Valley Of Desolation

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Valley of Desolation

By: Chantelle Marais

Welcome to the Valley of Desolation information page - in addition to guides like this article we also list a great range of hotels, B&B's, guesthouses and self-catering establishments. Please take a look at our Graaff Reinet page if you're looking for Graaff Reinet accommodation. Graaff-Reinet is well remembered for the Valley of Desolation. The sheer cliff face is a geological phenomenon that is situated in the Camdeboo National Park. This 19 500 ha reserve surrounds the 200 year-old town of Graaff-Reinet.

The Valley of Desolation is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years.

The Valley was declared a Scenic National Monument in 1935 & this site is 17 km from town.

The columns of Dolerite rise 120 meters from the valley floor and in the distance the Karoo landscape stretches to the horizon.

The endless space spreading out in various directions has rendered many tourists speechless. It is a mecca for hikers, photographers and students of flora and fauna.

First stop is the Toposcope - a short walk leads to a wonderful view of Graaff-Reinet

The Valley of Desolation is a very rewarding site after the steep drive up the mountain. A circular hiking trail of 1,5km (45 minutes) starts at the car park, however shorter routes are also available. From all viewpoints the sights are breathtaking & one can stare at the endless expanse of the surrounding Karoo.

Late afternoon is the best time to enjoy the scenery, since the tinted sun saturates the reds of the rock towers.

3km outside of town on the left-hand side of the Murraysburg road, the road leading to the Valley of Desolation, the monument of Commandant Scheepers is visible. He was one of the Boer commando leaders during the Anglo Boer War. He was executed whilst sitting in a stool (too sick to stand) A hiking Trail, that offers great views of the Nqweba Dam, starts from the momument - duration 30 minutes.

We also offer a superior selection of South Africa accommodation - let us know where you would like to go!

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Things to do near Valley Of Desolation

Camdeboo National Park

Camdeboo near Graaf-Reinet was declared a National Park in 2005. It boasts a large diversity of fauna and flora, even to the extent that is possesses six species of animals that are not found in the Kruger National Park. These species are : Springbok Gemsbok Black Wilderbeest Red Hartebeest Berg K... [ read more... ]

Reinet House Museum

Graaff-Reinet is home to the well-known Reinet House with its famous water wheel and old vine. The Reinet House Museum is a Dutch Reformed Parsonage built in 1811. It is famous for its spacious rooms with high ceilings and yellow wood floors. Reinet House is a good example of Cape Dutch architect... [ read more... ]

Houdconstant Guest Farm

Escape the hustle & bustle of the fast life! Visit a Karoo Farm! Adrian & Elsanne McNaughton would like to invite you to come and enjoy a relaxing farm-holiday on our working Sheep & Cattle farm, in the Malaria Free, Graaff-Reinet district. Enjoy scenic views down the Camdeboo or take a stroll t... [ read more... ]

Owl House

The Owl House used to belong to Helen Martin's who used to live there. She passed away and now her home has been opened to the public to view the way she used to live. Her garden is filled with cement statues she had her gardenboy make for her, years ago. He used beer bottles etc to be part of th... [ read more... ]

Accommodation near Valley Of Desolation

Stemar Self Catering Guest House 3.5km

No other accommodation in Graaff-Reinet offers you as much comfort and “home away from home” feeling, as this guest house does. ... [ read more... ]

Queen Manor Boutique Guest House 3.7km

Often described as one of the top guest houses in Graaff-Reinet, Queen Manor features 8 (eight) modern suites with en-suite bathrooms, complete with spa baths and everything you need in order to have a most relaxing stay. We have 2 wheelchair friendly suites that were specially designed to make any ... [ read more... ]

Karoopark Guest House 4.1km

Situated in the center of Graaff-Reinet, Karoopark Guest House is ideally situated to explore all the highlights the town has to offer. Visit the beautiful church & the old pasonage on foot. ... [ read more... ]

Profcon Country Cottages 4.2km

Profcon Resort offers a full array of services for any type of function or just for a relaxing holiday in the Karoo. Profcon offers 13 great self-catering units available for the perfect holiday stay. All units are air-conditioned and range from 1 bedroom en-suite rooms to 3 bedroom family cottage... [ read more... ]

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