Free State provincial article - South African Vacations

some 2 000 million years ago. Scientists worldwide recognise the Vredefort Dome site as
the third largest and oldest meteorite impact site on earth. The Dome area now enclosed
within the Dome Conservancy offers panoramic views over the Vaal River Valley and has
become a popular tourist attraction. Following the Dome Bergland Meander with its 18
stopovers is a good way to explore the surrounding Dome area.
74
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Adventure sport: The Dome area
offers a large variety of adventure
activities, such as hiking, horseriding,
abseiling, rock climbing,
canoeing, white river rafting, angling
and birdwatching.
Fly-fishing: The Vaal Hackle Flyfishing
Resort, an exclusive, selfcatering,
fly-fishing resort, is situated
in the Vredefort Dome Highlands
Yellow Fish Conservancy.
Accommodation consists of four
chalets on the riverbank in
magnificent surroundings.
Hiking, biking, paddling and
canoeing: Popular Dome trails
include the Rooihaas Hiking Trail, the
Dome Mountain Biking Trail, the Driftto-Drift
Canoe Trail and the Boot and
Paddle Hiking and Canoe Trail. The
five mountain bike trails that traverse
the Dome are considered be among
the ten best mountain bike trails in
the country.
Hunting: Hunting opportunities exist
at Chazen Game Lodge.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY
New archaeological find: An exciting new archaeological find at Askoppies in the Dome
area, the remains of a young woman and the remains of an Iron Age settlement, have
stirred much interest. Excavations are continuing here and in the many Iron Age caves in
the area.
San Rock Shelters and Caves: The rock shelters along the banks of the Vaal River bear
witness to the earlier presence of the San.