Overview
Vredefort is a quiet farming town of 3,000 residents in South Africa's Free State, best known as the gateway to the Vredefort Dome — the largest and oldest visible bolide impact crater on Earth. The town offers a glimpse of Boer War history, Khoisan rock art, and access to geological wonders that few places on the planet can claim.
Before you go
Geology
The Vredefort Dome is the world's largest visible meteor impact crater at 300 km diameter, formed approximately 2 billion years ago.
History
The town was established in 1876 and was named for peaceful resolution of a threatened war. A British concentration camp operated here during the Second Boer War.
Transport
Vredefort is accessed via the R59 from the N1. A rental car is the most practical way to visit. Public transport is very limited.
Visits
Tours of the Vredefort Dome can be arranged through Jan Fourie at +27 56 811 2078.
