A huge astrobleme located between Johannesburg and Welkom is a truly special site. The width of the impact crater is 300 km, and it is twice as big as the other notorious impact structure that is believed to have killed dinosaurs 65 million years ago. To create such a dome, the size of the burning rock body must have been some 10 km across, racing at the speed of over 10 km per second.
That asteroid fell over 2 billion years ago when there were no living organism found on Earth, neither animals nor plants, the only possible inhabitant could be green slime found on the bottom of water basins. Scientists made a sensational assumption that this asteroid could have launched mutations that led to the beginning of life on our planet. Who knows, maybe indeed that impact was crucial for the creation of humanity. However, if anything similar happens in modern times, scientists fearfully anticipate the opposite effects—a similar asteroid would have erased everything on Earth.
Naturally, the area has been studied, explored and investigated by scientists for years, and since 2005 the site has been protected as a part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Curious tourists are also allowed to explore the mysterious dome—you can do it on foot, or watch it from above on the air balloon or during skydiving. Vredeford dome is a year-round destination, but May to July, that is African winter, is recommended as the most convenient season for hiking because of moderate air temperature.
Practical info
When did the asteroid hit the Vredefort Dome in South Africa?
Over 2 billion years ago, the Vredefort Dome was struck by an asteroid, resulting in no living organisms on Earth. Some scientists believe that life on the planet began after mutations caused due to this impact. The Vredefort Dome has been studied thoroughly, and since 2005 it has been protected as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Show more
How big is the Vredefort Dome compared to the impact structure that killed the dinosaurs?
The Vredefort Dome's impact crater is 300 km wide, making it twice the size of the impact structure that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. With its unique and expansive surface scar, it is not only the oldest but also the largest site on the Earth's surface, providing an interesting and singular attraction for visitors to South Africa. Show more
Where is the Vredefort Dome located in South Africa?
Located between Welkom and Johannesburg, the Vredefort Dome is easily immersive via a car or bus from both cities. Tourists can experience and explore the unique area by walking, skydiving, or taking a hot air balloon ride over the site, all while enjoying the fascinating landscape of the Vredefort Dome up close. Show more
What is the best time of the year to visit Vredefort Dome for hiking?
While it's possible to visit Vredefort Dome throughout the year, the best time for hiking in this stunning area is during the African winter season from May to July. The mild air temperature provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to explore the region up close while taking in the unique landscape of the dome. Show more
Can tourists explore the Vredefort Dome on foot or from the air?
The Vredefort Dome is easily discoverable on foot, by air balloon, or while skydiving by interested tourists. The recommended season for hiking is during the African winter season from May to July. However, exploring from above provides a unique perspective of the area's remarkable look and scale, making it an experience unparalleled by other South African attractions. Show more
