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About Camdeboo National Park
Camdeboo National Park Flora and Fauna
The Karoo plains comprise vast stretches of semi-arid and desert-like conditions with meager and rather unstable vegetation. The variation in rainfall largely determines the kind of growth you can witness here. While the autumn and spring showers tend to favor the growth of the popular karoo bushes or karroid plants, the rains during mid and late summer months see grass, taller shrubs and trees. The park has three unique classes of vegetation on the basis of altitude and soil type- shrubland, succulent thicket and dwarf shrubland. Some of the plant species that have been collected from these parts include grasses, daisies, lilies, and succulent Crassula.
Camdeboo does not boast an extensive or diverse wildlife and is known more for its scenic attraction. The wildlife that is present here primarily comprise herbivores and small predators, most of which have adapted well to the desert-like conditions of these parts. Some of the commonly sighted species include the dainty springbok that can survive days without drinking water and extracts all the liquid it requires from food alone. Among the smaller predators that call this home, you will find the yellow mongoose, meerkat and bat-eared fox. In the higher slopes, which are mostly not accessible to tourists, there are some Cape mountain zebras, which are an endangered endemic while the black wildebeest can be spotted in the game viewing parts. The klipspringer, and grazers like buffalo, and grazers like red hartebeest are also found in the rocky and wildlife area.
Things to Do at Camdeboo National Park
The vast national park has approximately 19 km of gravel roadways that give visitors an opportunity to witness a wide variety of indigenous species in their natural habitats. Once you are at the Game Viewing Area, you can spot a range of animals such as the eland, black wildebeest, gemsbok, buffalo, red hartebeest, blesbok and springbok. If you venture higher up, you can expect to see the klipspringer, the endangered Cape mountain zebra and mountain reedbuck. The game viewing area also features a bird hide, an ideal escape for bird lovers. You can sit here peacefully and observe the birds that visit the area near the dam’s edge.
Camdeboo National Park boasts a number of breathtaking walking trails with breathtaking vantage points. Set out on a 45-minute walking tour along the Crag Lizard Trail that stretches around 1.5 km through the Valley viewpoints. You can also go on the Eerste Fontein Day Walk that begins and ends at the Spandau Kop gate and includes great resting points. A third option is the Gideon Scheepers Trail that comprises an hour-long walk through sites of historic importance.
You can complete this scenic drive to the top of the mountain and back in approximately 3 hours. Enjoy enchanting views of the Camdeboo Conservancy landscape and soak in the tranquility and splendid vistas that Karoo offers. Once you reach the top of a mountain in the Winterhoek area of the Park, you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful picnic lunch, BBQ, or a simple tea break.
One of the best ways to cool off on a sweltering summer day in the Eastern Cape is by trying out one of the various water activities on offer here. The Nqweba Dam, which spans an area of almost 1,000 hectares provides a range of water sports for visitors to enjoy including canoeing, boating, fishing, and windsurfing. You can sit by the water’s edge and simply enjoy watching the animals and birds that visit here. The dam attracts several bird species, wildlife, and is home to fish species such as the common carp, and African catfish among others.
Visit one of the most significant aspects of the national park that is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. Set off on the well-tarred road that leads to the top of the valley and also gives you easy access to the best viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the landscape. Enjoy breath-taking views of the stacked dolerite columns set against a serene backdrop of the plains of the Great Karoo. Wonder at the geological splendor of the structure that took hundreds of million years and a range of natural forces to form.
Lodges and Camps in Camdeboo National Park
At the Nqweba Campsite, there are about 15 camping zones that have been tastefully carved into the natural bush areas. They offer you a private enclave that is large enough for a caravan or even a mobile home. Some of the camps are situated under the shade of thorn trees and also overlook the beautiful dam. You can enjoy spectacular views of sunset from the open deck and spot a variety of antelope grazing nearby.
Facilities:
Power outlet
Electric light
Braai or BBQ unit
Ablution unit with shower and washroom
Communal kitchen with microwave oven, freezer, and hob
Raised viewing deck
This is an ideal glamping alternative if the idea of pitching your own tent does not fascinate you. The two sleeper tents are set up cozily amid patches of bush and are fitted with proper beds and sheets. Each tent comes with a locker as well that has all the pots, cutlery, and crockery that you may require. Spend a quiet and peaceful time watching small birds and other tiny creatures skittering through the scrubs and bushes.
Facilities
Beds With White Sheets
Four-Seater Picnic Table
A Braai Unit
Refrigerator
Two Camping Chairs on the Wooden Deck Outside the Tent
Showers
Towels
Common Toilets
A Communal Kitchen With Kettle, Stove Plates, Microwave and Chest Freezer
Plan Your Visit to Camdeboo National Park
By Air: The nearest airports and two of the most common entry points for visitors to the Camdeboo National Park are the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town. Once at the airport, you can either self-drive to the park or choose to go for an organized safari. You can also take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth Airport which is about 250 km from the park and takes about 3 hours to reach if you rent a car from the airport.
By Road: If you are coming from Cape Town, you can either drive or hire a vehicle that will take you via the Garden Route to Graaff Reinet, which is the entrance gate to the park. The park lies at a distance of about 700 km from Cape Town which may take approximately 8.5 hours to cover.
The best time of the year to visit Camdeboo National Park is between the months of October to March. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant as opposed to the cold and harsh winter months, and the scenery is much greener. Winter can get quite cold here and there might even be snow in the mountains, which is why it is advisable to visit during the summer season.
Loose and comfortable cotton clothes
Long sleeved tops and full pants
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun hats
Water bottles
Insect repellants
Torches or head lamps
Binoculars
Camera
Medicines
Consult your medical practitioner regarding all necessary vaccinations that you may need to take before visiting South Africa
Follow the Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions manual that you will be provided here and stay inside your car during game view drives, as there could be some buffaloes that may be dangerous
FAQ's of Camdeboo National Park
What activities can we do at Camdeboo National Park camps?
There are several activities that you can enjoy at the Camdeboo National Park. Some of them include going for game drives, visiting the Valley of Desolation, going birding or hiking, driving a 4X4 trail, enjoying a picnic, fishing, or watersports, among others.
How many days do you need in Camdeboo National Park?
You should spend at least 2 days in the Camdeboo National Park in order to enjoy all its offerings to the fullest. This will give you ample time to explore the famous Valley of Desolation, as well as go hiking or driving through the park to see its flora and fauna. You will also find time to visit the massive Nqweba Dam and partake in all the thrilling water activities here.
What is the best time of year to visit the Camdeboo National Park?
The best time of year to visit the Camdeboo National Park is during the months of October through March. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant and the scenery is much greener. It is ideal for all the outdoor activities and for observing wildlife that the park has to offer.
What facilities will I get in Camdeboo National Park camps?
The Camdeboo National Park camps offer a variety of facilities aimed at guest comfort and safety. These include proper beds, bedding, and sheets, proper kitchen and bathroom facilities, raised viewing decks, power outlets, light, BBQ units, and much more.
Which are the best places to visit in Camdeboo National Park?
Some of the most important places to visit when you are at the Camdeboo National Park include the Valley of Desolation, the Nqweba Dam, the Crag Lizard Trail, the Eerste Fontein Day Walk, the Gideon Scheepers Trail, the Koedoeskloof 4x4 trail, and the Driekoppen 4x4 Trail, to name a few.