Best Getaways 
Edge of the Crater
Edge of the Crater is situated on the banks of the Vaal River, 20 km outside Parys in the Free State, about 120 km from Johannesburg and 40 km from Potchefstroom. This tranquil holiday destination offers unique surroundings and views to relax among nature, where you can often hear the call of the African Fish Eagle. The perfect location for a romantic wedding, gathering or function shared with family and friends. Our accommodation offers 21 fully equipped, self-catering chalets, cabins, and holiday homes with a beautiful river view and a good variety of wildlife to spot during your stay. Each option comprises separate bedrooms with private bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a living area, and a patio with BBQ/braai facilities. Some units boast air-conditioning, ceiling fans, entertainment areas and a private pool for comfort. Edge of the Crater also offers the ideal venue for a romantic wedding, small conferences, strategic planning sessions, team building or employee incentives. Our state-of-the-art conference venues are equipped with the necessary presentation equipment and can accommodate up to 100 delegates. Each venue can be set up to suit your needs and requirements. Some of the species that reside on the property are blesbuck, springbok, duiker and the rare white bok. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend away or an action-packed weekend spent traversing our hiking trails and 4×4 routes, be it business or pleasure, Edge of the Crater has something special for you. Popular nearby activities include ziplining, river rafting, abseiling, skydiving and more.
Area Info
Edge of the Crater lies on the banks of the Vaal River, about an hour's drive from Johannesburg. The area is situated within the Vredefort Dome Area – the place of the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world. It's also recently been declared South Africa's 7th World Heritage Site.
The area is essentially a farming community – tobacco, corn, sorghum and cattle are all farmed in the vicinity – but it has also become a popular town to visit, particularly because of its proximity to Johannesburg.
Parys is 20 km away, and Potchefstroom is 40 km away. Where the Vaal River meets the town, it stretches for about a kilometre, its shores lined with weeping willows and an invitation to those fond of water sports.
Units and Rooms
Luxury 4-Bedroom Riverfront House
Guests: 8
This luxury house has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (one with a bath and 2 with showers). The home features a full kitchen, a lounge and dining area, and a large patio with a braai area. Access to a communal swimming pool. Air-con in one room.
Classic 1-Bedroom Cottage
Guests: 4
Max Adults: 2
This cottage offers 1 air-conditioned bedroom with a queen-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. The unit features a living area with a sleeper couch for 2 kids, a kitchen, and a patio with a braai area. Access to a communal swimming pool.
Luxury Riverfront Chalet
Guests: 4
Each double-storey thatched-roof chalet has an upstairs bedroom with a double bed. Downstairs, there is a kitchen, a fireplace and 2 single beds in the living area. The bathroom has a shower. There is a braai area in front of the unit.
Deluxe Riverview Home with Private Pool
Guests: 6
This triple-storey house boasts a private pool, a braai, a living area, and a bathroom with a shower on the ground floor. The kitchen, 1st bedroom, 2nd bathroom, and living area are on the 2nd floor. The 3rd floor is an open-plan loft bedroom.
Classic Riverview Cabin
Guests: 4
Each 4-sleeper wooden cabin is on the riverbank, comprising 1 bedroom with a queen-size bed, 1 bathroom, and 2 single beds in the air-conditioned living area, a kitchen, and a built-in braai area. These units are near to the communal pool.
Comfort Riverview Cabin
Guests: 2
Each cosy 2-sleeper wooden cabin is on the riverbank. Each unit has a double bed, a bathroom with a shower, and a small kitchenette that has a 2-plate stove, a microwave, and a bar fridge. The unit opens onto a verandah with a braai area.
Luxury 10-Sleeper Riverfront House
Guests: 10
This luxury air-conditioned home has 5 bedrooms and 4 en-suite bathrooms. The house features 2 entertainment areas, a fully equipped kitchen, an open-plan living and dining area that leads out onto a balcony that has a braai and a private pool.
