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The noble silence of the Karoo
Camdeboo National Park
Camdeboo National Park's Valley of Desolation.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The remains of elephants have been found near this semi-desert national park.
The Camdeboo National Park in the middle of the Great Karoo is a stunningly beautiful reserve. It curves almost entirely around the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, which was 1st settled in the late 1700s.
The most famous attraction within the park is the Valley of Desolation, which sounds more severe than it looks. The valley is more like a cupped hollow at the top of a massive hill. It is lined with dolerite pillars that have eroded until they have become jointed, balancing 1 boulder atop another.
There are few places more scenic in the whole of South Africa, and it’s not unusual to come across visitors sitting in meditative silence on the flat rocks along the viewing points.
This semi-desert park is also known for its spring (September to November) colours. The sage green veld is interspersed with violets, pinks, yellows and whites. After good rains, there are flowers everywhere, daisies dancing in the sun.
Later in the year it’s the time of the coral aloes, their vivid orange blooms punctuating the Karoo veld.
The Camdeboo National Park started small in 1935 when the Valley of Desolation was proclaimed a then-National Monument. Over the years, the reserve has gradually expanded.
Seen on a map, this desert reserve looks like 2 giant hands gently cupping the town of Graaff-Reinet.
The park has an exciting goal in mind – to enter into conservation partnerships with landowners until it links up with the Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock. This would create a massive conservation area stretching 120km in length and covering at least 330 000ha. This kind of mega-park is highly valuable in terms of biodiversity protection.
Although scenery and vegetation are the major drawcards, a large section of the park has been stocked with wildlife. Look out for kudu, springbok, meerkats and bat-eared foxes. Birders should keep an eye open for Levaillant’s cisticola, the neddicky, long-billed crombec and tit-babbler.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Tel: +27 (0)49 892 3453
Email: camdeboo@sanparks.org
How to get here
From Cape Town, it's about 6 or 7 hours' drive. Take the N1 highway towards Beaufort West. Pass through the town of Beaufort West and then turn right onto the R61 to Aberdeen. At Aberdeen, take the N9 towards Graaff-Reinet.
It's much quicker from Port Elizabeth (about 250km or 3 hours). Take the R75 to Graaff-Reinet. The entrance to the park is 8km from Graaff-Reinet on the Murraysburg road.
Tours to do
This is an ideal park for walking. The Crag Lizard Trail is an easy option that loops around the Valley of Desolation. The Eerstefontein Day Walk has route options of 5km, 11km and 14km. The Driekoppe Overnight Trail is in the park’s remote eastern sector.
Get around
It's best to drive yourself, as this allows you to explore the area in your own time. There are, however, numerous tour operators in the area.
Length of stay
There is plenty to do in and around the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, so it's worth staying a few days or longer.
What to pack
Lots of sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes or boots, and, in summer, loose, light clothing. Winter calls for warm clothing, especially in the evenings.
Where to stay
Apart from a hiker’s overnight hut, there is no accommodation in the park. But nearby Graaff-Reinet has plenty of accommodation options, including some of the finest guest houses in the country.
What to eat
In winter, ask for venison.
