The Karoo National Park covers 330 sq km of impressive Karoo landscapes and representative flora. Lions have been reintroduced and you might also spot black rhinos. More commonly sighted are dassies (agile, rodentlike mammals, also called hyraxes) and bat-eared foxes. Larger mammals include zebras, springboks, kudus and red hartebeests. There are many reptiles and birds, including black eagles.
Free guided walks are available and there’s a 400m fossil trail that’s accessible by wheelchair.
Accommodation is either at pleasant campsites or in Cape Dutch-style cottages . The cottages are fully equipped with kitchens, towels and bedding; two have wheelchair access.
You cannot get out of your vehicle in the park, except at designated spots, so hiking the 10km from the gate to the rest camp is definitely not an option. You’ll need your own transport. The park is 5km north of Beaufort West.
