The Valley of Desolation makes you feel tiny
Sonia Wahl
Nestled within the expansive 194km2 expanse of the Camdeboo National Park, lies a natural wonder that captivates the hearts of tourists and adventurers alike - the Valley of Desolation. Situated near GraaffReinet in the Eastern Cape, this breathtaking site beckons travellers with its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich geological history, merely a short 14km drive from the town centre. The Valley of Desolation stands as a testament to the immense forces of nature, its sheer cliff face a marvel sculpted over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosive processes. Rising dramatically nearly 120m from the valley floor, it offers a glimpse into the ancient past, with geological formations that date back over 100 million years. Declared a Scenic National Monument in 1935, this natural wonder has since become a must-do for hikers, photographers and nature enthusiasts. Accessible via a tarred road constructed in 1978, visitors can easily ascend to various viewpoints that offer unparalleled vistas of the rugged terrain below. For the adventurous souls, a network of hiking trails awaits exploration, leading through the valley's diverse landscapes with its hidden treasures. Beneath the towering cliffs lies a thriving ecosystem. With over 220 recorded species of birdlife, including majestic raptors soaring overhead, 336 unique plant species and 43 mammals calling this enigmatic landscape home, the Valley of Desolation teems with biodiversity that offers a glimpse into the interconnectedness of life.
Alle dorpe in die Dr Beyers Naudé munisipale area het die afgelope week mildelik reën ontvang. Tesame met die reën, is Rietbron egter ook deur ‘n hewige windstorm getref wat groot skade aangerig het. Kragpale is deur die stormsterk wind omgewaai en lewendige kragdrade het in mense se erwe beland.
‘n Gedeelte van die plaaslike kliniek se dak het ook afgewaai. Volgens raadslid Ewald Loock is die ergste van hierdie krisis darem intussen aangespreek. Eskom het kort ná die storm al die beskadigde kragpale vervang en die elektrisiteitstoevoer is ten volle herstel. Rakende die skade aan die kliniek verduidelik Loock dat die kliniek-gedeelte eerste gebou is en die motorhuis-gedeelte daarna bygevoeg is.
“Die motorhuis se dak het in die slag gebly, maar daar was gelukkig geen skade aan die kliniek self nie,” sê Loock. “Die motorhuis se dak is nog nie herstel nie, maar dit is alreeds aangemeld by die departement van openbare werke en sal binnekort herstel word.”