FIELD TRIP
Hike in the Tswaing Meteorite Crater
Field trip date: 5 December 2025
Organisation: DITSONG Museums of South Africa
City: Pretoria
Tour capacity: 12 people
Health, safety and participation guideline
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, such as sneakers or light hiking shoes, tracksuits, or casual attire, preferably with long-sleeved tops and long pants, and bring a hat and sunglasses. Mosquito repellent is optional. No alcohol is permitted. The safety of all delegates is a top priority, with 24-hour on-site security and regular armed patrols ensuring a secure environment. All participants will be required to sign an indemnity.
Explore one of the world’s best-preserved meteorite craters
The Tswaing Meteorite Crater, located just 40 km northwest of Pretoria, is an extraordinary natural landmark formed approximately 220,000 years ago by the impact of a stony meteorite. It remains one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world. Measuring 1.13 km in diameter and 100 metres deep, the crater holds a shimmering saline lake. Its name, Tswaing, means “Place of Salt” in Setswana.
Delegates are invited to join a guided tour of this unique site and experience one of South Africa’s most captivating geological formations. The surrounding Tswaing Meteorite Crater Reserve features a scenic hiking trail and is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 240 bird species. At the Ditsong Tswaing Meteorite Crater Museum, visitors can also explore informative exhibits highlighting the crater’s remarkable geological and environmental significance.
Itinerary
08:00 Pick up at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC)
09:00 Arrive at Tswaing Meteorite Crater
09:15 Welcome and introductions
09:30 Tour of Tswaing Meteorite Crater and hike to the crater (from viewpoint)
12:15 Light lunch and refreshments at the picnic area
13:00 Depart for the CSIR ICC