Things to do at Camdeboo National Park over the holidays

GRAAFF-REINET — While the Valley of Desolation is what puts Camdeboo National Park on the map, there is so much more to do and see here than just the viewpoints at the Valley which provide panoramic views of the Karoo landscape and the breath-taking piled dolerite columns which make up this internationally renowned feature.

About 20km of gravel tourist roads provide visitors with the chance to view the entire range of indigenous species in their preferred habitats. For birding enthusiasts, nearly 250 species have been recorded in the Park, so be sure to have binoculars close by and your ears finely tuned in while driving through the Park, and don’t forget to stop at the bird hide. Also, while out in the game viewing area, be sure to stop at one of the well-positioned picnic spots for a refreshing drink and bite to eat.

For the more adventurous, 4x4 enthusiasts may want to tackle either or both off-road routes the Park has to offer. The Driekoppe 4x4 trail is graded 2, while the Koedoeskloof is graded 3 to 4.

Alternatively, explore the Park on foot along one of the many walks on offer: The Crag Lizard Trail (45 minutes) starts at the Valley parking area and extends for about 1.5km via the Valley viewpoints. It is marked with the Crag Lizard logo. The Eerstefontein Day Walk starts and ends at the Spandaukop gate.

There are three route options of 5km, 11km and 14km with good rest spots at Eerstefontein and Agtersfontein. The Gideon Scheepers Trail is an hour long walk, starting at the Gideon Scheepers Monument, which commemorates a historic figure and ending at Barbergat on the R63 to Murraysburg. There is no charge for any of these activities in the Park, apart from conservation/entry fees of R38 per adult and R19 per child per day.

The Nqweba Dam, which covers over 1 000 hectares, provides cool relief during hot summer days and is the base for a variety of water activities. Boating, canoeing, fishing and windsurfing are allowed on the dam (permit fees apply).

• For further information please contact the Park directly on 049 892 3453 or visit www. sanparks.org/parks/camdeboo