Parys

Parys, a cosy agricultural country town, is situated in the Northern Free State about 120 km from Johannesburg. It is based within the Vredefort Dome Area, a well-known world heritage site where The Parys Dome Adventure Festival is held every year. It is one of the most exciting South African outdoor festivals, with the Dragon Boats race as one of the top highlights.

The Vaal River stretches for about a kilometre into the town itself and visitors can enjoy fly-fishing, mountain and quad biking through the valleys, and hiking through the indigenous forests, streams and scenic mountains. Other activities include abseiling, bird watching, sunset drives in the wildlife conservancies, hot air ballooning, and horse riding.

There are three beer breweries in the area where fresh honey beer, buchu beer, stout and porter beer are brewed. If beer is not quite up your alley, perhaps the brandy and liquor distillery will suit your taste buds better, offering 52 different types of traditional South African mampoer. If alcohol isn’t your thing, then the famous Bon Af Berry Farm is only 20 km from Parys and you can pick a variety of fresh berries straight off the bushes. The Parys Golf and Country Estate is a championship golf course and boasts magnificent views of the Vaal River.

Bree and Water Street are well-known for their arts and crafts shops and art galleries selling the artworks of well-known South African artists. There are many traditional restaurants around the town, offering a variety of South African culinary dishes as well as coffee shops serving delicious cakes and drinks. Parys won’t leave you disappointed!