An experience 200 million years in the making, Camdeboo National Park is a rich haven for nature lovers.
Spread across an expansive 19 000 hectares, a visit to Camdeboo National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape provides an array of sights and experiences. A short drive from Graaff-Reinet, one of the park’s must-see attractions is the Valley of Desolation, where ancient rock formations took root in the Karoo soil millennia ago and continue to reach for the sky.
The dramatic array of rocky spires has been forming for over 200 million years, and from the multiple vantage points in the area, you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Swooping and nesting in the same dolerite columns, you’ll find just some of Cameboo National Park’s 250 species of birds – look out for common kestrel nests on the cliff edges. Between the migratory months of November and April, the full complement of species can be spotted, including the Karoo bustard, anteater chat and blue crane – South Africa’s national bird.
On the ground, there’s also no shortage of wildlife to appreciate. Camdeboo National Park has an impressive list of species to see, from the slow, inconspicuous leopard tortoise to the fastest land animal on earth: the cheetah. There’s also black rhino, lion and leopard, and antelope species like the shy grey duiker, the thicket-loving kudu and the endangered Cape mountain zebra.
View all the wildlife on offer by taking a self-drive safari on the park’s 19km of gravel roads; alternatively, if you’re visiting with a 4×4, try one of two rugged off-road trails.
Be sure to visit the Nqweba Dam to cool off in the Karoo heat – there’s swimming, canoeing, boating, windsurfing and fishing on offer.
Camdeboo National Park’s accommodation is situated on the floodplains of the Nqweba Dam. The Lakeview tented camp consists of four comfortably furnished tents, with a communal kitchen equipped with crockery, utensils, and a microwave. The Nqweba campsite can accommodate 15 tents or caravans, each space having a braai (BBQ) and power. A communal kitchen and ablution facilities are also available.
- Ancient rock formations provide a dramatic and unique Karoo panorama
- Adventure by car or on foot - there are two 4x4 trails and three hikes of varying grades within the park
- The park is especially important in the global effort for rewilding the endangered cheetah, and has recently seen successful breeding programs adding to the sleek cat’s population numbers
- A Camdeboo resident, the leopard tortoise is one of Africa’s “little five”, along with the rhino beetle, elephant shrew, ant lion and buffalo weaver
- Over 100 000 people visit The Valley of Desolation each year, and liken the experience to visiting a cathedral
- The park is one of the few places in South Africa where snow can be found in the winter months
- The 45-minute Crag Lizard trail along the rim of the valley is a real highlight
- The Valley of Desolation isn’t the only place for beautiful views, don’t forget to explore more
- The walk from the parking lot to the viewing points at the Valley of Desolation is short, but quite steep - closed shoes are advisable
