Known for its wide-open spaces, the Cape Karoo is where you want to go when the pace of city life is something you want to escape. This is where you go to get off the grid.
A place of incredible beauty, wild game, clear skies and magical sunsets, the Cape Karoo has a number of Nature Reserves and game farms, boasting an abundance of wildlife. The Karoo National Park, for example, is home to black rhino, lions, and other wild game.
Another animal in abundance in the Karoo is sheep, who roam ‘freely’ around the area on large plots of land, sampling a wide range of indig- enous, aromatic plants. As a result, the Karoo has become famous for its succulent and tasty lamb dishes. You need to sample some when in the area!
A mere two-hour drive from Cape Town, lies the Aquila Private Game Reserve near Touws River. Boasting the Big 5 – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard - and many other iconic African animals, such as the Cape Zebra and Hippo, the 4 star Aquila Safari Lodge is the perfect place to start your journey into the Cape Karoo.
Supporting a wide range of conservation initiatives, including Rhino conservation, compost recycling and maggot farming, this is responsible tourism at its finest. The family friendly reserve has something for everyone to enjoy with the African Boma restaurant that offers local cuisine, the pool deck overlooking the vast open spaces and a children’s entertainment area just some of the offerings. Enjoy a game drive and sundowner as your guide stops en-route for light snacks and drinks, providing for perfect photographic moments.
Depending exactly where your heading, you may want to take a different journey.
Oudtshoorn, considered the heart of the Klein Karoo is either a five hours' drive from Cape Town, or a quick flight to George Airport and then an hours' drive.
If you're going to the Greater Karoo, it's a bit of longer journey. Beaufort West is the largest town in this region and is either just over a five hours' drive from Cape Town, or a three hours' drive from George.
In addition to awe-inspiring vistas and striking natural scenery, the Cape Karoo is also a bit of a foodie paradise. Be sure to visit Karusa Vineyards, O for Olive and the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein for a taste of the Karoo.
Cape Karoo Towns
Murraysburg
The little town with the big heart. Nestled in a little-known valley in the Cape Karoo lies the village of Murraysburg.
Laingsburg
This friendly, modern Cape Karoo Village steeped in history and tradition is only 280km from Cape Town and a worthwhile and hospitable stop on the N1 highway through the Great Karoo.
Matjiesfontein
‘The Grand Duchess of the Cape Karoo’, Matjiesfontein was established in 1884 and remains as charming as ever.
Prince Albert
Prince Albert is situated in the arid Cape Karoo region and it’s where you come to immerse yourself in nature.
Leeu Gamka
Interesting period architecture dominates this picturesque little Cape Karoo town, which is a welcome port-of-call on the north-south route along the N1 highway.
Nelspoort
Nelspoort, 40km north of Beaufort West, is a town known for its fresh air and healing surroundings. Once occupied by the San, the area is home to the largest collection of rock art in the Cape Karoo. Today, visitors can explore these and many other attractions and go on farm holidays and hiking trai...Laingsburg
This friendly, modern Cape Karoo Village steeped in history and tradition is only 280km from Cape Town and a worthwhile and hospitable stop on the N1 highway through the Great Karoo.
Beaufort West
A 6 hour drive from Cape Town, Beaufort West is a town with a rich and romantic history, which will steal your heart.
Dwarsrivier
Dwarsrivier is nestled in the Banhoek Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and lends itself to walking tours along historic oak-lined lanes and a variety of hiking trails, cultural, arts and crafts, picnics and, most importantly, it is part of the world-renowned Stellenbosch Wine Route....Cape Karoo itineraries
Explore the charm of the Cape Karoo over two days
Get in a Good Headspace with 4 Days in the Cape Karoo
Explore the wide-open space of the Cape Karoo and all its magic. This 4-Day Itinerary will take you through the essential and must-see spots of the region.
ROADTRIP: Namibia to Cape Town
The Namibia to Cape route is jam-packed with incredible and authentic experiences. Running a distance of 1478 km, you will discover the rolling wheat fields of the Weskus, the vast koppie-dotted plains of the Karoo, al from the massive white sand dunes in Namibia.
Cape Karoo Blogs
Sensing the Cape Karoo
How to fully immerse yourself in the Cape Karoo.
Nature Reserves | Cape Karoo
Some of the notable nature reserves from around the Cape Karoo region.
Culture and Heritage | Cape Karoo
Imagine bright stars, pristine landscapes, and roads that go on and on and on… The Cape Karoo’s windmill-peppered landscapes inspire poetry, with its rough and rugged terrain st...Top attractions in Cape Karoo
Matjiesfontein
The whole town of Matjiesfontein is a national monument and is believed to be one of the most haunted places in South Africa. And there is no better place to base yourself when visiting the Cape Karoo.
Cape Karoo stargazing
Ever wondered what stars, planets and constellations look like up close? Well, the town of Prince Albert in the Cape Karoo is the perfect place to start. This charming town is THE perfect stargazing location due to the fact that it has the least light pollution in the area and it is here that you can learn to distinguish between a planet and a star and see planets up close such as Saturn and its rings.
O for Olive
Situated just minutes from the town of Prince Albert in the Cape Karoo, Swartrivier Farm is the town’s original olive farm and home to the O for Olive brand, a popular restaurant and also offers guided tours.
Karusa Vineyards
Nestled in the tranquil village of Schoemanshoek – not far from Oudsthoorn – is the family-run vineyard Karusa. A gem of the Cape Karoo and a surprising find in an area arguably not known for its wine-making abilities. Well-known for its Cape Classique, Mediterranean-style wines and Craft Beer, Karusa is a favourite stop in the Cape Karoo.
