The Great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the Karoo National Park is but a small portion. Being the largest ecosystem in South Africa, the Karoo 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 Karoo National 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.
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.
Public telephone.
Rooms
Main Restcamp
All accommodation is serviced daily and equipped with bedding, towels and soap. Breakfast is included.

Six-bed Cape Dutch style family cottages, each with two bedrooms, en suite bathrooms (bath and shower) and fully equipped kitchen.

Three-bed Cape Dutch style chalets, each with Bathroom (shower) and kitchenettes with basic equipment. Two units have been adapted for persons with mobility difficulties.

10 selfcatering Cape Dutch style cottages - one bedroom (double bed) open plan kitchen (microwave and hob) and lounge, bathroom (shower).

Mountain View Restcamp
A mountain retreat with huts, providing only basic facilities for a maximum of 25 persons. Communal ablution block.

Conservation Fees
Please Note rates do not include daily conservation levies. Please see details of Conservation Fees

Activities
Scenic drive along the picturesque Klipspringer Pass with environmentally sympathetic style of construction and scenic viewpoint at Rooivalle.

Game viewing in own vehicle.

Karoo 4X4 Trail. Maximum of 8 persons. This trail may be undertaken in own vehicle, or in a park vehicle with guide.

Night drives, under guidance of trained staff.

Two nature trails, one of 800 m (Bossie Trail), and one of 11 km (Fonteintjieskloof Trail).

Karoo Fossil Braille Trail is 400 m long and is specifically adapted for handicapped visitors, depicting the geology and palaeontology of the Great Karoo.

Swimming pool for resident guests only.

Bird hide at the dam near main restcamp.

How to get there
Karoo National Park is situated close to the N1 highway between Cape Town and the hinterland, approximately 1000 km south of Johannesburg and 500 km north of Cape Town.

Entrance to the Park is from the N1 and the restcamp is approximately 10 km 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. Please call the camp at Tel +27 (0)23 415 2828.

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.