South Africa boasts a multitude of natural landscapes, making it one of the most diverse countries on the African continent. From the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the rolling green highlands of KwaZulu-Natal, the arid desert landscape of the Northern Cape and the empty plains of the Eastern Cape, South Africa is any nature lover’s dream come true. Nestled amongst these vast, empty plains of the Karoo lies a mysterious and beautiful place called the Valley of Desolation. While on a visit to the nearby SA College for Tourism in Graaff-Reinet, a team from Peace Parks Foundation takes a slight detour to see what it is all about.
What Is The Valley Of Desolation?
Just a short 14-kilometre drive from the quaint historical town of Graaff-Reinet lies Camdeboo National Park. Despite its harsh desert-like appearance, this protected area is home to an array of fauna and flora. It has over 220 recorded species of birds, 336 plants and 43 mammals, including the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra.
Rising 120 metres from the valley floor, tall cliffs and giant dolomitic rock formations tower over the plains below. Formed by a volcanic shift many millions of years ago, the Valley of Desolation became a popular attraction after being declared a Scenic National Monument in 1935.
While its sheer cliffs and tall pillars are mesmerisingly beautiful, the height can be quite terrifying for some. Despite this, the Peace Parks team thoroughly enjoyed their visit, leaving inspired to seek out more of South Africa’s hidden wildlife havens.
The SA College for Tourism and Peace Parks
Situated in the popular Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet, the SA College for Tourism is a non-profit organisation established in 2001 by renowned financier and philanthropist Dr Anton Rupert.
Supported by Peace Parks Foundation, the college trains over 90 young unemployed women in hospitality on an annual basis. All of these women come from impoverished backgrounds, with over 92% finding permanent employment within the nature-based tourism industry upon completion of their training.
