Tankwa Karoo National Park
The road becomes emptier. Plains stretch out to dry riverbeds and mountains. In Tankwa Karoo National Park the strength lies in what is barely there: buildings, traffic and crowds.
Discover everything about this location.
Here space takes on a different meaning.
Tankwa Karoo National Park lies between Ceres and Sutherland and stretches across parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. The park covers around 1,440 km² and forms part of the larger Karoo region.
The landscape is dry and rugged. Extensive plains alternate with dry riverbeds, mountains and the occasional dry salt pan. The summers are hot, the winters cold.
Among it all grow succulents, fynbos and grasses adapted to the climate. After rare rainfall, wild flowers can appear as well.
Dust by day. Only the sky at night.
Springbok, gemsbok and kudu live in Tankwa Karoo, among others. Jackals and meerkats also occur here. For bird lovers there are ostriches and various birds of prey.
With a 4x4 you can head further into the rugged terrain. Several routes lead through parts of the park where an ordinary car is less obvious. Walking, birdwatching and landscape photography are also among the options.
When it gets dark, the open sky remains. The remote location also makes Tankwa Karoo suitable for stargazing and photography.
This is where the route begins to get quieter.
- Drive one of the 4x4 routes through the rugged terrain.
- Walk through plains, mountains and dry riverbeds.
- Look out for springbok, gemsbok, kudu, jackals and meerkats.
- Spot ostriches and birds of prey.
- See wild flowers appear in the landscape after rare rainfall.
- Take time for stargazing once it gets dark.
- A 4x4 may be needed for some remote parts of the park.
- Tankwa Padstal lies in the area and is used as a stop along the way.
Self-drive trips in the region
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
