Parys is a resort town in northern Free State province, South Africa. There are many things to do when visiting Parys. Activities range from nature and wildlife activities; family activities; annual festivals and outings. If you’re looking for adventure and fun outings, then this list has been compiled just for you.
Activities
Nature/Wildlife Activities in Parys
Pumbaa Wildlife Park
Explore the Pumbaa Wildlife Park and encounter a diverse range of wildlife. Observe their magnificent native species, including magnificent brown and white lions, cheetahs, hyenas, black leopards, wild dogs, tigers, and much more. Visitors can choose between a guided foot tour in the park or a tuk tuk ride tour. Wildlife feedings and exclusive tours are especially popular at this park.
Savannah Game and River Retreat
In the Vredefort Dome is this wonderful game and river retreat. It is home to various mammal species which include Buffalo, Giraffe, Sable, Zebra, Eiland, Blesbok, Kudu, and Impala.Photo enthusiasts can also enjoy photo opportunities with the retreat’s grass planes, vibrant sunsets, bushveld, mountains, wild animals, Sotho ruins and the Vaal River.
Vredefort Meteorite Trails
The Vredefort Meteorite Trail boasts bushveld, riverine and forest areas to savannah ridges and has a wide array of plant, reptile, bird and animal species. Hikers get the chance to see the Boer war memories and the San rock art and relics from the gold rush era.
Koedoeslaagte Horse Trails & Pony Rides
Situated in the Vredefort Crater World Heritage site is the Koedoeslaagte horse trails and pony rides. The Vredefort Crater is the oldest and biggest meteorite structure on Earth and also holds a significant range of flora and fauna. Riders can choose between guided tours with a trail leader or a self-guided tour, fit for both beginner and experienced riders.
Flyfishing with Earth Adventures
Immerse in a fun day out with fly fishing on the Vaal River. While enjoying fishing, a tranquil atmosphere, sounds of the stream and clean fresh air add to the experience. Earth adventures offer tours, packages as well as training and assistance to all visitors.
Family Activities in Parys
Abseil with Earth Adventures
For those seeking adventure, abseiling is the perfect activity. The Vredefort Dome offers many abseiling opportunities where thrill-seekers can rappel down vertical rock faces including options of quarry abseiling, man-made tower abseiling and abseiling down a cliff.
White Water Rafting
River rafting in Parys is an ideal exhilarating experience for families and friends. Rafting begins in Parys and goes all the way down to the takeout point at Rocky. The largest and strongest rapid is called big daddy; other rapids that rafters enjoy are the whiplash whereby inflatable rafts can be used.
Paintball at Earth Adventures
Paintball at Earth Adventures can be found on the stunning banks of the mighty Vaal River on a private farm. Earth Adventures has the best equipment to ensure visitors have the best paintball experience possible. They are environmentally friendly, using paintballs that are biodegradable and environmentally safe.
Aquadome
Aquadome is a water park resort found at the Emerald Resort and Casino. Embark on a fun-filled day with the family with exciting attractions such as water slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. Due to the water park being situated inside the resort and casino, visitors can also enjoy mini-golf, ten-pin bowling, and a bouncy castle. Aquadome also offers many food options, including fast food, snacks, and ice cream.
Annual Festivals in Parys
Parys Arts Festival
This yearly arts festival highlights Parys’ creatives showing off their work and inspiration. Known as the town’s first arts festival, various venues join together to promote tourism and art. The Parys Arts Festival includes dancing, music, drama and theatre performances, ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting and more.
Parys Colours of Love Festival
Located at the Mimosa Gardens is the annual Colours of Love Festival. The festival focuses on music and art and provides a spectacular lineup of talented local performers. This event is perfect for music enhusiasts or for those looking for a fun way to spend their holiday season. The event is usually in December each year.
Parys Wine Festival
At the Vredefort Dome Wine Route, visitors get the opportunity to try wines from 15 different wineries and more than 60 different wines while walking the streets of Parys.Throughout the route there is a wonderful array of art galleries, antique and gift shops as well as fabulous pieces of art, crafts, gifts or memorabilia.
Dome Adventure Festival Parys
The Dome Adventure Festival offers exciting adventure activities and lasts a total of three days. Activities include sporting activities, fly fishing, stalls, competitions, river rafting as well as golf and tennis tournament. The festival takes place at the Afridome Equestrian Centre, but the adventure festival is enjoyed all along the Vaal River and in the mountains surrounding Parys.
Outings
Berry Picking at Bon-Af Berry Farm
Those visiting Parys can enjoy a day of berry picking at the Bon-Af Berry Farm. The delicious berries range from 65 different berries, comprising of frambois, bramble, blueberries and blackberries. Visitors often use the berries that they picked to create their very own jam. Afterwards, the farm offers visitors a tranquil tea in their garden as well as delectable scones. Note that harvest time is from November to April, but berries can still be bought when they are not in season.
Hartelus Mark
The Hartelus Mark is a market where visitor and locals enjoy every month to have picnics on the banks of the stunning river and landscapes. The market boasts over 60 stalls with unique and artisanal food and products. Craft beers, cappuccinos and moreish coffees are often enjoyed with wraps, prego rolls, springrolls, kebabs, calamari, and lamb. Stalls also offer arts and crafts, including clothing, jewellery and accessory stalls. The live music entertainment adds to the wonderful atmosphere at the Hartelus Mark.
Dog and Fig Brewery
Located very close to Parys, at the Vredefort Dome, is the Dog and Fig micro-brewery. The brewery highlights custom couture beers that are unique to flavours that regular beer-drinkers have come to expect. The Dog and Fig Brewery ensures an unforgettable experience with their delicious and one-of-a-kind beers.
Berakah 4×4 Eco Trail
The Berakah: Berakah 4×4 Eco Trail is situated on the Berakah Farm in Parys. This 4×4 route is 15km long and takes around 6 hours to complete. The route travels through the Vredefort Dome, which is a challenging and notable 4×4 route. The route passes savannah, bushveld, mountainous areas and riverbeds, with a difficulty grading ranging between 2 and 4. Riders should know that the route is not a guided route tour and drivers need to be able to cross the route on their own.
