Top 10 Things To Do In Kroonstad, South Africa - Updated 2024

1. Take a short drive to Vredefort Dome

Vredefort is one of the most exciting and adventurous places to visit in Kroonstad, South Africa. Part of a larger asteroid impact area, the dome was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. But more than its scientific history, tourists love the outdoor adventures available at the site. If you’re in for an unexpected adventure, try out the various hiking and trekking packages provided by the Otter’s Haunt Eco Retreat here. There are several options, such as diving tours, a battlefield tour of a few days, and on-foot excursions.

Furthermore, the river runs through the center of this area. You can go canoeing and drift rafting on the river Vaal. It runs through the dome, offering stunning views of the site. And if you time your visit in summer, you can even experience whitewater rafting.

Vredefort Dome

Address: Kopjeskraal Road, Parys area, North West Province, South Africa

Website: Vredefort Dome

2. Enjoy water activities at Kroonpark Holiday Resort

Treat your family to an exciting vacation and indulge in fun activities in Kroonstad, South Africa, by staying at the Kroonpark Holiday Resort. The resort boasts a large indoor swimming pool that your kids will love to splash around in. And to offer more excitement, the park has an outdoor splash tube. Slide through the slides and pose as you splash into the swimming pool.

Of course, with all this fun and excitement, you might not look forward to cooking in your self-catering accommodations. Worry not, as there’s an on-site restaurant you can visit to savor the local delicacies. And, if you time your visit right, you might even get to enjoy one of their events held at the Kroonpark Convention Centre, such as the music festivals and biker rallies.

Kroonpark Holiday Resort

Address: C/O Van Der Lingen and Kroonpark Avenue, Kroonstad, South Africa

Website: Kroonpark Holiday Resort

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

3. See big cats up-close at Boskoppie Lion and Tiger Reserve

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A post shared by Boskoppie Lion & Tiger Reserve (@boskoppie_reserve_)

Founded in 1986, Boskoppie Lion and Tiger Reserve is a family-owned reserve created with a sole purpose in mind: to sustain the lives of lions in South Africa. It has since become a popular tourist attraction that houses lions, Bengal tigers, jaguars, leopards, and caracals. In order to raise awareness for the conservation of these feline animals, the reserve offers guests tours, wildlife volunteer programs, and guided walks.

Guests who prefer an overnight stay can also book one of the reserve’s cottages or chalets. A group of up to 12 persons can stay in the chalet and enjoy the in-room kitchen, braai area, and other amenities. Guests can also take a dip into the communal swimming pool, have a drink at the bar, or relax under the covered boma.

Planning a destination wedding? Boskoppie Lion and Tiger Reserve is proud to offer its on-site stone chapel for such an intimate occasion.

Boskoppie Lion And Tiger Reserve

Address: R34, Kroonstad, 9500, South Africa

Website: Boskoppie Lion And Tiger Reserve

4. Go shopping at Maokeng Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Maokeng Mall is the first covered mall in Kroonstad. It houses over 50 shops and boutique stores for shoppers to explore. It also features food outlets, such as King Pie bakery, for hungry shoppers who want to grab a bite before moving on to the next shop. Other tenants in Maokeng Mall include OBC Group, Cashbuild, and Shoprite.

Located on Smaldeel Road, Maokeng Mall is easily accessible to shoppers on this side of the community. Parking is not a problem as well. With over 460 parking bays, shoppers will easily find a spot for their vehicle and begin shopping right away!

Maokeng Mall

Address: Smaldeel Road, Maokeng Township, Kroonstad Rural, Kroonstad, 9499, South Africa

Website: Maokeng Mall

Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 7:30am – 8pm; Fri: 7:30am – 2:30pm (closed on Sat)

5. Go fishing at Seekoeigat

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who also loves fishing, Seekoeigat is a must-visit. It’s a lovely resort with fishing lodges near Vaal River and boasts a depth of 82 feet (25 meters) with lots of fishing opportunities. You can also hike the natural areas, take photos of various bird species, or enjoy picnicking. The venue is safe for a family break, and the sunset from here is spectacular.

