The Tswaing Meteor Crater, Gauteng, South Africa
3.5 (42 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Soshanguve Bodies of Water
Hiking in Pretoria
Tswaing, meaning Place of Salt in Setswana, is a 2000-hectare heritage site, some 40 km north-west of Central Pretoria, surrounded by settlements inhabited by more than a million people, such as Winterveld, Soshanguve, Mabopane and Nuwe Eersterus. It falls within the Gauteng Province, borders on North-West Province and is part of the City of Tshwane. The main features of Tswaing are a 220 000-year old meteorite impact crater (100 m deep and 1,3 km across), a wetland (marsh) area, a variety of ecosystems and the remains of a factory that produced soda ash and salt. In geological terms, the Tswaing Crater represents one of the youngest and best-preserved small bowl-shaped meteorite impact craters in the world. It used to be known as the Pretoria Saltpan. Tswaing is a sensitive and unique conservation area for the careful and sustainable management of its multiple cultural and natural heritage resources in the disciplines of geology, the environmental sciences, biology and human history. Strong emphasis is placed on the protection and use of the area’s natural and cultural heritage for research, environmental education, recreation and community empowerment. This is achieved in close consultation with local communities, scientists, conservation agencies, private sector business and national, provincial and metropolitan government institutions. Tswaing is also know for its diverse bird species and is a popular birding area.
Address
, Soshanguve, South Africa, Postal Code: 0152.
Website
http://www.ditsong.org.za
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 20:00
User Ratings
3.5 based on (42 reviews)
Reviews
-
4Hajirasmiles 5:00 PM Mar 6, 2020
Hiking in Pretoria
Did the Tswaing Meteor Crater today, it is a really great hike which is 7,2 km and very easy to do. Its such a pity that facilities such as toilets has not been well maintained and also some people hiking litter and staff dont bother picking up the trash otherwise I enjoyed it and also people avoid this as it goes through areas that most people feel intemmidated by as drivers are totally reckless. In my humble opinion this is one of Pretoria's jewels if only our tourism department could take better care and promote it. We were pleasantly surprised that it was so safe.
-
4Fkafrica 5:00 PM Jul 28, 2013
Best kept secret
Little known attraction about 30 km to the north of Pretoria. Very interesting to see a 220,000 year old meteor crater almost perfectly preserved. Must be fit to do the 7 km hike through the crater, but well worth it. Make sure you take water along.Spotted more than 50 species of birds and a few small mamals. Very good picnic facilities. The road to the crater can be regarded as unsafe if you do not know your way around. Better to travel in a group or with a knowledgable local.
