Framed by the unspoiled natural beauty of the Vredefort Dome with its remarkable geological heritage, the new multi-day Crater Camino trail winds through the heart of the world’s oldest and most visible meteorite
crater.

If you lace up your walking shoes for this approximately 80km trail, including 6-7km guided river rafting, you’ll breathe in the silence that refreshes the soul.

With the first official Crater Camino set to take
place at the end of March/beginning of April, eight hikers tested the trail
the past week, enjoying sundowners on the first and last day, overlooking
the magnificent beauty this World Heritage Site has to offer, swimming in
a quarry, and witnessing some of the world’s most
famous and interesting geological structures.

The 5-day hiking trail available Mondays to Fridays draws inspiration from the classic Camino de Santiago pilgrimages, explains Sanci Cilliers, who was involved in the planning of the Crater Camino.

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 between 13 and 18 km per day, says Cilliers.

The Camino terrain is mountainous, requiring reasonable fitness and proper hiking shoes, but hikers will be rewarded
with breathtaking viewpoints and insights into the region’s mining
history, and bird and wildlife unique to the Dome. The unspoiled
beauty of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage
Site is sure to leave you breathless.

A date for the first Crater Camino will be announced soon.