To the north-west of Graaff-Reinet lies the Valley of Desolation. A steep and narrow road leads into the mountains that surround the valley.
The Valley of Desolation is a national monu- ment within the Karoo Nature Reserve, and was formed millions of years ago by weather- ing erosion.
The first evidence of the presence of dino- saurs in South Africa can be viewed at Maclear. The Mountain Zebra National Park is a haven for the Cape mountain zebra species, which at one time inhabited most of the Cape. The park saved these animals from extinction and today their population stands at about
300.
Other species found in the park include various antelope such as eland, the African wildcat, bat-eared fox, and more than 200 bird species, including the pale-winged starling, the booted eagle and the blue crane.