Camdeboo National Park, SANParks

If you are looking for a quiet spot where you can enjoy the silence of the surrounding natural environment then the Karoo is just the place. The scenic landscape of the Valley of Desolation and the dazzlingly tall dolerite pillars will leave you in awe. Just outside Graaff-Reinet, this park has earned its name as Cathedral of the Mountains.

If you’ve got only one day to enjoy the Karoo, then Camdeboo National Park contains the concentrated essence of this vast region. The 1.5km Crag Lizard Trail gives the best views of the Valley of Desolation and surrounding Karoo landscape.

– Scott Ramsay, Wild 22

Main attractions

• Valley of Desolation viewpoints
• Timeless landscape and stark beauty
• Nqweba Dam

Activities:

• Self-drive game viewing
• 4×4 overnight trail
• Hiking trails
• Picnic and braai sites

Top sightings: Dolerite pillars, springbok, ostrich, pale chanting goshawk, leopard tortoise

Accommodation: Safari tents, camping

Gate times:

January & February 06:00 – 20:00

March 06:00 – 19:30

April 06:30 – 19:00

May 07:00 – 18:30

June 07:00 – 18:00

July & August 07:00 – 18:30

September 06:30 – 19:00

October 06:00 – 19:30

November 06:00 – 20:00

December 06:00 – 20:30

Wild Card: Purchase or renew at reception/gate

Nearest centre: Graaff-Reinet is 4km away; Port Elizabeth is just over 2 hours away.

Contact park: +27 (0)49 892 3453

SANParks Central Reservations: +27 (0)12 428 9111, [email protected]

Visit Camdeboo National Park’s home page.