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Conveniently situated off the N1 just outside Beaufort West, halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town, is the unassuming Karoo National Park, which leaves guests astounded by its sheer beauty and tranquillity time after time.

Besides dispelling the myth that the Karoo is one great expanse of flat earth with its majestic mountain ranges, the Park also offers a number of other surprises to day visitors and overnight guests alike.

Start with a scenic drive along the picturesque Klipspringer Pass with its environmentally friendly style of construction and the scenic viewpoint at Rooivalle and let the winding road then take you throughout the Park as you explore along its self-drive routes, which are suitable for most vehicles. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Park’s fantastic array of bird and animal life as you enjoy the scenery, which is flowering brilliantly at the moment after some welcome rain. The Doornhoek picnic site is situated in the game area and is the perfect place to stop along the way for a picnic or braai. Alternatively, the Bulkraal picnic spot closer to the entrance gate also has ablution and braai facilities, along with a sparkling swimming pool to cool off in on those hot summer days.

For the offroaders, why not try one of the Park’s five 4×4 trails, which range in length from seven to 90km, as well as in difficulty.

Early morning guided walks are available to overnight visitors. Walks are led by a qualified guide who will introduce you to the fascinating Karoo ecosystems along. If experiencing the Karoo after dark is on your bucket list, why not participate in a guide night drive to see some of the Park’s nocturnal inhabitants? Overnight visitors also have use of the newly-opened Sylvester Single Track inside the rest camp, which is a 2.7km looped track for mountain biking and jogging.

Alternatively, take your time as you explore the 400m long Fossil Trail, which depicts the geology and palaeontology of the great Karoo. Genuine fossils and petrified wood are on display on this paved trail, which is accessible to wheelchair users.

Also be sure to visit the Park’s Interpretive Centre, bird hide, restaurant and curio shop to ensure that you’ve really experienced all the Park has to offer.

Conservation/entry fees are R48 per adult and R24 per child per day. For more information contact the Park directly on 023 415 2828 or visit www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region Communications
Tel: 082 888 0201

Enquiries

Fayroush Ludick
Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks
Tel: 082 888 0201
Email: [email protected]