Graaff-Reinet is well remembered for the Valley of Desolation.

Graaff-Reinet is well remembered for the Valley of Desolation. The sheer cliff face is a geological phenomenon that is situated in the Karoo Nature Reserve. This 15 000 ha reserve surrounds the 200 year-old town of Graaff-Reinet.

The Valley of Desolation is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years. The Valley of Desolationwas declared a Scenic National Monument in 1935.

The columns of Dolerite rise 120 meters from the valley floor and in the distance the Karoo landscape stretches to the horizon. The endless space spreading out in various directions has rendered many tourists speechless. It is a mecca for hikers, photographers and students of flora and fauna.

It is a very rewarding site after the steep drive up the mountain. A circular hiking trail of 1,5km (45 minutes) starts at the car park and leads to a wonderful view of Graaff-Reinet and the endless expanse of the surrounding Karoo. This site is 17 km from town.

Late afternoon is the best time to enjoy the scenery, since the tinted sun saturates the reds of the rock towers.

From the road leading to the Valley of Desolation the monument of Commandant Scheepers is visible. He was one of the Boer commando leaders during the Anglo Boer War. He was executed on the 18th of January 1902 at 15:30pm on the Murraysburg road. The monument is situated about 3km outside of town on the left-hand side of the road.

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