The greater portion of the park is situated between 740 and 1480 metres above sea level on the foothills of the Sneeuberg range, while a small section of the low lying-plains is included.
The Karoo Nature Reserve was established in 1979, renamed as the Camdeboo National Park, it was proclaimed as South Africa's 22nd National Park. Although small, the Camdeboo National Park with its unique Karoo landscape and ecosystem offers an exciting variety of nature, wildlife and culture experiences.
The Camdeboo National Park lies in a circle just east, north and west of the Nqweba dam, which itself lies just north of the town of Graaff-Reinet. The Park offers walking trails that range from an hour to overnight hikes, as well as picnic sites for those who simply want to gawp at the majestic rock formations.
There are 43 mammal species to be found within the Camdeboo National Park of which 11 are rodents and 13 carnivores. Game animals regularly sighted by visitors include Steenbok, Springbok, Blesbok and Black Wildebeest in the more open areas.
Thicket inhabitants include the Kudu and Grey Duiker which are common as well as the less often seen Cape Buffalo. Red Hartebeest and Gemsbok are frequently observed in the transitional vegetation types. Cape Mountain Zebra may be seen from time to time, but they prefer the more mountainous areas of the reserve.
The diverse landscape of the Park in relation to altitude, aspect and soil type has led to the development of three distinct classes of vegetation, shrubland, succulent thicket and dwarf shrubland. To date 336 plant species have been identified, among which 71 families of flowering plants.
At least 225 bird species have been recorded in the Park, with an interesting ecotonal mix including species typical of both the Great Karoo and eastern region avifaunas. The Ostrich is perhaps the most well-known example of a bird adapted to life on the plains of the Karoo, it can cover up to 32km per day.
