History & Geology of the Ditsong Tswaing Meteorite Crater. The crater formed around 220,000 years ago when a 30 - 50 m stony meteorite struck the ancient granite of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, creating a crater about 1.4 km wide and 200 m deep. It was long thought volcanic - until a 1989 borehole recovered impact breccia, shocked minerals, glass, and sediment layers confirming its meteoritic origin.
The lake in the crater is saline (tswaing = place of salt), and salt extraction occurred - first by Tswana/Sotho people between 1200 and 1800, then industrially from 1912 to 1950. Stone‑Age artefacts show that people visited the crater as far back as 100,000 years ago to collect salt and hunt.
This well preserved geological wonder at your doorstep is an impact crater enclosed by a nature reserve, and situated in northern Gauteng province, South Africa. It is a roughly 40 - 50 minutes' drive from Doornpoort, Pretoria North, via the N1, M39 and M35.
Visitor Facilities & Activities
Museum & Interpretation Centre
Operated by Ditsong Museums of South Africa, the Tswaing site includes a museum with educational displays and guided tours detailing geological, ecological, and cultural aspects of the crater.
Hiking
A 7.2 - 7.5 km trail descends from the rim into the crater, walking past the historic salt‑water lake and saltworks ruins. The loop typically takes 2 - 3 hours.
The trail is moderate and suitable for families; locals describe the path as well‑marked and secure, often accompanied by a security guide.
Take mosquito repellent - mosquitoes can be quite persistent around the wetlands, so protective clothing is highly recommended.
Wildlife & Birding
Nestled within a 1,946 hectare conservation reserve, Tswaing supports 240 recorded bird species, plus mammals like otters, reed frogs, civets, hyenas, and small antelope.
The ecosystem features Sourish‑Mixed Bushveld and wetland habitats.
Accommodation & Picnic Areas
Options include camping, chalets, or traditional-style kgotla huts around a communal lapa - accommodating groups up to 64 people.
There’s a picnic & braai area, clean toilets, and secure parking on site.
Guided Tours & Educational Activities
Ditsong Museum. Guided tours are available, often including a bird walk, light refreshments, and local ecological and cultural interpretation.
The site frequently hosts annual events (Heritage Day, careers weeks, local cultural program), plus school excursions, environmental education sessions, and map‑reading exercises.
Special Features
The old salt‑mining ruins are visible along the trail and within the crater.
Film photography and location shoots are facilitated for an hourly fee; drone or helicopter landings can also be arranged in advance
Practical Information
- Open daily, closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Admission fees are subject to change - https://ditsong.org.za/en/tswaing-meteorite/
- Guided tours include a dedicated guide fee; security for hiking is generally provided.
- Museum Parking - free parking available for all visitors
- Self‑drive permits allow access to lookout viewpoints; donkey‑cart guided rides and helicopter landings with presentations can be arranged (charges vary).
Tswaing - a geological wonder at your doorstep - is one of the best‐preserved and most accessible meteorite craters in the world, combining geological wonder, rich ecological diversity, and cultural history. Whether you're interested in hiking into the crater, birdwatching, guided interpretation, camping under bushveld skies, or educational field trips - Tswaing offers something for nature lovers, history buffs, and curious families alike.
