The Great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape and being the largest ecosystem in South Africa, it is home to a fascinating diversity of life, all having adapted to survive in these harsh conditions.
Karoo National Park is dominated by the lofty Nuweveld mountains and rolling plains, where many species which originally occurred here now occupy their former ranges.
The Park has a wide variety of endemic wildlife. Many species have been relocated to their former ranges - such as black rhino and buffalo, as well as Cape mountain zebra. Over 20 breeding pairs of black eagle find sanctuary within the park.
There is also a wide diversity of succulent plants and small reptiles.
The Park is a convenient stopover on the N1 route between Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Facilities- Breakfast is included in all accommodation costs, expect for campsites.
- Fully licensed a la carte restaurant which is open for breakfast and dinner from 07h00 and 10h00 and 18h00 and 21h00 respectively.
- Shop where curios and basic commodities may be purchased between 07h30 and 20h00.
- Interpretive Centre.
- Washing - machine and tumble drier in the camping site.
- Picnic, braai and ablution facilities for day visitors at Bulkraal picnic site.
- Swimming pool for resident guests only.
- Public telephone
- Conference Facilities
The town of Beaufort West is 12 kilometres away from the rest camp, with shops, a golf course, pharmacy, fuel station, hospital, bowling green, and the Chris Barnard Museum.
AccommodationMain Restcamp:
All accommodation is serviced daily and equipped with bedding, towels and soap. Breakfast in included in the accommodation costs, with the exception of camp sites.
Cottage (CO3) (sleeps 3)
- 1 bedroom with double bed
- Fan & Heater
- Hotplate, Microwave, Bar Fridge, Utensils
- Open plan kitchen
- Single sleeper couch in lounge
- Under roof braai facility
- Utensils
- Wc and shower
Chalet (CH2) (sleeps 2)
- 2 single beds
- Double Sleeper Couch
- Kitchen
- Microwave oven
- Wc and shower
- some units accessible to the mobility challenged
Family Cottage (FA6) (sleeps 6)
- 2 bedrooms, each with 3 single beds
- 2 en-suite bathrooms with Wc, bath and shower
- Aircon
- DSTV (Limited Channels)
- Kitchen
- Microwave oven
Camping:
24 Award-winning camping and caravan campsites amidst a veritable green oasis in the rugged Karoo environment with communal ablutions (shower and baths) and kitchen facilities with stove plates and scullery.
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 auto villa or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.
Laundry with a washing machine and tumble drier is available.
Important Notice 1. Accommodation rates do not include
Conservation Fees which are payable at the entrance gates.
2. Please ensure that you are familiar with the
Rules & Regulations of National Parks before making a booking.
Activities:
The Karoo National Park offers a variety of
Adventure and Outdoor Activities such as hiking, game viewing, scenic drives and more. The
Nuweveld EcoTrail (90km) and Afsaal EcoTrail (13km) are available to visitors in 4x4 vehicles.
Wildlife
Because of the sparse vegetation, game viewing in Karoo National Park is easily facilitated. Large herbivores such as Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Eland, the two zebra species, kudu and springbok are all regularly seen.
Klipspringer are regularly seen on the pass of the same name. Other species are less obvious due to smaller size, nocturnal habits or restriction to the wilderness areas of the park.
Karoo National Park has a very rich reptilian fauna. Of particular significance are the 5 species of tortoise.
How to get there:
See Map Entrance to the Park is from the N1 and the restcamp is approximately 12 km south from the town of Beaufort West.
Gate Hours:
05:00 22:00
Arrivals after 22:00 are not permitted.
The reception office is open from 07:00 to 19:00.
Visitors with reserved accommodation who will arrive after 19:00 must make prior arrangements to collect the keys to their accommodation at the entrance gate.
Health & Climate:
Annual rainfall totals 260mm, 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.
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