Vredefort Crater

Vredefort Crater, South Africa

From series “Largest Meteorite Craters on Earth”

The largest impact crater of the planet is in South Africa. Vredefort is a landmark of world importance; in 2005 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The diameter of the crater is 380 km. Currently, there is the city of the same name here. The crater has formed after a collision of Earth and the asteroid that was more than 10 km in diameter as scientists assume.

Vredefort Crater, South Africa
1 out of 15 - Sudbury Crater, Canada 2 out of 15 - Popigai Crater, Russia 3 out of 15 - Vredefort Crater, South Africa 4 out of 15 - Manicouagan Crater, Canada 5 out of 15 - Chicxulub Crater, Mexico 6 out of 15 - Aorounga Crater, Chad 7 out of 15 - Barringer Crater, USA
Vredefort Crater, South Africa This catastrophe was the largest in the history of the planet. It happened about two billion years ago. Today, we can only guess, how devastating the effects of the disaster were. Currently, the Vredefort crater is attractive not only for scientists and researchers, but also for many tourists who wish to walk in the unique area. The crater is so large that it’s impossible to see it in a full-size from the earth.

Only satellite imagery allows to see the place in full. Hikers could be satisfied with unusual landscapes of this unique place. The main attraction of locality is the Vredefort town, which was founded in the late 19th century. Earlier, there were several farm settlements in this place, whose citizens decided to unite. One of the most striking and tragic events in the history of the town happened during the Second Boer War, when there was a large concentration camp. Today, this picturesque town is home to little more than 3 000 people. The place is incredibly beautiful and attractive. Next - Manicouagan Crater

Popigai Crater, Russia Popigai Crater, Russia
Popigai Crater, Russia Manicouagan Crater, Canada
Manicouagan Crater, Canada Manicouagan Crater, Canada

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Vredefort Crater - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'African Bank' located in 38 km ( check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Europcar - Vanderbijlpark' is located in 48 km ( on the map).
Fuel station: 'Engen - Zonter Motors' in 11 km
Supermarket: 'Picknpay - Parys Family Store' in 11 km
Parking: 'VUT Lecturers Parking' in 48 km
Apotheek: 'Palm Gate Centre' in 11 km
Police station: 'Saps - Tumahole' in 8 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Vaal de Grace Golf Estate' in 10 km
Railway station: 'Calais' in 8 km

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