 |
Home>SA>What to see | 
|
|||
|
|
||
|
|||
| South Africa: What to see | |||
| Karoo National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for Established in 1979, Karoo is know for its extraordinary flora and spectacular rock formations constructed by ancient volcanic activity. It is dominated by the sheer cliffs and plateaux of the Nuweld mountains. Location Found in the Southern Karoo, north of Beaufort West, 500 km from Cape Town. Size It covers an area of 75 000 hectares. Wildlife There are 48 different species of mammal in Karoo National Park including Black rhino, Burchell's zebra, various antelope, and predators including leopard, caracal, black-backed jackal and bat-eared fox. Mountain zebra have also been reintroduced. There are also over 180 bird species in the Park including breeding pairs of Black eagle. 38 different reptiles and several tortoise species also exist. Environment and vegetation The Karoo desert is South Africa's largest ecosystem. Apart from the Nuweveld mountain range, the Karoo tends to be dry flat grasslands with low scrub including dwarf shrubs known as "karoo bushes", sweet thorn trees and dry river beds. Climate Karoo summers are hot (average 33 C) and rain occurs during the summer months. It is very windy in August with clear winter days and cold winter nights. When to go The cooler winter months May to August. The Park is open all year from 7am to 6pm, although different sections are closed at different times. Activities Day hiking trails, including the 3 day Springbok Hiking Trail, self-guided nature trails, night drives, bird watching, 4x4 guided trails, swimming, and conference facilities. Accommodation Nearby Beaufort West has lodges, hotels and guesthouses. There is also camping and caravan sites, chalets, cottages, and bungalows. The main camp has Cape Dutch style chalets, restaurant, swimming pool, camping facilities and shop. How to get there Take the N11 south from Beaufort West. The Park is 480 km from Cape Town and 950 km from Johannesburg on the N1. |
|||
| TOP | |||
|
||||||
|
||||||
 |
||||||
|
||||||