| VREDEFORT WORLD
HERITAGE SITE
The Vredefort Structure in the Vredefort/Parys area has been declared South Africa’s 7th International World Heritage Site and is recognised world wide as the oldest and biggest meteorite impact site. It has become an important study field for geologists from over the world. Vredefort Dome, approximately 120km south west of Johannesburg, is a representative part of a lager meteorite impact structure, or astrobleme found on earth so far. With a radius of 190km, it is also the largest and the most deeply eroded. Vredefort Dome bears witness to the world’s greatest known single energy release event, which caused devastating global changes. It provides critical evidence of the earth geological history and is crucial to our understanding of the evolution of the planet. Despite their importance of the planet’s history, geological activity on the earth’s surface has led to the disappearance of evidence from most impact sites and Vredefort is the only example on earth to provide a full geological profile of an astrobleme below the crate floor. The vast lunated landscape of this very important geological site was caused by a giant meteorite of approximately 10km in diameter, which hit the earth 2000 million years ago at the spot where the small rural town of Vredefort is situated today. The inner rim of the Dome stretches over 42 km with at least three rings extending outwards. Deep gorges appear between the ridges where water streams flow and eventually join the Vaal River. A panoramic view over the Vaal River valley and surrounding plains can be obtained from the ridges. The Dome area differs drastically from the flat plains of the Northern Free State and the North West Province. Except for a favourable frost-free climate, the region is also rich in plant, wild and bird life. HIKING-TRAILS, WATERSPORTS AND ADVENTURE ROUTES The Vredefort Meteorite hiking trail offers backpackers excellent accommodation and a real eco-tourism experience. This 2-day hiking trail will offer you the most scenic route through the oldest and biggest meteorite impact site in the world. Many shorter hiking-trails are also available in the Dome area. Day and overnight routes are available on a variety of terrains varying from educational but easy eco routes to mountain hiking-trails. Interesting sights e.g. undamaged Bushman rock paintings and remains of stone villages of indigenous tribes who lived in the Vredefort Dome region during the Iron Age can be seen on these routes. Overnight facilities on hiking-trails throughout the region are standard and enable the hiker throughout to enjoy the spatial scenery in the beautiful Northern Free State. Combined hiking-trails and canoe-trips are also available. Rock-climbing, for the high risk adventurer and river-rafting are presented on an organized basis in the Vredefort Structure area and on the banks of the Vaal River. Nestled in the hills of the Vredefort Dome where leopard still dare to roam, you will find The Vredefort Dome Conservancy where land owners have taken up the challenges to re establish and maintain nature and environment. Habula Lodge is the perfect beginning or place for quiet reflections at the end of a journey; Habula Lodge is ideally situated only 90 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport. We offer luxurious, fully catered accommodation in either Chalets or the Guesthouse. Get spoilt with great food, a superb wine list and friendly service. Let the true African Bush envelope you in a sense of complete peace and serenity. Enjoy dinners around bon fires under the magnificent milky way, take strolls or hikes through the undulating hills, visit Iron and Stone Age sites, spot up to 450 species of birds plus small game, simply relax and enjoy cocktails by the pool or take on the challenge with pool, table tennis and darts. Other Game farms in the area are Chazen Game Lodge which offers a wide range of plains game and Thwane Bush Camp, a luxury safari style tented camp offering breathtaking views of the Dome and the Vaal River. Here you will find the highest point on the Steenkampsberg in this geographical phenomenon where visitors can actually can get a centrifugal view on the topographic ridges and deep ravines of the Dome. Crafts available in the area: Bopanang Womens Projects Rebecca Magashule 082 474 6253 Claypots, Mirror Sets and Sewing |
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