Karoo National Park in South Africa
Karoo National Park
The Great Karoo is the largest natural ecosystem in South Africa - and one of the world's great scientific wonders. Its rocks contain fossil remains spanning 310 million years. It is in this magnificent wonderland where you will find the Karoo National Park.
It is situated near Beaufort West and in 1979 is was proclaimed to protect a typical sample of this fascinating arid region. The park encompasses 46119ha of typical Great Karoo including part of the Nuweveld Mountains. Vegetation is mostly Karoo arid broken veld with well-wooded dry watercourses on the plains and montane grassland at the higher elevations. Altitudes vary from 825m to 1911m.
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 park.
The Park shelters 64 species of mammals. The bird count in the park totals 196 species, while there are 59 species of reptiles including 5 species of tortoise.Here two of South Africa's most highly endangered species, the riverine rabbit and the black rhinoceros, have been successfully resettled.
Wildlife you should see
- Wildebeest
- Bat-eared fox
- Springbok
- Cape mountain zebra
- Burchell's Zebra
- Kudu
- Gemsbok
- Red hartebeest
- Mountain reedbuck
- Grey rhebok
- Eland, baboon, vervet monkey
Wildlife you may see
- Black rhino
- Black eagle
- Aardvark
- Aardwolf
- Caracal
- Mongoose
- Genet
- Suricate (meerkat)
- Steenbok
- Klipspringer
- Duiker
The quagga, which became extinct on August 12, 1883, when the last mare of the species died in Amsterdam Zoo, is again roaming free in the park. It was recreated from portions of its genetic code present in tissue samples taken from a mounted museum exhibit.
The park is also home to a wide variety of indigenous buck, mountain zebra, wild ostrich and five tortoise species, the most in any conservation area in the world.
Accommodation
• Cape Dutch style chalets, several have been adapted for people with mobility problems. All accommodation is serviced daily and equipped with bedding and towels. There is a caravan and camping site.
Things to do
- The Karoo Fossil Braille Trail is 400 m long and is specifically adapted for handicapped visitors, depicting the geology and palaeontology of the Great Karoo.
- Two nature trails, one of 800 m (Bossie Trail), and one of 11 km (Fonteintjieskloof Trail).
- Swimming pool for resident guests only.
- Bird hide at the dam near the main restcamp.
- A scenic drive along the Klipspringer Pass to the viewpoint at Rooivalle.
- Game viewing in your own vehicle - follow the 13km "Lammertjiesleegte" Route.
- Karoo 4X4 Trail. Maximum of 8 persons. This trail may be undertaken in your own vehicle or in a park vehicle with a guide.
- Night drives, under guidance of trained staff.
|
