Valley of Desolation image

Valley of Desolation

Hiking area Scenic spot

One of the Best Places To Visits in Camdeboo Local Municipality


Address

Graaff-Reinet, South Africa

Contact

+27 49 892 3453

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), 6:30 am to 7:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), 6:30 am to 7:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Thursday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Friday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Saturday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: views (14) view (8) road (7) valley (7) walk (7) short (6) worth (6) amazing (6) visit (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sendibitiyosi G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great place for sunset and sunrise shoots. It's scenic and a great place to experience. The road leading to the valley is narrow and a blind rise throughout. It requires patience and tolerance if they are too many vehicles going up. However, the views are breathtaking. Be it the views of the town or the valley, you won't be disappointed at all. In terms of opening and closing times, it's best to call and enquire as the online times can be incorrect. Great place for meeting travellers who appreciate nature.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayla S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing view of the town and beautiful Karoo veld! Definitely recommend to make time to go up. It’s a tar road all the way to the top so any car can do it. You won’t regret it!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephan G. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing viewpoints and scenery!! You can get there with a normal car on a tar road. There is also a short 1.8km hike. Really worth a stop.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Enid S. 2 years ago on Google
    Utterly amazing. I wished we had more time to spend at the Camdeboo National Park. We used our Wildcards so didn't have to pay the entrance fee - it was R50 pp at the time we were there. It's a short drive to get to the view points and a short walk to see t get e epic views of the Valley of Desolation. There are no public amenities, such as coffee shops so make sure you bring your own food supplies. There is no shade and it gets extremely hot in the summer so be sure to put sunscreen and wear a hat and good walking shoes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noelle M. 2 years ago on Google
    A relatively easy walk up to viewing points. Try and catch the sunset if possible. Beautiful views and an easy tarred road to drive up to the parking areas.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garry O. 2 years ago on Google
    If you’re passing through Graaff-Reinet this is a must! R50 entrance fee per person, and a 5km tarred road to the top of the view point! A short 200m walk from the parking to the final lookout - wear closed shoes. Can be muddy when wet. BUT there’s a cobble walkway so its not terrible - just mind ur step. Vegetation is amazing in December! From there…pop back down into town for breakfast…see my next review ☺️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Natasja F. 2 years ago on Google
    We used our wild cards and gained free entry. Cycling on the park is great. Saw Gemsbok and Springbucks as. Well as other wildlife! There is 4x4 routes as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chevonne P. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing place to take photos, to relax, to get away from busy life. Just beautiful views no matter where you look. The roads are well kept and don't have any potholes. Everywhere is kept neat and clean all the time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Candice van E. 1 year ago on Google
    Entering through the Camdeboo National Park, with a small fee at the gate, you have the added bonus of spotting some animals on the way up the mountain. Head up in the late afternoon for the most striking contrasts as the afternoon sun hits the rocks. We had an afternoon of dramatic clouds in the sky above as well, but it's ever changing over the valley. The first view over the valley as you drive to the top is beautiful. But then you park the car and follow a rough path up to the main viewing spots - and the views are definitely worth every bit of effort in walking up that path!! Stunning formations left by the standing rocks and boulders...with a sweeping valley falling away behind them. Just gorgeous!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louis van der W. 4 months ago on Google
    The Valley of Desolation in South Africa's Eastern Cape is an awe-inspiring marvel that transcends expectations. The panoramic views from this geological wonder are nothing short of breathtaking, captivating visitors with a rugged beauty that is both haunting and sublime. Towering dolerite pillars, formed over millions of years, create a dramatic backdrop against the vast landscape, casting surreal shadows as the sun sets. The ethereal silence of the valley adds to the mystique, allowing for a profound connection with nature. The juxtaposition of arid plains and striking rock formations showcases the raw power of Earth's forces. Exploring this enchanting terrain is a sensory journey, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to witness the Valley of Desolation's unparalleled vistas.

  • 4/5 Ben S. 4 months ago on Google
    Nice hidden gem near Graaf Reinette (actually right next to it), there is a fee for entering the conservation area and then a 200 odd meter hike to the viewing spot but very worth it. There is also a top-down view of Graaf Reinette which is pretty cool.

  • 4/5 Peter D. 6 months ago on Google
    Great viewpoint with absolutely stunning scenery and rock formations

  • 4/5 Lynn K. 4 months ago on Google
    Visit this amazing natural extraordinary site not to be missed. Valley of Desolation situated in SA National Park, 10 min from Graaff Reinet

  • 5/5 George H. 7 months ago on Google
    Magnificent. One of the many beauty spots of the Eastern Cape. Absolutely worth the visit. Roads are in good shape, you can do it with a car, and the views are breathtaking.

  • 5/5 Ludwig G. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice place to stop for a few minutes and rest.

  • 4/5 Sally Van Der M. 3 years ago on Google
    Quiet view of an amazing landscape! Just make sure you have proper walking shoes. Not far to walk, but stoned walkway doesn't go well with flops. Clean bathrooms too.

  • 5/5 Herbert H. 1 year ago on Google
    Spectacular view on the walk around. Enjoy the sunset with a nice sundowner drink and snacks.

  • 5/5 Elfrieda S. 11 months ago on Google
    Words and pictures cannot give this credit. This you have to see for yourself. Unbelievable how wonderful nature is.

  • 5/5 Jan E. 1 year ago on Google
    If you go through Graaff-Reinet do not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Valley of Desolation. What an amazing experience looking over the endless landscape. On the one side only a valley, and east lies Graaff-Reinet. This place is a must and if you are a nature lover, please do not just pass on with the main road. Turn off at the San Parks gate and drive in and experience the best of the best. We were also allowed with a friendly face on our adventure motorcycles.

  • 5/5 Sandy N. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth the visit, most incredible views. Tip try to ensure you are there during sunset

  • 5/5 Hey Demi Ann (Demi A. 1 year ago on Google
    Views on views on views what a spectacular view ! Really worth the walk and make sure you follow some of the lizard trail to get some extra different angle views !! Must visit must visit must visit !!

  • 5/5 Michelle G. 2 years ago on Google
    Affordable entrance fee, friendly staff, tarred road, clean toilets. There's a few stops along the way to take in gorgeous views. The highest one being the most breath-taking! Absolutely stunning! (Not wheel chair friendly as there is some hiking involved)

  • 5/5 Ingrid P. 2 years ago on Google
    Spectacular views and just breathtaking moments that speaks to your soul. With a short walk it feels like you can see into the earth's wrinkles of time. Clean ablution, very well looked after roads and an overall wonderful experience

  • 5/5 Hannes B. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing mountains with breathtaking rock formations. Tarred Road to site is beautifully maintained. Lookout platform is sturdy and positioned well.


Call +27 49 892 3453 Open on Google Maps

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