Camdeboo National Park

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Uniquely positioned in the heart of the karoo, Camdeboo National Park virtually surrounds the quaint and historic town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape.

The park’s most famous attraction, the Valley of Desolation, features towering dolerite cliffs and spectacular panoramic views over the vast plains below – an unforgettable sight, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Camdeboo is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, kudu, springbok, and mountain zebra, as well as an array of bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. The park’s semi-arid terrain is dotted with unique Karoo vegetation, adding to its rugged beauty.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic 4×4 routes, hiking trails, and picnic spots, while those seeking tranquility can simply soak in the peaceful solitude of the Karoo.

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Province: Eastern Cape
Nearest City/Town: Graaff-Reinet

Notifications

Late arrivals07 May 2025

Please note the following changes to late arrivals/walk-in accommodation requests as from Monday 12 May 2025:

There is now an automated gate at the entrance to the Park’s offices/Lakeview Tented Camp/Nqweba Campsite on the N9. Going forward, this gate will be closed as from 6PM daily until 7AM the following morning. Guests with bookings arriving late are advised to notify the Park beforehand, or either call the Duty Cellphone on 073 621 1639 or via the intercom upon arrival and the gate will be opened remotely. The self-check-in process will be discussed with clients prior to late arrival. Guests are then to please return their indemnities to the office the following morning.

Exiting the gate after hours will be automated. All checked-in guests will also receive a remote control for ease of access back into the Park after hours.

Unfortunately, after hours walk-ins will no longer be possible.

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Available This Weekend

What To Do

Fauna & Flora

Track the wildlife you see at Camdeboo National Park!

There are 51 mammals and 249 birds to find in the park.

View Mammals View Birds

News

02 April 2026

Empowering Local Business: Training Opportunities For SMME’s In Graaff-Reinet

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Graaff-Reinet and surrounding areas are invited to participate in a four-day Costing and Tendering Trai...

15 September 2025

Free Day Access To National Parks – Addo Elephant, Camdeboo, Karoo AND Mountain Zebra National Parks

Free day entry for South African citizens to the national parks in what is known as the Frontier Region of South African National Parks (SANParks) kic...

23 July 2020

Media Release: Camdeboo National Park closed for deep cleaning

Camdeboo National Park outside Graff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape had to temporarily close its gates to the public on Wednesday, 22 July 2020. as a prec...

01 August 2019

Media Release: Creating Vulture Safe Zones in the Karoo

A new partnership between South African National Parks, the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment (MZCPE), Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), th...

30 July 2019

Media Release: Camdeboo National Park staff recognised for hard work

Two staff members from Camdeboo National Park outside Graaff-Reinet received awards at this year’s SANParks Frontier Regional Achievement Awards...

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