Things to do: Camdeboo National Park and the Valley of Desolation

Embark on a journey into the heart of the Karoo's stunning landscapes at Camdeboo National Park.

As avid travellers, we were drawn back to this captivating destination, including the famous Valley of Desolation. Our previous visit was a quick tour before the challenges of COVID, leaving us eager for a more meaningful experience. This time, we returned to explore the park and its iconic valley at our own pace, truly savouring the beauty of this remarkable destination.

Camdeboo National Park covers a vast 19,400 hectares and features rugged Karoo-mountain landscapes. Nestled in the Sneeuberge foothills, with elevations between 740 and 1480 metres above sea level, the park surrounds the historic town of Graaff-Reinet. The picturesque Nqweba Dam, spanning about 1,000 hectares at full capacity, not only enhances the park's beauty but also serves as a crucial water source for Graaff-Reinet.

Home to an impressive variety of wildlife, the park hosts forty-three mammal species and approximately 250 bird species. The flora and fauna have adapted to the arid Karoo environment, creating a unique ecosystem that invites exploration.

Our journey began with a scenic drive along Valley Road, where we first stopped at the toposcope. From there, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Graaff-Reinet, nestled below the Nqweba Dam, with the Sundays River meandering through its picturesque loop. To the southeast, the majestic 1,315-metre-high Spandau Kop stood as a sentinel, overseeing the vast landscape of sweeping plains and mountainous terrain.

Continuing our ascent, we reached the spectacular view site above the flat plains of Camdeboo—the renowned Valley of Desolation. The landscape, adorned with jointed dolerite pillars, took on an otherworldly appearance. These awe-inspiring formations were sculpted over time as softer sedimentary bedrock eroded, leaving behind stark dolerite pillars rising like sentinels along the southern slopes of the escarpment. Towering between ninety and one hundred and twenty metres in height, these pillars create a dramatic and unforgettable panorama.

Standing amidst the geological marvels of the Valley of Desolation, we marvelled at the timeless beauty surrounding us. The interplay of light and shadow on the dolerite pillars, panoramic views of the Camdeboo plains, and the distant silhouette of Graaff-Reinet combined to create a sensory symphony resonating with the essence of the Karoo.

Our return to Camdeboo National Park was more than a revisit; it was a pilgrimage to rediscover the natural wonders that left an indelible mark on our souls. The park, with its rugged landscapes and the mesmerising Valley of Desolation, stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of the Karoo—a beauty inviting all who seek to reconnect with nature in its most sublime form.