Many visitors to the Karoo National Park access the park by car as this allows them the freedom to explore the park at their own leisure.
Towards late afternoon the great, unyielding canopy slowly softens its fierceness and form pastel shades of pink and blue, the colours deepen, setting the endless Karoo canvas ablaze with glorious hues of orange and red. The great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the Karoo National Park is but a small portion. Being the largest eco-system 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 that 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:
- Breakfast is included in all accommodation rates, except for campsites;
- There is a fully licensed a-la-carte restaurant which is open for breakfast (07:00-10:00) and dinner (18:00-21:00);
- They have a shop where curios and basic commodities may be purchased between 07:30-20:00;
- Interpretive centre;
Washing machine and tumble drier facilities are available in the campsite. Tokens are available at reception for R10.00; - Public telephone;
- Conference facilities – they also offer full conference facilities with a catering service. Please contact reservations on +27 12 426 5025 for this service; and
- The town of Beaufort West is only 12km away from the rest camp where you will find shops, a golf course, pharmacy, fuel station, hospital, a bowling green and the Chris Barnard Museum.
Adventure and outdoor activities:
Scenic drives:
Take a scenic drive along the picturesque Klipspringer Pass with its environmentally friendly style of construction and visit the scenic viewpoint at Rooivalle;
Game-viewing:
Game-viewing can be done from your own vehicle;
Eco-trails:
Nuweveld Eco Trail (90km) and Afsaal Eco Trail are both available to visitors in 4×4 vehicles. These two routes branch off the Potlekkertjie Loop and are available free of charge. Approximately 50km off the Nuweveld trail is a grade 1 4×4 trail with some steep, rocky sections and sandy dry river crossings.
The Embizweni Cottage is available for visitors to overnight on the Nuweveld Trail. The cottage provides fully equipped accommodation for six people with a gas-powered stove, fridge, geysers, as well as solar-powered lights;
Game drives:
Guided game drives under guidance of trained staff. Departure times can be confirmed with reception and a minimum of four people are needed for each drive. A maximum of nine people can be accommodated.
Tariffs:
- Night drive: 1½ Hours – R130.00/adult and R65.00/child under 12 years;
- Morning drive: 2-3 Hours – R640.00/1-4 people, R160.00 for each additional adult and R80.00 for each additional child.
Hiking trails:
There are three trails:
- Bossie Trail;
- The Pointer Hiking Trail; and
- The Karoo Fossil Trail.
Bossie Trail: The Bossie Trail is 800m long. Visitors can collect a pamphlet at reception which holds a detailed key to the fascinating attributes and medicinal/cultural uses of some of the plants found along the route;
Pointer Trail: The Pointer Trail offers two route options. One of 4.9km and the other 11.4km. Spectacular views over the landscapes of the park can be seen;
Karoo Fossil Trail: This 400m long trail depicts the geology and palaeontology of the Great Karoo. Genuine fossils and petrified wood are on display on this paved trail. This trail is accessible for wheelchair-users.
Birding:
There is a bird hide at the dam near the main rest camp where visitors can expect to see an abundance of birds;
Picnics:
Bulkraal picnic spot has a swimming pool, ablution facilities and braai (barbeque) area;
Interpretive centre:
There is an interpretive centre that is open to all guests.
