Karoo National Park

About Karoo National Park

The Karoo National Park has a wide variety of endemic wildlife. Many species have been relocated to their former ranges, such as black rhino and buffalo, as well as Cape mountain zebra. Over 20 breeding pairs of black eagle find sanctuary within the Karoo National park. There is also a wide diversity of succulent plants and small reptiles.

Did you know? "The quiet, the expansive skies, the typical splendour of the Karoo, thorn trees, thatched chalets that in no way intrude on the landscape and views that go on forever make this an escape worth makings".

The Karoo National Park is situated close to the N1 highway between Cape Town and the hinterland, approximately 1000 km south of Johannesburg and 500 km north of Cape Town. Because of the sparse vegetation game viewing in the Karoo National Park is easily facilitated. Best viewing is achieved on the 13km “Lammertjiesleegte” Route on the plains.

Large herbivores such as Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Eland, the two zebra species, kudu and springbok are all regularly seen. Klipspringer are regularly seen on the pass of the same name. Other species are less obvious due to smaller size, nocturnal habits or restriction to the wilderness areas of the park.

The Karoo National parks 20 odd pairs of black eagles are an attraction. Other birds of prey to watch out for include Booted Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Pale Chanting Goshawk and the Rock Kestrel. Karoo Korhaan, Ludwig's Bustard and Namaqua Sandgrouse should also be looked for.

Pied Barbet, Redeyed Bulbul, Karoo and Cape Robin, Titbabbler, Layard's Titbabbler, Yellowbellied Eremomola, Palewinged Starling, Lesser Doublecollared and Dusky Sunbird and Redheaded Finch are all ever present.

The park has a very rich reptilian fauna. Of particular significance are the 5 species of tortoise. However there is also a terrapin, an agama, 2 chameleons, a monitor, 18 snakes and several geckos, skinks and lizards.