My impressions from a short stop-over

[Peter Connan]

We spent the nights of the 12th and 13th of December 2015 camping at Camdeboo. We spent most of the day in between exploring Graaff Reinett (the Reinett Huis museam, the succulent gardens (only from outside as they were closed) and the Groot Kerk)), but managed to also take a drive up to the Valley of Desolation. I also managed to take a couple of game drives around the dam.

Firstly, the campsite: the campsites themselves are gravel, and each has power, a light, a braai and a rubbish-bin. The ablutions are to my mind excellent, and the kitchen is pretty well equipped, with stoves, a micro-wave and a deep freeze. There is hot water for washing up as well, and special wash-basins for clothes, but no machines. The campsite is fenced and has an electric gate.

There is a raised lookout over the dam, but due to the drought the water was very far away. Unlike at the time of Leachy's visit, the area in front of the hide was not overgrown, but again due to the drought the water was a very long way away.

On my drives, I saw Steenbok, rabbit, Eland, Springbuck, Zebra, Blesbok and Gemsbok, but they were all pretty far away and I have no good photos to present.

Birding, however, was excellent, with lots of raptors present, and in the campsite the birding was even better. There were lots of Sunbirds around (mostly immature), and also Namaqua doves, Batis, Scrub-robin and Acacia Pied Barbet, among others. There were also lots of Gerbils, probably explaining the abundance of raptors.

[Peter Connan]

View from the raised lookout in the campsite:








View from the Valley of Desolation:




View from the hide:

[Peter Connan]

Some sightings from drives:

[Peter Connan]

Sightings from the campsite:

[Puff Addy]

Lovely photos, Peter!

Kind regards,

Adam

[Mel]

I have seen plenty of photos from the iconic Valley of Desolation, but the view from the campsite is something different and
once again some awesome photos.

For animals being far off, you got some great captures. Not to mention all your bird shots.

[Bushveld Jock]

Lovely shots and very tempting to book there myself. Already booked at Stormsriver, Addo and MZNP for Dec and with a small detour can add this park.

[Peter Connan]

Thanks guys.

BJ, I reckon you would really enjoy this park.

[PRWIN]

Great landscape shots Peter, will have to twist BJ arm for starscape photography

[Flutterby]

Your landscapes are stunning.