Karoo National Park

It may have once been considered a one-night stopover, but the Karoo National Park has since become a place offering a number of activities, including a mountain bike trail, guided and un-guided walks and a selection of 4x4 trails. There is, of course, also breathtaking landscapes – this is the Karoo after all – and an array of plant and animal life to admire.

Founded in 1979, the Park covers an area of around 750 square kilometres and is just outside of Beaufort West. Game lovers will be in their element here with the area a sanctuary for herds of springbok, gemsbok (or Oryx), Cape mountain zebra, Cape buffalo, red hartebeest, black rhinoceros, eland, kudu, klipspringer, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackal, ostriches, and, since fairly recently, lions.

The park is also home to the greatest number of tortoise species, while the riverine rabbit – an endangered species – has also re-settled here, while bird-watching is also top-notch with a number of species found in the area, including a variety of eagles.

There are plenty of accommodation options for those looking to extend their stay ion the park, with eight Cape Dutch-style family units, 19 chalets, and 10 cottages in the main camp. All come fully-equipped as a self-catering option.

There is also a camping option in the park, with campers able to choose from 24 award-winning sites. There are communal ablution facilities, as well as kitchen facilities available.