Karoo Gariep Conservancy, South Africa

Northern Cape Game Reserves

Karoo Gariep Conservancy, Northern Cape

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. 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.

The conservancy 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. Night drives open up a new world as aardvark, bat-eared fox and aardwolf dominate the Karoo nights.

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.

Karoo Gariep Conservancy

Game Lodges in Karoo Gariep Conservancy

New Holme Karoo Guestfarm

The New Holme Karoo guesthouse is situated on the banks of the Seekoei River to the north end of the Karoo Gariep Conservancy. This is a four star guesthouse and we strive to accommodate our guests as close ...

Mieliefontein Karoo Guestfarm

Mieliefontein is the basis of the agricultural activities on the conservancy. It is a working farm where sheep, cattle and horses are the main concern. Merino sheep are bred for wool production and dorpers for the meat. Cattle ...

Karoo Gariep Conservancy

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation close to the Karoo Gariep Conservancy see:
• Hanover Accommodation
• Colesberg Accommodation
• Loxton Accommodation
• Gariep Dam Accommodation

Or to see all towns bordering the reserve at once, visit Upper Karoo Accommodation.

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game and nature reserves in the northern cape

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Northern Cape Family Friendly Accommodation