South Africa Travels Blog

One of the main attractions in the Fish River Canyon is the hiking trail that meanders through from Hobas to Ai-Ais. The trail is approximately 80 to 85 km long depending on various shortcuts and can take from 4 to 5 days.

The Fish River Canyon is the longest in Namibia and the most challenging hiking in all of Africa. Due to the heat the trail is only open from April to September. Hiking groups must have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 40 persons, 12 being the minimum age of a hiker. There is a trail fee charged and must be booked 12 months in advance. A medical certificate of fitness is required.
There is a well marked hike at Ai-Ais located at the top of a mountain which overlooks the canyon and surrounding areas.

A series of gravel roads that begin at Hobas offer the best views of the park for those that not into hiking. The parks main viewpoint is located 10km from Hobas. An equal great viewpoint is located at Sulphur Springs where fantastic views can be enjoyed.

The Vredefort Dome which had its origin roughly 2000 million years ago is located just west of the N1 freeway just south of Sasolburg and about an hours drive north of Kroonstad in the Northern Freestate.

The bio dome was created when a giant meteorite struck the earth east of where Vredefort is situated today.
The impact structure that was subsequently formed has come to be known as the oldest and largest meteorite impact site on earth, measuring about 200 km in diameter.

The Dome Area is well known for its unique natural beauty and consists of valleys, mountains and small ravines covered in lush green flora. The unique origin of this area bought about a variety of mirco habitats which in turn created a number of interesting eco systems. The wild Olive forest, a natural heritage site is also situated here.

In some international bird publications the Vredefort Dome is acclaimed as one of the best areas for bird identification in South Africa. The hugh diversity of habitats host more than 400 bird species.

Rare animal species currently found in this area include caracal, leopard, small species of antelope and the endangered rock hyrax.
A number of archaeological diggings have been undertaken in the dome. Historical and cultural artefacts from the Iron and Stone ages are spread along the mountains and there is still large amount of research to be done to understand the full scale and value of these finds.