Kalkkop Crater

An hour's drive south from Graaff-Reinet will lead visitors to the Kalkkop Crater. Situated about 50 km from Graaf-Reinet in the dusty Karoo near Kendrew, the crater was formed some 250,000 years ago, when a meteorite estimated to be roughly 20 m wide, collided at the site. The impact sight is located on a private farm in the area, and access may be gained via gravel roads, without obtaining further permission. The crater is the third to be recognised in Southern Africa and is noted for its scientific value.

The massive velocity of the meteorite's impact, left an enormous crater with a diameter of 640 m, and a depth of about 90 m. The Kalkkop Crater bears a strong resemblance to the famous Meteor Crater of Arizona or Tswaing, north of Pretoria, but is only about half as big. Within a short period, a shallow lake of brackish water formed inside the crater, and as it evaporated, limestone deposits were left behind. Over time, layer upon layer of white limestone was deposited, until the crater was full. As the years progressed, the Karoo became drier and the crater with its limestone fill began to erode away but the circular impact ridge is still visible.