Accommodation / Parys Accommodation