Framed by the unspoiled natural beauty of the Vredefort Dome with its remarkable geological heritage, the 80–100 km Crater Camino trail winds through the heart of the world’s oldest and most visible meteorite crater.

If you lace up your walking shoes here for the 4–5 day trail, you’ll breathe in the silence that refreshes the soul. The Crater Camino in the Vredefort Dome Conservation Area, offers 3–4 star accommodation  and will be launched soon.

In addition to the wildlife, nature, geological sites, and historic landmarks, hikers will experience the beauty of the Vaal River, mountain landscapes, and a spectacular night sky, covering an average of 15–20 km per day.

With interest in pilgrimages also growing in South Africa, the Crater Camino is expected to give the region a major tourism boost. Not only will visitors discover the Dome’s unique habitats with all their senses, but they will also be embraced by the hospitality of Parys – with its many restaurants, guesthouses, boutique shops lining the main street, the river, and adventure tourism activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, birdwatching, zip-lining, and exploring deep historical footprints.

The Camino terrain is mountainous, requiring reasonable fitness, but hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking viewpoints, the world’s largest wild olive forest, geological presentations, insights into the region’s mining history, and the bird- and wildlife unique to the Dome.

The unspoiled beauty of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site will leave you breathless.

The beauty of the Vredefort Dome will take your breath away. Photo: Ross Cameron.

The history of pilgrimages
The first Camino began in early 9th century Spain as the Camino de Santiago, when King Alfonso II travelled to the newly discovered tomb of St. James in 814 AD. His journey is considered the start of a tradition mainly intended as a spiritual path.

Today, numerous walking routes are referred to as Caminos. Among the best known in South Africa are:

• Cape Camino around the Cape Peninsula, showcasing South African diversity

• Tankwa Camino: a 232 km trek through the Karoo desert, seen as both a physical and spiritual challenge

• Baviaans Camino: a 95 km route through the Baviaanskloof mountains and Kouga range

• Namaqua Camino: a 7-day desert trek through Namaqualand in the Northern Cape

• Hermanus Camino: a 70 km route through the mountains and beaches of Hermanus, Western Cape

• Kogelberg Nature Route: a 70 km walk through the Cape Floral Kingdom in the Kleinmond mountains

• Sungazer Pilgrimage: a slackpacking route from Paul Roux in the Free State

• Plett Camino: 5 days, 80 km

• Hoerikwaggo Cape Slackpacking: 6 days through Table Mountain National Park

• Newbery Passion Pilgrimage: 211 km over 11 days and 12 nights

• Wille Willemien Pilgrimage: 80 km over 4 days and 5 nights

• Sandy Shoes Pilgrimage: 116 km over 6 days and 7 nights

• Dirty Harry Pilgrimage: 49 km over 3 days and 4 nights

For more information about the Crater Camino, contact Sanci Cilliers at 082 929 8593.