Karoo National Park

/ Karoo National Park in the Garden Route, South Africa
Garden Route Game Reserves

Karoo National Park, Garden Route

The Karoo National Park
The 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 park. There is also a wide diversity of succulent plants and small reptiles.

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 Park
The Karoo National Park
The 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, Eremomola, Palewinged Starling, Lesser Doublecollared and Dusky Sunbird and Redheaded Finch are all ever present.

The Karoo National 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.

Karoo National Park

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation close to the Karoo National Park see:
• Barrydale • Beaufort West • Calitzdorp • De Rust • Herold • Klaarstroom
• Ladismith • Oudtshoorn • Prince Albert • Sanbona

Or to see all towns in the Karoo, click to view.

View Game Reserves in this Region

Did you know?
Over 20 breeding pairs of black eagle find sanctuary within the Karoo National Park.

With 20 National Parks, including two of the world's most famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and numerous private game reserves, your trip to South Africa would be incomplete without experiencing a South African Safari.
Karoo National Park in the Garden Route, South Africa
Garden RouteGarden Route