About Karoo National Park
Karoo National Park Flora & Fauna
Karoo National Park has a wide range of vegetation types, including dwarf xerophytic shrubs, Montane Karoo grassy shrublands, riparian thickets, and grasses. The park falls within two biomes: the grassland biome, represented by the Karoo Escarpment vegetation types, and Nam-Karoo, which covers the park's largest area and houses Gamka Karoo vegetation types. Thirty percent of the endemic plant species in the world can be found in Karoo National Park. It also boasts the largest number of succulent plants like bunny ear cactus, adenium, and jade plants in the entire world. Its sweet-tasting grasses are ideal for grazing and support a large animal population.
Karoo National Park is a wildlife haven where you can find sixty-six different mammal species, including springbok, klipspringer, common duiker, black rhino, and grey rhebok. Black rhinos and lions have been reintroduced in the park, but as large parts of the park are inaccessible, you might find it difficult to spot them. Greater kudu can be spotted along the watercourses, and baboons can be traced at the slopes of the escarpment. Keep your eyes peeled for two types of zebras: the rare endemic Cape mountain zebra and the common Burchell's zebra. The national park also houses around fifty-nine different species of reptiles, including thirty-five lizard species and six different tortoises. Karoo National Park is also a bird lover's paradise as it houses over two hundred species, including many Karoo specials, including the Karoo long-billed lark and Karoo bustard.
Things to Do at Karoo National Park
At Karoo National Park, you can enjoy morning and night game drives under the guidance of experienced rangers. The rangers will astound you with their animal-spotting skills and point out the wildlife you might not have seen before. Keep your eyes peeled for animals like red hartebeest, zebra, black wildebeest, and springbok. The thirteen-kilometer Lammetjies Leegte route is one of the best sites for guided game drives, as it has sparse vegetation making it easy to see animals.
- Price: 15.05 USD - 17.56 USD
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If you're a bird-watching enthusiast, you're in for a treat at Karoo National Park, as it houses around two hundred species, including the Karoo long-billed lark, Karoo Eremomela, and Karoo bustard. You can also spot around twenty-three raptor species, including black harriers, booted eagles, and pale chanting goshawk. Black-eared Sparrow-larks move into the park and breed in large numbers following the rainy season.
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Get ready to raise your adrenaline level as you enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the Sylvester Single Track of Karoo National Park. For a more challenging experience, you can undertake Karoo Camp Loop Hiking Trail, which has rugged paths and a semi-arid landscape. You can also hike the 800m Bossie Trail to discover the diversity of Karoo succulents and other plants, like crassulas, boegoe karoo, Klapperbossie, and num-num.
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If you want to learn about the geological heritage and the magnificent fossil of the Great Karoo, you must visit Old Schuur Interpretive Centre. The center offers detailed information on the ecological diversity and flora and fauna of the Karoo. The items on display include old agricultural equipment showcasing how farming was done years ago and reports from early settlers about the springbok migrations. There are also two outdoor baking ovens that were used by South African farming households for baking bread.
- Location: The rest camp near the camping site
The wide-open spaces, prolific birdlife, endless starry skies, and abundant wildlife make Karu National Park a campers' paradise. It has various campsites that are equipped with all the modern facilities and are surrounded by lots of birdlife. You can sit next to the fireplace on the camping chairs and gaze up at the stars, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Lodges and Camps in Karoo National Park
The main rest camp has nineteen Cape Dutch-style chalets spread over the replanted forest area. Each unit consists of two single beds, a kitchenette with basic equipment, and a double sleeper couch. In the evening, you can opt for a bush dinner under the open sky or indulge in a private dining at the in-house restaurant.
- Amenities: en suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, television, microwave, hot water, charging stations
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Afsaal Cottage is located along the Nuweveld 4x4 trail and is known to be one of the remotest wildlife lodges in the park. It is an old Shepherds hut that has been renovated into a rustic accommodation. The rooms are huge and spacious and offer the perfect combination of unspoiled nature with heritage-style décor. There is a lit waterhole in the main area of the cottage, providing 24-hour game viewing from an elevated deck. Birding, bespoke jungle safaris, and nature walks are some of the specialized experiences on offer.
Location: southern section of the Nuweveld 4x4 route
Amenities: gas burner, solar-powered fridge, gas geyser, wash basin, double bed, braai unit.
Embizweni Cottage is a blissful gateway located about fifty kilometers from the main rest camp. It has spacious rooms that can accommodate up to six people at one time. It also has a small waterhole, hot-water showers, and solar lighting. You can enjoy meals by the bonfire or pool and watch animal documentaries on the television. Location: north on the De Hoek Loop off the Nuweveld trail
- Amenities: cooktop, toilet, kitchen area, television, fridge, bedding
Plan Your Visit to Karoo National Park
How to Reach
- By Air
You can fly into Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town or Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. George Airport, located in Western Cape, is the closest airport to Karoo National Park. From George Airport, you can book a taxi/cab to reach Karoo National Park.
- By Car
Karoo national park is situated close to the town of Beaufort West. It's a 5-hour drive from Cape Town and a 15 hour drive along the N1 from Joburg.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (April & May) and Spring (August & September) are the best time to visit Karoo National Park, as the weather remains cool and comfortable. The flowers also bloom, and the entire park comes alive with greenery during these months.
Carry a high-SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn and heat rashes.
Carry comfortable shoes or hiking boots so that you can easily walk in the park.
At high elevations, weather can instantly change, so carry a compact rain jacket that you can take out when necessary.
Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Carry a first-aid box to deal with minor injuries.
Carry sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and head from the harsh sun rays.
Follow the instructions of your guide, and always stay with your group.
Go to your local clinic and get all the necessary vaccinations before visiting the park.
Karoo National Park is in a malaria-free zone, so you don't need to take antimalarials.
Self-drive visitors must familiarize themselves with the important rules and regulations of the park mentioned on the official website.