Valley of Desolation

The Valley of Desolation is the edge of a plateau above Graaff-Reinet where columns of dolerite stand free of the cliff, some of them up to 120 metres high. The geology is straightforward and slow: molten rock intruded into softer Karoo sediments around 180 million years ago and cooled hard, and erosion since has stripped away everything softer, leaving the resistant dolerite standing as pillars and buttresses over a scree-filled valley. The road climbs to a parking area and short paths lead to viewpoints on the rim, looking down the columns with the town, the Nqweba Dam and the Camdeboo plains beyond. Late afternoon is when to be there - the rock turns orange and the shadows fill the valley. It was declared a national monument in 1935, the painter Pierneef put it on canvas, and the interpretive signs handle the geology properly. Klipspringer live on the rocks and vultures use the updraught.

What's there

• The dolerite columns - free-standing pillars up to 120 metres on the plateau edge.
• The erosion story - hard intrusions left standing as softer rock washed away.
• The plains view - Graaff-Reinet, the dam and the Camdeboo laid out below.
• The late light - rock turning orange with shadow filling the valley.

When to go

March to May and September to November, in late afternoon. Two hours.

What to expect

Viewpoint edges are unfenced with long drops. Summer heat on the exposed rim is severe. The park gate has fixed hours and closes before dark. Parking is small and fills for sunset.

Nearby

Graaff-Reinet is directly below; Camdeboo's game section is north.

Key facts