Trip Planner:   Africa  /  South Africa  /  Eastern Cape  /  Graaff-Reinet  /  Valley of Desolation

Valley of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet

4.8
#1 of 56 in Wildlife in Eastern Cape
Must see · Nature / Park · Wildlife Area
Created by the erosive and volcanic forces of nature, Valley of Desolation represents a geological marvel located inside a vast nature reserve. Declared a national monument, the valley attracts many hikers and photographers with its pristine beauty and diverse animal and plant life. A circular trail will take you to a vantage point offering a remarkable view of the seemingly endless African expanse. At the top, you can also observe the peculiar red columns rising some 120 m (393 ft) from the valley floor. Before you head to Graaff-Reinet, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Graaff-Reinet trip planner, to make sure you see all that Graaff-Reinet has to offer, including Valley of Desolation.
Create an itinerary including Valley of Desolation
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Valley of Desolation reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
917 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By ncock831215
    What an experience.. certainly not to be missed. We saw the sunset but should have gone earlier and spent more time in the Valley.  more »
  • By knowthegoodstuff
    It's a special natural environment worth visiting. Take a picnic and experience the silence. There are some buck in the reserve and it is only a 20 minute drive outside the town.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Esta Calitz
    South Africa's great canyon. Take time to walk up to the top for the best view of great sky country. Sit down, breathe in the stillness and watch the birds fly over the rock formations. Pack your own picnic basket as there are good spots for picnic but no restaurant.
  • By Michael Hull
    There's not a lot there, but that's the point. Beautiful geological phenomenon, take sundowners along. You won't be disappointed, we spotted a jackal on route in, little bonus
See more on Google »
  • Build a trip
    Tell us where and when you
    want to go, we will build
    the best sightseeing itinerary
  • Refine it
    You have complete flexibility on your destinations and itinerary
  • Book as a package
    Use our travel agents to get
    package savings and hassle free booking
  • Enjoy your trip!
    Enjoy our 24x7
    on-trip assistance

Popular things to do in Graaff-Reinet

The Reinet House ©
Specialty Museum
The Reinet House
4.2
Duration: 2h 30 min
Camdeboo National Park ©
National Park
Camdeboo National Park
4.1
Duration: 8 hours
Dutch Reformed Church, Groot Kerk ©
Church
Dutch Reformed Church, Groot Kerk
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
GRT Brewery
Brewery
GRT Brewery
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Graaff-Reinet

Mountain Zebra National Park ©
National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park
Cradock
4.6
Duration: 8 hours
The Owl House ©
Specialty Museum
The Owl House
Nieu-Bethesda
4.2
Duration: 2h 30 min
Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre ©
Natural History Museum
Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
Nieu-Bethesda
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min
Schreiner House Museum ©
Historic Site
Schreiner House Museum
Cradock
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Graaff-Reinet

Urquhart House Museum
Specialty Museum
Urquhart House Museum
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Obesa Cacti Nursery
Garden
Obesa Cacti Nursery
2.2
Duration: 1h 30 min
Old Residency
Specialty Museum
Old Residency
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min
St James the Great Anglican Church ©
Religious Site
St James the Great Anglican Church
4.8
Duration: 30 minutes

Nearby attractions in Graaff-Reinet

KAROO CONNECTIONS Tours & Transfers ©
Walking tour
KAROO CONNECTIONS Tours & Transfers
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Gideon Scheepers Monument
Monument
Gideon Scheepers Monument
3.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
The War Memorial
Monument
The War Memorial
3.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
FlyKaroo Air Services Pty Ltd
Helicopter Tour
FlyKaroo Air Services Pty Ltd
3.3
Duration: 30 minutes

Museums in Graaff-Reinet

Hester Rupert Art Museum ©
Art Museum
Hester Rupert Art Museum
3.9
Duration: 30 minutes
Old Library Museum
Specialty Museum
Old Library Museum
3.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Graaff Reinet - The Military History Museum
Military Museum
Graaff Reinet - The Military History Museum
1.8
Duration: 2h 30 min

Historic Sites in Graaff-Reinet

Graaff-Reinet Cemetery
Cemetery
Graaff-Reinet Cemetery
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Valley of Desolation by other users

7 days in Eastern Cape BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Port Elizabeth Addo Elephant National Park Graaff-Reinet 20 days in Eastern Cape & Western Cape BY A USER FROM BELGIUM Port Elizabeth Graaff-Reinet Plettenberg Bay 19 days in Eastern Cape BY A USER FROM BELGIUM Port Elizabeth Addo Elephant National Park Port Alfred 3 days in Eastern Cape BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Port Elizabeth Graaff-Reinet Addo Elephant National Park 3 days in Eastern Cape BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Port Elizabeth Tsitsikamma National Park Graaff-Reinet 2 days in Graaff-Reinet BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA The Reinet House Valley of Desolation Camdeboo National Park