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The Valley of Desolation🦉

The Valley of Desolation is a geological formation located about 14 km outside Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. It is part of the Camdeboo National Park, which surrounds the historic town.

The valley is known for its sheer dolerite columns, some rising up to 120 m from the valley floor, set against the backdrop of the Karoo landscape. These formations were created by volcanic activity and erosion more than 100 million years ago. The dolerite was intruded into softer shale and mudstone, which weathered away over time, leaving the vertical rock structures standing.

Graaff-Reinet itself was founded in 1786 as a frontier town of the Cape Colony, and the surrounding Karoo was historically used for sheep farming. The Valley of Desolation became a point of interest for travelers and settlers who passed through the area in the 19th century. In 1935, the site was officially declared a scenic national monument, recognizing its geological and cultural importance.

The Camdeboo National Park, established in 1979, now protects the valley and its surrounding environment. The park covers over 19000 hectares and is home to typical Karoo vegetation, as well as wildlife such as kudu, Cape mountain zebra, and various bird species.

Today, the Valley of Desolation is one of the most visited attractions in the Eastern Cape.