Town Eastern Cape
Graaff-Reinet
The 'gem of the Karoo' — a Cape Dutch town entirely surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park and the Valley of Desolation.
Overnight
Source Verified
Trip Role
Overnight
Ideal stay
1-2 nights
Best for
Karoo heritage and the Valley of Desolation
Our take
The Karoo's most beautiful town, and the one with a national park inside it.
The Karoo's most beautiful town, and the one with a national park inside it.
- Trip Role
- Overnight
- Ideal Stay
- 1-2 nights
- Best For
- Karoo heritage and the Valley of Desolation
- Go If
- You're crossing the Karoo and want one proper Karoo town.
Source Verified
Why go
Graaff-Reinet is the Karoo's showpiece — over 200 heritage buildings, a river, and the Valley of Desolation in the national park that wraps around it. The best Karoo town to stop in.
What we love
The Valley of Desolation at sunset — sheer dolerite columns over the plains.
What to know
5h from Gqeberha; a car is essential. The Camdeboo National Park surrounds the town.