Valley of Desolation – Graaff – Reinet

Graaff-Reinet (Valley of Desolation) launches from inside a South African national park — respect the environment to protect the flying privilege. Small clearing next to the path from the first car park leading to the Toposcope; enough space for 1–2 gliders, easy launch. There's a north takeoff for the (rare) NE winds; other north winds put you in rotor. Thermals come through in intervals — you need to launch INTO a thermal to get up; the ridge on the left usually doesn't have any.

Launch & conditions

Small clearing in the brush next to the path from the first car park leading to the Toposcope. Room for 1–2 gliders, easy launch. Takeoff on either side. North takeoff for NE winds (very rare); other north winds put you in rotor.

Getting there & local rules

Drive to Graaff-Reinet. NW part of town — drive past the campsite and the dam, behind the mountain. After 4 km the park entrance is on your left. Pay the small entry fee and drive up the tarmac road until you see a small parking area. Park and walk a few metres up the steps.

Local rules & hazards

Site is inside a national park — protect the environment. Contact Cape Town ATC before flying (arrangement is to inform them) and stay clear of the airport. Do not fly if there's risk of getting blown over the back — wind can get strong. Beware SE winds: the gully right of launch can turn turbulent in strong SE; the SE-facing ridge (directly after takeoff, fly SE until the ridge drops away) develops very nice lift in that direction. When crossing the ridge to land in Graaff-Reinet with SW winds and less than ~50 m of height, fly a bit more south before heading to the LZs.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Valley of Desolation – Graaff – Reinet, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Valley of Desolation – Graaff – Reinet with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.