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Explore South Africa’s Paris and river raft down the Vaal
Parys, Free State
Rapid riding on the Vaal River, Parys.
© Rapid riding, Vaal River, Parys, free State
Did you know?
Water sport activities in Parys include river rafting, water skiing, canoeing, angling and power boating. Other adventure sports on offer include abseiling, gliding, hiking and 4x4 routes.
The town of Parys in the Free State is a hotspot for adventure and watersports, with a range of activities for all ages and fitness levels.
'Visitors are taken aback by the beauty of the scenery when they go river rafting down the Vaal, navigating between 100 islands [one of which has a Nick Price Group golf course] and exploring the Vredefort Dome World Heritage area from the water with exciting rapids along the way, like the legendary "Highway to Hell",' explains the owner and operations manager of Parys-based R.E.A.L Adventure, Jacques Botes.
River rafting on the Vaal River with accredited facilitators is a half-day or a full day of fun. The experience is tailor-made to suit the age and capabilities of participants, and safety gear, life jackets and helmets are provided.
For the less sporting-inclined, this Free State tourism town offers a choice of art galleries, antique shops, pubs, delis and restaurants.
The Vredefort Dome is another major attraction. The crater was formed 2-billion years ago when possibly the largest meteorite ever to strike the earth crashed home, forcing the lower rock layers to the surface and creating a semicircular mountainous indentation 42km in diameter.
The annual Dome Adventure Festival takes place in and around Parys in October each year, offering a wide range of sports, from golf to power boating, and attracting several thousand participants.
And one of South Africa's largest mountain-bike races, the Crater Cruise, takes place annually during the second weekend in October every year at Parys and in the surrounding Dome Area.
Another Parys attraction is the Dell Cheetah Centre, 10km outside of town, where you get the opportunity to interact with fully grown cheetahs.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Parys Info & Tourism
+27 (0)56 811 4000
Dome Adventures and R.E.A.L Adventures
Cellphone: +27 (0)82 924 3941
Email: bookings@domebookings.co.za
Dell Cheetah Centre
Email: cheetah@parys.co.za
How to get here
From Joburg, Parys is a 1.5-hour drive. Follow the N1 to Bloemfontein and take the turnoff to Parys.
Get around
It's best to drive here.
What will it cost
River rafting with R.E.A.L Adventures is priced from about R290 pp for a half-day, including refreshments, to R400 pp for a full day, including refreshments and lunch.
What to pack
A swimming costume, walking shoes, camera, golf clubs, mountain bike.
Where to stay
Parys offers a good range of accommodation, including the Coach House (+27 (0) 56 811 5232) and Vaal-de-Rama ,where children under 12 stay for free (+27 (0) 56 817 2469).
What to eat
Parys offers good delis and restaurants, including Hoi Polloi Bistro (+27 (0) 56 811 3333).