Tierfontein Hiking Trails
Aug 30, 2020
We will park, and braai after the hike, at the Boplaas camp, as it has a braai area and a cement farm dam to cool off in. We will do the summit trail which is 11km plus the distance from the camp site to the beginning of the trail (around 2km). This trail stretches through bush veld koppies and the Bobbejaans mountains with its ravines, mountain streams in summer, indigenous forest and a large bird variety. All species indigenous trees are marked and labelled. There are stunning views from the mountains, including a view of the meteorite dome site. Those wanting a shorter hike may do the 6 or 4 km route.
Tierfontein is situated 25 km from Potchefstroom on the Vredefort road, in the Vredefort Dome. Only an hour and a half from JHB and PTA. From Johannesburg the hike can be reached via Potchefstroom or Parys, and you may choose to do a circular route.
Very, very, very, very, very, very long ago a meteorite plunged into the earth here and resulted in the most interesting geological ground formations – it made life possible because the meteorite created so many cracks in the Earth’s crust, which in turn created the right habitat for us to live in. According to NASA, the Vredefort site is the oldest site that was hit by a meteorite and it is estimated to have happened 2000 million years ago.
Also, long long ago, but less long ago, members of the Matabelles settled here and a big city was built, ruins and artifacts from the Iron Age are still visibly obvious. Askoppies in Tierfontein is an archeologists mystery / secret that amazes one. Amongst artifacts that are discovered daily by archeologists are fine ivory beads, remnants of pots, shells and spear points. It shows that there was a settled trade network as well as a sophisticated metal smelter.
In about 1887 gold was discovered and mining activities were started on Tierfontein, but fortunately the gold was only found in feint streaks and mining was called to a halt.
Accommodation is available: Please contact Anvie Ventures on 072 892 2908 or 060 812 2809to make your reservation.
Remember
Good hiking shoes, hat, sun block, at least 2lt of water, snacks
