I had been in Graaff-Reinet Valley of Desolation – Camdeboo National Park when my travels in South Africa started in 2012. This National Park struck me already then as a place of exceptional beauty with an extraordinary setting, encircling the historical town of Graaff-Reinet.
Camdeboo National Park
Karoo Nature Reserve was established in 1979 and was transferred from the Provincial Government to South African National Parks (SANParks) in 2005 and renamed as Camdeboo National Park. The Park extends currently over 19405 hectares.
Mountains with rocks on the ridges shaped like red-coloured, gigantic elephant droppings surround the dam and the circular old town. In one of these weirdly shaped cliff-landscapes lies the Valley of Desolation. Most probably the best-known sight of Camdeboo National Park.
Camdeboo National Park Map
Camdeboo National Park Animals
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It could be as much a reference to a place where wildlife and humans share the waters – the first live and breed on the floodplains and the second ensure the water supply of the whole town of Graaff-Reinet with the dam.
Nqweba Dam
A private consortium of farmers built the dam between 1921 and 1925 and named it Van Ryneveldts Pass Irrigation Dam. Only in 1999 the local authority took over the water entitlements and changed the name in 2001 to Nqweba Dam meaning “Meeting Place”.
Sunset in Camdeboo National Park, South AfricaKaroo is a Khoi-Khoi word in the language of the first inhabitants, the Bushmen, and means Great Thirstland. A suitable description for this arid region of South Africa.
View on Graaff-Reinet from the road to the Valley of Desolation
Close-up of dew on a spiderweb
Nature has to be patient; the dark clouds look promising but leave soon after without releasing their life-giving rains. Fauna, flora, and humans are left with their hopes for some relief in the semi-desert of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, once again.
Camdeboo National Park Camping
We preferred to stay a few kilometres outside the town in the National Parks’ rustic campground at Nqueba Dam. The name Nqueba means “meeting place” with reference to the confluence of the Sundays, Gats and Pienaars rivers, which feed the dam.
We set up our tent a few meters from an elevated outlook, from which we observed a herd of eland peacefully grazing along the shore. Sunsets dipped the surroundings in orange light, while we sipped coffee overlooking the plains and listening to numerous birds.
View from the elevated platform at the campground
The Valley of Desolation South Africa
The Valley of Desolation South Africa was declared as a National Monument of geological and scenic significance. The original name was “Cathedral in the Mountains”.
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We were gobsmacked by the vast landscape, which met the sky in a distance unreachable by our eyes. The Karoo with its dry shrubs in various earth colours suffered from a lack of rain.
Valley of desolation, Graaff-Reinet
As soon as the early spring rain hits, the surviving artists amidst the plants, green grass, and colourful small flowers will appear and cover the plains as an overnight miracle.
Valley Of Desolation Walk
We walked the lizard path along the edges of the remote gorge at a considerable height of more than 1’300 meters where either cold, hot, wind and the merciless sun changed the scene within a few hours.
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Graaff-Reinet Accommodation, Self-Catering
The town is a gem in itself. Blooming violet Jacaranda trees line up along narrow streets with white chalked Old Cape Dutch buildings. The town keeps a lot of its charm of the old days.
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Graaf-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Best Graaff-Reinet Hotel For Your Stay
Drostdy Hotel
Drostdy Hotel
Offering an outdoor pool, spa and on-site restaurant, the 5* Drostdy Hotel is located in the beautiful town of Graaff-Reinet, which features over 220 heritage sites.
Infos & PricesGraaff-Reinet B&B
Most beautiful, best rated places to stay in Graaff-Reinet Accommodation B&B
Rietjiesbos Bed & Breakfast
Rietjiesbos Bed & Breakfast
Das Rietjiesbos Bed & Breakfast erwartet dich mit Grillmöglichkeiten und Bergblick in Graaff-Reinet. Die Privatparkplätze an der Unterkunft stehen Ihnen kostenfrei zur Verfügung.
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Thyme and Again Bed and Breakfast
Thyme and Again Bed and Breakfast
Located in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape region, with Anglo-Boer War Memorial and Urquhart House Museum nearby, Thyme and Again Bed and Breakfast provides accommodation with free private parking.
Infos & Prices 4 Rothman Street B&B
4 Rothman Street B&B
Located 13 km from Valley of Desolation, 4 Rothman Street B&B provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a shared kitchen for your convenience. The bed and breakfast features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.
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Guest-houses in Graaff-Reinet
Somerset Stables
Somerset Stables
Somerset Stables is set in a lush garden in the quieter part of Graaff-Reinet and offers guests secure parking and free WiFi throughout.
Info & Prices Aa'Qtansisi Guesthouse
Aa’Qtansisi Guesthouse
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Aa’Qtansisi Guesthouse is located in Graaff-Reinet. Free WiFi access is available.
Info & Prices Buiten Verwagten Guest House
Buiten Verwagten Guest House
Featuring Victorian architecture from 1840, Buiten Verwagten Guest House also offers an outdoor swimming pool and entertainment area with BBQ facilities. It is set in a manicured garden with Jacaranda trees.
Info & Prices The Graaff-Reinet Suites
The Graaff-Reinet Suites
Located in Graaff-Reinet, 14 km from Valley of Desolation, The Graaff-Reinet Suites provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and barbecue facilities.
Info & PricesGraaff-Reinet Accommodation Self-Catering
De Kothuize
De Kothuize 6
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, De Kothuize 6 is set in Graaff-Reinet. Located 14 km from Valley of Desolation, the property provides an outdoor swimming pool and free private parking.
Graaff-Reinet Restaurants
Eat out in Graaff-Reinet Restaurants. There are many, very good options which you will find here.
Graaff-Reinet Tourism Center
Contact Graaff-Reinet Tourism Center for updated information and events.
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