A tour of ABERDEEN and the Valley of Desolation, South Africa - A real Karoo experience!

Hi everyone! Welcome back to the channel. In this episode, I travel to the Eastern Cape region in South Africa to explore more of the Great Karoo.
I visit the town of Aberdeen on my way to the Camdeboo National Park and the Valley of Desolation, which was formed millions of years ago. The Karoo is known for its breathtaking beauty of seemingly endless landscapes, but also some very interesting towns such as Aberdeen in the agricultural heart of South Africa.
Aberdeen is a town in the Eastern Cape, approximately 60km from Graaf Reinet and 150km from Beaufort West. It is known for its tall Dutch Reformed Church, which has a disputed claim for having the tallest church steeple in South Africa.
CORRECTION - note that in the video itself, I refer to the church itself rather than the church steeple.
The town has a very peaceful vibe with lots of interesting architecture, gravel roads and seemingly goats that simply roam the streets and eat the bushes! Walking around this small town on a quiet Sunday morning and early afternoon was a wonderful experience.
After a brief visit to Aberdeen, I travel to the Camdeboo National Park where I visit several lookout or vantage points, en route to the spectacular Valley of Desolation. I explore several walking trails and come across some interesting plants and animals.
The vlog ends with me doing some shopping in a Graaf Reinet supermarket for the 'braai' or barbeque at night. I mention the prices of several meat-related items to give you an idea of the cost of living in this part of South Africa.
Hope you enjoy the video! If you haven't done it yet, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also please leave a comment in the comment section!
Happy exploring!
Willie

[@mayousimon1]

Brilliant video Willie once again thank you for your wonderful time making these videos useful for others to enjoy watching!

[@willieexplore]

Cheers as always, Simon! Was a great place to visit and delighted to share it with you on here :)

[@jaspervanzyl6212]

INCREDIBLE video, Willie Explore! The Valley of Desolation is incredible, thanks for showing it!

[@willieexplore]

Thank you very much for the kind words! It was my first visit and would love to go back to the Karoo at some stage. The Valley of Desolation was very special indeed. Put it on your travel list if you haven't already!

[@AnnaVanNiekerk-sd2zc]

Wat n verassing! Die dorpie waar ek my getroude lewe in Aberdeen begin het in 1963.Ek nou 85.Ook Vallei van verlatenheid daardie tyd besoek.Dankie vir mooi herininge!!!

[@willieexplore]

Baie dankie vir die saamkyk! Ek is bly tannie het dit geniet. Dit is sowaar 'n spesiale deel van ons land. Beste groete!

[@LambTjops]

WIllie my Pa se slaghuis was net oorkant die pad van Spar! Kamdeboo Supermeat & Trading Post

[@willieexplore]

Ai man, dan moet ek volgende keer 'n draai maak! Dankie dat jy my videos kyk en vir jou kommentaar. Julle bly in so mooi dorp, my volgende video is oor Graaf-Reinet so maak seker jy kyk daai een ook!

[@gohardorgohome7687]

Hey Willie this place is awesome the scenery is breathtaking the valley of desolation was probably under water a few million years ago during the dinosaurs I'm enjoying your south africa content so much the grocery prices were insanely cheap that lamb meat looked amazing at spar and I'm sure it tastes good too . man i wish i was in south africa myself Keep it up bro 👍👍

[@willieexplore]

Thanks again for your comment and for watching my content my friend! It is hugely appreciated. Really delighted that you like these South Africa videos; will bring more content in due course. You should absolutely put the Karoo region of South Africa on your travel list. Most tourists only visit Cape Town and its surroundings, and some game farms or the Kruger National Park, but there are so many amazing places to frequent. This was one of the reasons for doing this road trip to show you something completely different. And the meat is fantastic :)

[@kevinmorris3502]

When all the Vaalies came to Plett each year, we escaped to the Karoo, and discovered and ❤ Karoo National Park, where a spring gushes out on the 4 x 4 up through where dinosaurs raomed .

[@cecilysharrock678]

I was born and bred in the eastern cape, King Williams Town.About 200 miles from Graaf ReinetI seldom passed through there, but always loved seeing Smithfield , a near neighbour's. Hoped to settle there one day, but fate had other ideas, and here I am today.....Durban! Still think of SF and hear my poor old KWT has gone to the dogs.

[@willieexplore]

Hi Cecily, thanks for sharing! Who knows, maybe one day you do get to settle there! Appreciate you watching my videos and supporting my channel :)

[@gurusevikadasi108]

Hey Willie, amaizingly beautiful landscapes. I love them. The natural beauty of South Africa is incredible. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@willieexplore]

Thank you very much for your kind words, and for exploring along virtually! A wonderful part of the world indeed :)

[@ceciliaduplessis5658]

Soo beautifull. Thankyou.

[@willieexplore]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed!

[@tedleroux7131]

First time. Will be looking at the other videos. Thaks and keep it up

[@willieexplore]

Thanks Ted! Really appreciate you checking out my videos and supporting my channel!

