Karoo National Park|
Karoo National Park Outdoor Activities|
Nuweveld 4x4 Eco Trail |
Karoo National Park Wildlife |
Accommodation in Beaufort WestThe
Karoo National Park gives visitors insight into the vast and unforgiving landscape of the Great Karoo. It has a wide variety of endemic wildlife and also a wide diversity of succulent plants and small reptiles.
Some of the interesting activities in the park include:
* Scenic drive along the picturesque Klipspringer Pass with its environmentally friendly style of construction and the scenic viewpoint at Rooivalle. The Pass not only provides visitors with spectacular views, but the pass is also an example of civil engineering toil and precision.
* Game viewing in ones own vehicle.
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Nuweveld Eco Trail (90km) and Afsaal EcoTrail (13km) are available to visitors in 4x4 vehicles. These two routes branch off the Potlekkertjie Loop and are available free of charge.
About 50 kilometres of the Nuweveld trail is a Grade one 4x4 trail with some steep, rocky sections and sandy dry river crossings. The Embizweni Cottage is available for visitors to overnight on the Nuweveld Trail. The cottage provides fully-equipped accommodation for six people with a gas-powered stove, fridge and geysers as well as solar-powered lights.
* The shorter Afsaal Trail is a 13-kilometre route which provides a challenging drive in wet conditions. The trail, commencing off the Potlekkertjie Loop, travels south and then east before linking up with the Potlekkertjie Loop again.
Guided Walks - Karoo National Park:Guided walks are available to visitors.
Walks are led by a qualified guide who will introduce you to the fascinating Karoo ecosystems.
The times of the guided walks are:
- Summer: 06:00
- Winter: 07:00
Cost: From R220 per person; to be booked at Reception
All visitors who intend doing a hike, MUST book at Reception BEFORE 19:00 the day prior to the intended hike, to ensure the availability of a guide.
Guided Game Drives - Karoo National Park:Drives are led by knowledgeable guides. Departure times can be confirmed at reception.
* Guided game drives, under guidance of trained staff. Departure times can be confirmed with reception and a minimum of 4 people are needed for each drive, and a maximum of 9 per drive can be accommodated. (
Karoo National Park Wildlife)
Morning Drive - 2 to 3 hours longCost: R1 273 (the first four people)
R319 (per additional adult)
R159.50 (per additional child under 12 years)
Minimum of four (4) guests and maximum of nine (9) guests. Children must be six years or older to participate.
Night Drive - 1 and a half hoursCost: R994 (the first four people)
R248.50 (per additional adult)
R124.25 (per additional child under 12 years)
Minimum of four (4) guests and maximum of nine (9) guests. Children must be six years or older to participate.
Bossie Trail - Karoo National Park:The Bossie Trail is 800m long. Visitors can collect a pamphlet at reception which holds a detailed key to the fascinating attributes and medicinal/cultural uses of some of the plants found along the route.
Pointer Trail - Karoo National Park:The Pointer Trail offers two route options: one of 4.9 km and the other of 11.4 km and spectacular views over the landscapes of the Park.
The Fossil Trail - Karoo National Park:This 400 meter long trail depicts the geology and paleontology of the Great Karoo. Genuine fossils and petrified wood are on display on this paved trail. The trail is accessible to wheelchair-users.
* Bird hide at the dam near main rest camp.
* Interpretive Centre.
Picnic Facilities at Karoo National Park:* The Bulkraal picnic spot has a swimming pool, ablution and braai facilities.
* The Doornhoek picnic site, situated in the game area, is a perfect place for a braai or picnic stop on your game drive.
Sylvester Single Track - Karoo National Park:We have opened the Sylvester Single Track in the Rest Camp area. The looped track is 2.7 km long and available to mountain bikers and joggers. The track is only for the use of our overnight visitors.
Interesting wildlife to seek- Black Eagle with around 20 pairs of these eagles breeding, the park can lay claim to one of the highest densities of this regal species in Africa
- Tortoises the park hosts 5 different species, the highest density of species per equivalent area anywhere in the world
- Cape Mountain Zebra this species came close to extinction early in the 20th Century. It is well established in the park and visitors have the opportunity to compare its bold stripe pattern to that of the quagga strain
- Springbok the emblem of the park and present in high numbers. This is a reminder of the once massive herds that crossed the Karoo on annual migration that could stretch for several kilometres.
