Lifestyle

The climate in the province is typically South African, with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The temperature rises from -5 to 32 degrees Celsius.

It is very unlikely that there is another town in the country, who can boast so many different activities in sport and adventure as in the case of the Free State town of Parys. Parys is approximately a 5 minute drive from the Vaal de Gráce Estate. Parys can seem like a different world and this is attractive for those people who have the need to get away.

Vredefort Dome

Vredefort Dome, situated approximately 120km southwest of Johannesburg, dates back 2,023 million years and is the oldest, largest and most deeply eroded complex meteorite impact structure in the world. It is the site of the world's greatest single known energy release event. It contains high quality and accessible geological (outcrop) sites which demonstrates a range of geological evidences of a complex meteorite impact structure. The Vredefort Dome was declared a World Heritage Site in 2005 by UNESCO. A World Heritage Site is a recognised and protected area of outstanding natural, historical and cultural value.

Vaal River

The mighty Vaal River is the largest tributary of the Orange River in South Africa. It has its source in the Drakensberg Mountains in Mpumalanga, east of Johannesburg and about 30krn north of Ermelo and only 240krn from the Indian Ocean. It then flows westwards to its conjunction with the Orange River southwest of Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The Vaal River is 1120krn in length, and forms the border between Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West Province on the north bank, and the Free State on its south.

Vaal River - Fishing

What is it about fly fishing that drives us to distraction? Few pastimes evolve into obsession and none can derive such satisfaction irrespective of result. There are no limits to the game fish that you can cast a line to or the imitations you may tie, your only restriction is your time.

Vaal River - History

Historically, the river formed the northern border of the Moshoeshoe I's Basotho kingdom at its height, and then became the boundary between two Boere republics, and later provinces - Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The geographic name "Transvaal" comes from the name of this river, meaning beyond the Vaal River.

Vaal River Bridges around Parys

The Parys River bridges are a architectural landmark on the boundary between Free State and the North West provinces. In the Parys area there are six noteworthy bridges, the Vaal River bridge, Suspension bridge linking Golf Island to Parys, Suspension bridge linking Groot Eiland to Parys, Steel bridges at both island developments and the Schoemansdrif bridge in the Vredefort Dome.

Vaal River Rafting

The Vaal is a playground for white water rafters and kayaker's. The river rafting trips are offered on the most popular rafting stretch in South Africa. Rapids are between grade 1 and 3. It includes “Big Daddy”, close to Vaal de Gráce, and the world renowned “Gatsien” rapid. Rafting options include nature paddles, an experience fit for anyone.

Parys History

In the early 1870's, towns in the northern Free State were situated very far apart and members of different churches had to travel great distances to participate in religious services. It was then decided by the Ring of the Dutch Reformed Church to implant the idea of a congregation north of the Rhenoster River into the minds of the residents of the farm Klipspruit, on the Vaal River, which was owned by four van Coller brothers. After long deliberation by the brothers, the first erven were laid out in 1876, and the little town of Parys was born.