[@AZqyc]

It's the Valley of Desolation but there's Willie making some new friends!! Of course!! Might just have to be ostriches or zebras this time around, but new friends never-the-less! As always, thanks for sharing your journey ... not likely somewhere I'll be able to visit. BTW, some of the scenery is similar to Arizona, too. No ostriches or zebras here, but javelina and bobcats and mule deer. Actually, there are a few ostriches as pets in my neighborhood, too, now that I think about it. Thanks for sharing your adventures ... stay safe and well. [Greetings from Tucson]

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Jim! Always trying to make new friends, haha! Ironically, it was only when I left that the animals started to appear - not discounting all the plant species I engaged with though! Hope I get a chance to visit Arizona at some point in my life. Greetings from across the pond!

[@toscabrutus1781]

Willie hierdie is rerige n fantastiese Video. Knap gedaan! Groete Lima Peru!

[@willieexplore]

Dankie ou Tosca, ek waardeer dit regtig. Baie dankie dat jy my kanaal so goed ondersteun! Hierdie videos is altyd daar as jy verlang doer in die verte

[@LandsharkTravels]

Did that say Cream Soda flavoured milk?! Ok that is a combo I never thought I'd see lol The Valley of Desolation looks absolutely stunning. I bet it would be amazing at sunrise.

[@willieexplore]

Haha the green one? Yes, South Africans are quite fond of Creme Soda flavoured stuff, and the "original" soda drink Creme Soda is known as the Green Ambulance because it cures hangovers :) A wonderful part of the world this, Landshark, but then again I would be biased!

[@sheilam4525]

Nice to see another Scottish connection here but our Aberdeen is very different, of course. (Although I haven't actually been there😂). The views were spectacular and you were so close to the wildlife. The medicinal benefits of the plants were interesting. Another beautiful place on your road trip, Willie

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Sheila! I should have mentioned in the video that the town is named after Reverend Andrew Murray, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. I've been to Aberdeen in Scotland and can confirm that it is a very different place than this town ha! As for the National Park, it is amazing to be so close to nature. Thanks as always for your immense support!

[@kudaisiaduntola2523]

The Eastern Cape is so beautiful! Breathtaking scenery along the roads and, of course, in the National Park. I also like the gravel roads and the tall church in Aberdeen, looks like a great place to take some time out and relax. Bet the meat from that supermarket was a great dinner!

[@willieexplore]

Certainly is a wonderful part of the world! I definitely agree re the roads and the church. Re the dinner, all I can say is there were no leftovers :) Cheers for watching and commenting!

[@kevinmorris3502]

Willie, I enjoyed your vid. You remind me of Vickus V d Merwe, in excellent movie, 'District 9' ❤

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Kevin, glad you enjoyed the video! I guess many South Africans will come across like that haha!

[@jonathandavimes8981]

Lekker video boet, planning my next trip there later this year.

[@willieexplore]

Nice boet! You will enjoy! Thanks for watching and supporting :)

[@kevinmorris3502]

China, howzit, enjoyed your vid. Ken Aberdeen, well, traveling that 100km road, to get from Sandton to Plett in the 70/ 80's. Kev , now prepper met SL, Cederberg.

[@willieexplore]

Sounds like it brought back some memories for you, Kev! Delighted that you're checking out these South Africa videos :)

[@isabelcowley1248]

🌺🌺🌺Thank You🌺🌺🌺

[@willieexplore]

A pleasure and privilege!

[@Viola-kv7fj]

MY GRAND MOTHER "SUZY KEET" DLIVED IN ABERDEEN +--1956 VIOLA 💕

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for sharing this personal story, hope you enjoyed the video of your grandmother's town!

[@bennyh6832]

Great video

[@willieexplore]

Thank you!

[@johankotze42]

The Karoo regions hold a veritable treasure trove of fosils.

[@willieexplore]

Lots of history in this area! Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!

[@antoinettedelange1567]

Het in Aberdeen gebly amper vir 30 jaar baie rustige dorpie.

[@willieexplore]

Dankie vir jou kommentaar en dat jy my videos kyk Antoinette! Dit lyk werklik na 'n lekker dorpie om in te woon.

[@warrenhirst8827]

my grandad lived in Aberdeen until his death. He had emphysema. Then get go t bitten by a Cape Cobra which ultimately killed him.

[@willieexplore]

Sorry to hear that Warren. Appreciate you checking out my videos. Loved my trip to this part of the world.

[@warrenhirst8827]

@@willieexplore yes, after his 2nd wife passed away. The house with a value of perhaps R200 000, was left to 7 children all over the place. So never got resolved .Was utilised by the neighbour for many years, then probably got taken over by squatters. Couldn't sell the place now... SA dorpies have hit the skids...

[@JudithPotton]

You're funny!

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for watching my videos Judith, hope you enjoy them! :)

[@pietertheronpienaar8700]

Not save.. see all over bob wires ect...

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support