Karoo National Park

Founded in 1979 the Karoo National Park is located in the Great Karoo area of the Western Cape Province approximately 12 miles from Beaufort West, it covers an area of 750 sq kms.

The landscape and scenery in this wildlife reserve is spectacular, dominated by the Nuweveld Mountains and rolling plains with grassy shrublands.

The park is home to over 60 species of mammal, the most common being the dassie and bat-eared fox. Large herbivores such as Red Hartebeest, Eland, the two zebra species, kudu, Klipspringer and springbok are all regularly seen. Other species are less obvious due to smaller size, nocturnal habits or restriction to the wilderness areas of the park. A few rhino's have recently been introduced but not much big game is found here.

August, September April and May are regarded as the best times to visit the park, when the temperatures are not so extreme. Annual rainfall totals 260 mm, with 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.

During heavy rain and very wet conditions some Tourist roads may be closed.

NB: Motorcyclists are not allowed to drive through the Park's entrance gate and Reception due to the risks involved with the lions present in the Park.

The Park has a camp site for caravans and tents, chalets, an à la carte restaurant, a shop for basic necessities and curios, and picnic sites.