South Africa

Karoo National Park

The road becomes quieter. Plains stretch towards dry riverbeds and mountains. The strength of Tankwa Karoo National Park lies precisely in what is barely there: buildings, traffic and crowds.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Here, space takes on a different meaning

Tankwa Karoo National Park lies between Ceres and Sutherland, stretching across parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. The park covers approximately 1,440 km² and forms part of the larger Karoo region.

The landscape is dry and rugged. Vast plains are interspersed with dry riverbeds, mountains and the occasional salt pan. Summers are hot and winters are cold.

Among it all grow succulents, fynbos and grasses adapted to the harsh climate. After rare rainfall, wildflowers may also appear.

Dust by day. Nothing but sky at night

Tankwa Karoo is home to wildlife including springbok, oryx and kudu. Jackals and meerkats can also be found here. Birdlife includes ostriches and various birds of prey.

A 4x4 allows you to venture deeper into the rugged terrain. Several routes lead through parts of the park where a conventional car is less suitable. Hiking, birdwatching and landscape photography are also possible.

Once darkness falls, only the open sky remains. Its remote location also makes Tankwa Karoo an excellent place for stargazing and night-sky photography.

View trips from the region

Things to do in Karoo National Park:

  • Drive one of the 4x4 routes through the rugged terrain.
  • Hike across plains, mountains and dry riverbeds.
  • Look out for springbok, oryx, kudu, jackals and meerkats.
  • Spot ostriches and birds of prey.
  • After rare rainfall, watch wildflowers appear across the landscape.
  • Take time to stargaze once darkness falls.

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    Self-drive trips in the region

    South Africa
    Mozambique
    eSwatini
    South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
    22
    days
    from
    1620
    1620
    p.p.
    In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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    South Africa
    Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
    14
    days
    from
    1250
    1250
    p.p.
    Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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    South Africa
    Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
    14
    days
    from
    1350
    1350
    p.p.
    Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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