Outdoor Things to Do Near Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo
Some people take life easy and just go with the flow. They do not particularly plan their travels too much; instead, they simply arrive and do things spontaneously. Maybe you fall in this category or perhaps you are more comfortable knowing exactly where you will stay and are likely to compile a detailed Graaff-Reinet to-do list to ensure that you can fit everything into the time you have available while staying at KarooRus.
You may be looking for information for your Graaff-Reinet to do list, or just some background information. Even if you are still deciding whether the town is worth a weekend or perhaps an entire holiday’s stay, you will find that this little historical Karoo town is a place that you will want to revisit because it has so much to offer. To help with that to-do list, here are a few of the natural attractions and outdoor activities to do that you may want to add to the itinerary.
Graaff-Reinet Bird Club
Do not think of bird watching as an activity only suited to antisocial nature lovers. Instead, contact the Graaff-Reinet Bird Club to join them on one of their excursions. Indeed, they love to show tourists the rich birdlife of the Camdeboo Park and surrounds. The club has been operational since 2001 and hosts monthly trips to places such as the Nqweba Dam and even local farms. If you are in Graaff-Reinet at the time of the trip, you will thoroughly enjoy learning from them and seeing places not often frequented by tourists.
Nqweba Dam Relaxation
If you are visiting Graaff-Reinet during the warmer summer season, a visit to the Nqweba Dam is recommended for pure relaxation. The dam covers an area of more than 900 hectares when completely full. It is the ideal place to visit to wet the fishing rods and if you have a boat, you can join the other water sport enthusiasts for a day filled with sun and laughter. Of course, the area is also awash with game that includes eland, springbok, kudu, wildebeest and the mountain zebra.
The area surrounding the dam is popular with bird watchers and hikers alike. You can take canoes and wind surfboards on the dam as well.
Hiking in the Camdeboo National Park
The Camdeboo National Park surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet and a visit to the region will not be complete without also visiting the Park, previously called the Karoo Nature Reserve. Two natural landmarks form the highlight of any visit to the Camdeboo: the Valley of Desolation and the Spandau Kop are unusual rock formations, which are noteworthy for their magnificence. If you decide to hike, you can walk the Eerstefontein trail, which begins at the Spandau Kop gate. It is not difficult to find, as Spandau Kop is visible from town.
You will also see the Obesa Nursery cactus labyrinth on the hike. If you want to try an alternative route, opt for the Agterstefontein trail. Complete the day with a family picnic at one of the many picnic spots before returning to KarooRus for a well-deserved rest.