A long time ago a blazing stony meteorite the size of half a football field slammed into the earth's crust. The impact formed a huge crater, 1.4 km in diameter and 200 m deep. This crater is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact craters in the world. The name Tswaing means place of salt in Setswana, and refers to a saline lake that covers the crater floor. From 1912 to 1950 an industry producing soda ash and salt was based at the crater. There are beliefs and practices related to cryptozoology at Tswaing Meteorite Crater. The local community believes the crater has spiritual healing powers. As a result, some locals bring the sick to the crater for healing. The Museum offers a 7.6 km hiking trail with scenic views of game, birds and vegetation. Tswaing is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 240 species of birds to see. Visitors may enjoy a picnic afterwards and use the newly revamped braai facilities.