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.
    This self-drive journey crosses three countries and combines camping with fixed accommodation. Walking, game drives, diving and snorkelling are all part of the possibilities along the way. You travel from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, continue into Mozambique, then return to Johannesburg via eSwatini.
    More information
    South Africa
    West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
    14
    days
    from
    1250
    1250
    p.p.
    This 14-day route starts and finishes in Cape Town, combining rugged landscapes, the Atlantic coast, active days and 4x4 tracks. The first days are based in Stellenbosch, close to Cape Town. From here, hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route then runs north to the Cederberg, where Wolfberg Cracks, Wolfberg Arch, Maalgat and Maltese Cross are all listed as walking options. Tankwa Karoo National Park changes the setting completely.
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    South Africa
    Garden Route and Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
    14
    days
    from
    1350
    1350
    p.p.
    Addo gives the journey a safari opening. Then the road changes. Baviaanskloof calls for a 4x4, and the pace drops to match the tracks and the terrain. On the other side lies the coast. Storms River Mouth, Harkerville and Wilderness bring together ocean, forest and river. George and Swellendam then lead into Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
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