Karoo National Park

Karoo National Park is located in the Western Cape Province near Beaufort West. A vast and rugged landscape, the Great Karoo is one of the largest natural ecosystems in South Africa.

The Karoo National Park was proclaimed in 1979 to protect a typical sample of this fascinating arid region. The park encompasses 46119ha of typical Great Karoo including part of the Nuweveld Mountains. Vegetation is mostly Karoo arid broken veld with well wooded dry watercourses on the plains and montane grassland at the higher elevations. Altitudes vary from 825m to 1911m.

The Karoo landscape and scenery is spectacular and the park home to 60 species of mammal, the most common being the dassie and bat-eared fox. A few rhino's have recently been introduced but not much big game is found here. There is a three day hiking trial within the park.

20 breeding pairs of black eagle have been recorded - one of the largest known concentrations of this raptor. Bird count in the park totals 196 species; 59 species of reptiles include 5 species of tortoise, which represent one eighth of the world's land tortoises.

Accommodation

Cape Dutch style family cottages - 6 bed

All accommodation is serviced daily and equipped with bedding, towels and soap
2 bedrooms, en suite bathrooms (bath and shower) and fully equipped kitchen

Cape Dutch style chalets - 3 bed

Bathroom (shower) and kitchenettes with basic equipment
Two units have been adapted for persons with mobility difficulties

Cape Dutch style cottages

1 bedroom (double bed) open plan kitchen (microwave and hob) and lounge, bathroom (shower)

Camping

Campsites amidst a veritable green oasis in the rugged Karoo environment with communal ablution and kitchen facilities
All caravan sites equipped with 220V power points
A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site

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Facilities

Fully licensed a la carte restaurant
Shop where curios and basic commodities may be purchased
An information centre
Washing machine and tumble drier
Picnic facilities for day visitors
Swimming pool for resident guests only
Public telephone
Conference Facilities

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Extra Information

Climate

The Karoo National Park falls in a dry semi-desert area. The plains being hot in summer, and the mountain areas relatively cool throughout the year. During mid-winter snow occurs regularly on the peaks of the Nuweveld Mountains.

Official hours

The reception office is open from 07:00 to 19:00

Gate Hours