Camdeboo National Park

Description

Camdeboo National Park is a 19,405 hectare park in the Karoo, surrounding the town of Graaff Reinet in the Eastern Cape. It offers incredible scenic beauty and is an exquisite illustration of the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo.

Most of the park is situated on the foothills of the Sneeuberg mountain range, while a smaller section covers the low lying-plains. One of the most remarkable features of Camdeboo is the Valley of Desolation – an impressive example of dolerite pillars that rise to heights of 90 – 120m. The Nqweba Dam also forms part of the reserve, coving an area of 1,000 hectares when full. Facilities such as fuel stations, ATMs, banks, shops, and restaurants are available in Graaff Reinet.

Activities

• Game viewing - 19km of gravel roads allow visitors to view indigenous wildlife in their preferred habitats. Visitors to the game viewing area are requested to remain in their vehicles.

• Birding - at least 225 bird species have been recorded

• Valley of Desolation – 60,000 to 100,000 people are estimated to visit this site every year, making it a premier tourist attraction. The tarred road to the top provides easy access to the panoramic viewpoints.

• Hiking trails – Enjoy the valley viewpoints along the 45 minute Crag Lizard Trail; the hour long Gideon Scheepers Trail; and the Eerstefontein Day Walk which can be done on a 5km, 11km, or 14km route.

• 4x4 trails – Koedoeskloof is a grade 3 to 4 trail that can be done in 3 hours, but the Karoo scenery makes it a worthwhile day outing. Only 4x4 vehicles are permitted. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a 2x4-friendly trail, Driekoppe is a scenic grade 2 route where you are likely to spot Cape mountain zebra, kudu, klipspringer, wildebeest, duiker, and other indigenous wildlife.

• Watersports – Nqweba Dam provides cool relief during the summer and is a base for water activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing (permit fees apply). Fish species include common carp, African catfish, mullet, and round herring among others. Nqweba Dam also attracts a wide variety of birds and wildlife.

• Picnics - Camdeboo has 6 picnic areas with braai and ablution facilities.