Graaff Reinet for something a bit diff erent

Graaff Reinet

for something a bit different

Almost completely surrounding Graaff Reinet is a SANParks Reserve of 19 457ha, Camdeboo National Park, which houses the iconic Valley of Desolation.

The Valley of Desolation offers visitors panoramic views of piled dolerite columns against the backdrop of the plains of the Great Karoo.

Once parked at the top viewpoint there are a few options: • Stay close to the car and enjoy the view from the deck with its picnic benches; or • Traverse further up along a footpath to a higher deck and viewpoint area. For those wishing to stretch their legs, markers along the path indicate the Crag

Lizard Trail (approximately 45 minutes in total).

Universal access to the top view site is in process and likely to be complete by end 2022. Protected Environment

The Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment (MZCPE) is a Protected Environment project situated in the Eastern Cape including four towns (Graaff Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda, Cradock and Pearston) covering almost one million hectares.

The project will assist in the conservation of the endangered Cape mountain zebra among others.

The Camdeboo National Park is home to 43 mammal species including herds of buffalo, mountain zebra, kudu, red hartebeest, eland, gemsbok, springbok, blesbok and black wildebeest. More than 225 different bird species have been recorded.

Graaff Reinet agave The farming landscape in the Karoo is dotted with Agave americana in jumbled plots, neat rows and any confi guration of human design. Tim Murray, a 5th generation farmer on Roode Bloem, harvests agave ‘pinas’ to produce Pure Karoo Agave Spirit. For something diff erent, go on an agave farm tour and tasting. Call 082 632 3103 for more information.

Trails and walks

• The Crag Lizard Trail: (1.5km) starts and fi nishes at the valley parking area. • The Eerstefontein Day Walk: (5km, 11km and 14km options) starts and ends at the Spandaukop gate, with rest spots at Eerstefontein and

Agtersfontein. • The Gideon Scheepers Trail: (2km) starts at the Gideon Scheepers

Monument. • Koedoeskloof: (7km, Grade 4. No 2x4 with diff lock) in the Winterhoek area, off ering panoramic views from the mountain top. There is a picnic site with a table at the turning point. • Driekoppe: (Grade 2. Both 2x4 and 4x4 vehicles) a track leads to the top of Hangklip, with panoramic views.

Alternatively, follow the stream bed down Wolfkloof to the Waterfall.

TOP LEFT & BOTTOM

Outdoor adventures with Toerboer

TOP RIGHT & BTTOM RIGHT

Samara Private Game Reserve Customised outdoor experiences Dawid de Wet of Toerboer off ers adventurers a customised outdoor experience in Graaff Reinet – mountaineering, hiking, camping, glamping, game viewing, cycling, etc. Call 083 538 2865 for more information.

Samara Private Game Reserve Samara Private Game Reserve is a pioneering rewilding project to restore 67 000 acres of the Great Karoo to a born-again wilderness. Visitors can explore the remarkable landscape on a unique conservation-led Big 5 safari. Experiences on off er include hands-on conservation sessions, a star bed sleep-out and bush walks to spot the endangered cheetah and elusive aardvark.

Imibala Gallery Imibala Gallery based at the historic Drostdy Hotel showcases fi ne arts and sculpture. Exhibitions are Karoo based. Profi ts from art sales are used to support impoverished children with school uniforms.