Fezile Dabi: Geology, River Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

The Free State is home to the Vredefort Dome, the oldest and largest known meteorite impact structure on Earth. This gives Fezile Dabi a distinctive geological theme, alongside its river landscapes and historic sites. The Vredefort structure in the area around Vredefort and Parys was declared South Africa’s seventh international World Heritage Site.

Geology, Rivers and a Self-Drive Route

The Riemland Tourism Route is a self-drive route through the northern part of the Free State and the Fezile Dabi District. Travellers can explore the local attractions along the route. In the Parys district, distinctive natural and environmental resources are part of the landscape; these include the Vaal River, with several islands near Parys. In Moqhaka, the Vals River is associated with water sports and fishing. Kroonpark Holiday Resort is located on the banks of this river in Kroonstad.

Nature Reserves and Outdoor Activities

Koppies Dam Nature Reserve is located twelve kilometres east of the town of Koppies in the Fezile Dabi District and offers opportunities for fishing. The reserve is home to buffalo, white rhinos, gemsbok, waterbuck and springbok. Moratuwa and Boskoppie also combine nature viewing with other leisure activities.

Moratuwa Nature Reserve covers 1,500 hectares and is located within the larger Ghoya Conservancy. Activities listed there include game drives, wine tasting, hiking, birdwatching, predator viewing and fishing. The activity profile of Boskoppie Game Reserve & Lion Park includes game drives and wildlife viewing, a lion-breeding programme, an eco-reserve area with a clubhouse and restaurant, as well as 4×4 activities, motocross, horse riding, fishing and caravanning. If a particular activity is central to your trip, check its current availability before your visit.

In Steynsrus, Riverside 4×4 Hiking includes a 4×4 route for vehicles, motorcycles and mountain bikes. This is another specific route option, while the reserves offer a range of nature and leisure activities.

Museums and Historic Sites

The Sarel Cilliers Museum is located on the first floor of the public library in Kroonstad and features portraits and documents relating to the Cilliers family. Other exhibitions focus on the gold mining industry and the development of railways in the Free State. Another historical landmark is the officially established R82 Battlefield Route from Kroonstad to Greenlands, which includes the Rooiwal battlefield.

Vredefortweg Concentration Camp Cemetery in the Koppies district is a site of significant value. In the Heilbron area, the Kwantitise battlefield, also known as Vegkop Battlefield, is considered a major tourist attraction. Riemland Museum is regarded as one of the few Jewish synagogues. Viljoenskroon’s tourist attractions include the Evans Tractor Museum. The home of Zaccheus Richard Mahabane is part of the cultural landscape of the Moqhaka municipality.

Choose the Right Location for Your Trip

When choosing a hotel location, you can match your interests to the sites: Kroonstad is home to the Sarel Cilliers Museum; in Moqhaka, the Vals River is associated with water sports and fishing. Koppies Dam Nature Reserve is twelve kilometres east of the town of Koppies. Parys is associated with the Vaal River and its islands, as well as the Vredefort structure in the area around Parys and Vredefort.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sasolburg, Kroonstad, Frankfort, Deneysville, Parys, Thabo Mofutsanyane, Motheo, Xhariep.

For the main travel overview: Free State.