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.