Seekoeigat

Address: Kroonstad, South Africa

Website: Seekoeigat

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 3pm

6. Pay a visit to Sarel Cilliers Monument

In 1838, the Zulus and the Voortrekkers were preparing to battle against each other. Charl (Sarel) Arnoldus Cilliers, a Voortrekker leader, made a vow to God that if they succeed, they would honor the day and build a church. Although they were outnumbered by the thousands, they emerged victorious in the battle that took place on the banks of Ncome River. The conflict is famously called the Battle of Blood River, and Sarel Cilliers Monument was constructed to commemorate the oath. The statue depicts the famous preacher standing on a gun carriage, and the locals greatly revere this Kroonstad landmark.

Sarel Cilliers Monument

Address: 114 Cross St, Central, Kroonstad, 9500, South Africa

7. Pay tribute to war victims at Boer War Concentration Camp Cemetery and Memorial

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Many years after the First Boer War, tension mounted over gold and diamond discovery by the British Empire against the independent Boer states—Orange Free State and Republic of Transvaal (South African Republic). At the start of the war, the independent state’s attacks were victorious but were immediately countered by the empire’s ruthless measures including a scorched earth policy. These acts saw the establishment of concentration camps like Kroonstad Concentration Camp which mainly hosted women and children. Today, the camp’s ground is a cemetery where 2000 innocent women and children lay to rest, and most graves were left unmarked. As you explore this town, don’t forget to pay tribute to these victims of war and even uncover the nearby old railroad tracks and a power plant’s cooling tower.

Boer War Concentration Camp Cemetery and Memorial

Address: Kroonstad Rural, Kroonstad, 9499, South Africa

8. Shop for your everyday needs at Panorama Plaza

Whatever your shopping needs are, Panorama Plaza is the best shopping complex in town. The venue is calm and features everything you need from home decoration products to services like haircuts. There is a Pick n Pay grocery store and eateries to get light foods such as Debonairs Pizza and Steers. You will also find electronic stores such as a Vodacom shop and a computer store. If you have kids, there’s a playground for them, and the parking area is sizable for your convenience.

Panorama Plaza

Address: South Street, Suidrand, Kroonstad, 9499, South Africa

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

9. Enjoy a wide variety of tasty food at Tennessee Spur Steak Ranch

Enjoy a wide variety of tasty food at competitive prices in this family-friendly restaurant that has been delighting the community since 1967. The interior of the eatery is relaxed, ideal for families or couples on romantic dates. Although they mainly focused on non-vegetarian options, their recent addition of vegan and vegetarian varieties has given the eatery a boast. Some of the top items on the menu include baked potato, ribs, and steaks. You can accompany your dish with a glass of cold beer or hot cappuccino. Tennessee Spur Steak Ranch also features an outdoor playground for the kids to have fun after a healthy dinner.

Tennessee Spur Steak Ranch

Address: Reitz St &, Botha St, Central, Kroonstad, 9500, South Africa

Website: Tennessee Spur Steak Ranch

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

10. Watch an interesting show at Kroonstad Micro Theatre and Show House

If you require a lively place to spend your evenings, Kroonstad Micro Theatre and Show House is your best bet. The venue features fantastic events once or more times a month, spanning art, comedy, poetry, and of course, music. You can enjoy a range of beverages including beers, wine, and gin. You can also order some snacks from the small on-site taproom as you see the show. Browse through their Facebook page for upcoming events.

Kroonstad Micro Theatre and Show House

Address: Reitz St, Central, Kroonstad, 9499, South Africa

Website: Kroonstad Micro Theatre and Show House

Opening hours: Fri: 12am - 9pm; Sat: 12am - 8pm (closed from Sun - Thu)

Love every moment in Kroonstad

Whether you’re traveling to Kroonstad for business or leisure, there are many ways to make your stay enjoyable. From the monuments with deep meanings to outdoor activities, you will love every moment in this quaint town. Add these best things to do in Kroonstad to your itinerary for a memorable getaway.