The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Camdeboo National Park
Afrikaans name: Kamdeboo Nasionale Park
Valley of Desolation, Camdeboo National Park
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Eastern Cape
On the 30th October 2005 the South African National Parks board proclaimed their 22nd National Park and named it Camdeboo National Park. The park virtually surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet.
The park protects an area of 194 square kilometres which includes the Karoo National Park which had already been proclaimed.
The rugged landscape supports a variety of mammals including Springbok, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Gemsbok, Blesbok, Kudu, Cape Mountain Zebra and Cape Buffalo.
Over the years a list of arund 250 species of birds have been recorded in Camdeboo National Park. Here is a bird checklist.
The most popular attraction in the park is the view points over the Valley of Desolation. Over 100,000 people a year visit the site and are rewarded with amazing panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. There is a short road network in the reserve as well as some trails of various lengths. There are two 4x4 trails.
There are two camps in the park. The Lakeview Tented Camp has four furnished tents. The Nqweba Camp Site caters for 15 caravans or tents. One can also make use of the accommodation available in Graaff-Reinet.
Above - Looking back from the Valley of Desolation lookout point to the Toposcope Lookout Point
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Toposcope lookout point
Above - Stunning scenery
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Checklist of some of the birds to be seen at Camdeboo National Park
Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk
Mammals of Camdeboo National Park
Some of the mammals found in the park.
Striped Polecat
Lesser Spotted Genet
Large Grey Mongoose
Water Mongoose
Common Duiker
References and further reading
Wild Issue 49 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 58Wild Issue 46 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 26
Wild Issue 37 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 10
Wild Issue 35 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 10
Wild Issue 35 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 29
Wild Issue 22 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 12
Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 24
The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 262
Wild Issue 19 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 10
go! - Issue 153 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 112
Stuarts Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd ed - Author: Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Published: 2018 - Page: 155
Getaway - Vol 31 No 03 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 106
go! - Issue 135 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 36
Country Life - Issue 279 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 53
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 631 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 33
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 609 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 60
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 52
A - Z of South African National Parks - Author: South African National Parks - Published: 0 - Page: 16
SANParks
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