National Park
Camdeboo National Park
South Africa 194 km² (75 mi²) Est. 2005
About Camdeboo National Park
Camdeboo National Park surrounds the historic Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet — South Africa's fourth-oldest town — and protects the remarkable Valley of Desolation, where towering dolerite columns rise 120 metres from the valley floor in a geological spectacle formed over 100 million years ago.
Covering 194 square kilometres of Great Karoo landscape, the park encompasses the Nqweba Dam and surrounding plains, grasslands, and Karoo scrub. Wildlife includes Cape buffalo, Cape mountain zebra, springbok, kudu, and over 250 bird species including the endangered blue crane. The park is a unique blend of natural heritage, geological wonder, and Karoo cultural history.
0
Safari Tours
3.8
Avg Rating
1/5
Big Five
21
Years Protected
Highlights
- Valley of Desolation — spectacular 120m dolerite columns
- Surrounds the charming historic town of Graaff-Reinet
- Cape mountain zebra and blue crane conservation
- Authentic Great Karoo landscape and heritage
- Very affordable and uncrowded
Considerations
- No Big Five or large predators
- Extreme temperature swings — freezing winters, scorching summers
- Remote from major cities (3+ hours from nearest airport)
- Limited accommodation within the park
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
Not present
🐆
Leopard
Not present
🐘
Elephant
Not present
🦬
Buffalo
occasional
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Cape Buffalo
Occasional
Zebra
Common
Kudu
Common
Springbok
Common
Jackal
Common
Secretary Bird
Occasional
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Camdeboo surrounds Graaff-Reinet, approximately 250 km (3 hours) from Port Elizabeth or 750 km (8 hours) from Cape Town. The nearest airport is in Port Elizabeth. The park is a natural stop on the N9 through the Karoo.
Nearest Airport
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ)
Nearest City
Graaff-Reinet
Drive Time
3 hours