Mild winters – ideal for activities

In Autumn and Winter, days in the Vredefort Dome are generally a warm 16-22degC with occasional cold snaps. The sun shines and it’s great for hiking, mountain biking and canoeing among the wilderness islands of the Vaal.

Recently Karen and I explored Rietpoort farm on our mountain bikes, enjoying the bushy paths and route along the foot of the Dome Bergland. The picture shows the quaint farm cottage where you deposit your visitor fee in a collection box. How’s that for safety and security! On this trail all the main species of trees are labelled: a great way to learn your botany, if you can squint at the type while peddling past. For more on offroad cycling, go here.

You can wander along the Vaal on a riverside walk looking at a tranquil river.

After a day of exercise and maybe a ramble it’s time to retire with a roaring wood fire and a glass in hand. There’s nothing to worry about.