Karoo Gariep Conservancy, Northern Cape

About Karoo Gariep Conservancy

Karoo is a “quenna” word meaning “dry and hard”. Gariep is also a “quenna” word meaning “big water”or river. The Karoo Gariep Concervancy is found on the Karoo “dry and hard” side of the Gariep “big river”. Like its name describes this is a very natural diverse part of South Africa.

Did you know? Night drives open up a new world as aardvark, bat-eared fox and aardwolf dominate the Karoo nights.

The fact that the N1 route runs through the Karoo Gariep Conservancy adds to its popularity and it is geographically halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg. The direct effect of this diversity in habitat is the variety of wildlife and birdlife you get here. The bushman etchings found on the conservancy are evident of this. Many of the animals are nocturnal to adjust to the harsh climate.

The conservancy was founded in 2005 by P.C. Ferreira. It is home to the only hippos in the Karoo. They have been reintroduced after the last ones were shot out of this system more than 200 years ago. This act has won P.C the very prestige Kudu award from South Africa Parks Board for his contribution to conservation in South Africa.

Karoo Gariep covers 12 000 ha and the main concern is to bring big game back to the Karoo and stimulate tourism. White Rhino and Cape buffalo are on the priority list. Blue Crane, the South African national bird, flock to this area from July to August in big numbers. Flocks of up to 300 are found in this period and they receive a lot of protection and care in the conservancy. The Karoo is malaria free.

Stargazing is part of life out here with clear clean skies. We have more than expected birdlife in the Karoo and it is ideal for birding. Some of these birds are unique to this area and birds like clapper larks, ludwics busted, blue korhaan and burchals courser draw special attention.

With clean and crispy mornings the Karoo is great place for the fitness aware guests Some 100 km of mountain bike routes are laid out on the 12 000 ha. It is recommended to tour the conservancy on a mountain bike as this gives a stronger, first hand experience of the Karoo.

Need to Know

WhereKaroo Gariep Conservancy, Off N1, Hanover, 7005, Upper Karoo, Northern Cape, South Africa

WhenOpen to overnight guests only.

OvernightStay in Hanover Accommodation, Northern Cape

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