Like Nowhere Else
The seemingly endless vastness of the Karoo is an adventurous trip that should be on any local South African’s bucket list. Travelling through the Western and Northern Cape to small, charming towns, viewing a unique biome and learning more about South African history is an experience of a lifetime.
The Great Karoo occupies a large chunk of South Africa’s innerlands, and is home to a variety of natural artefacts, rugged landscapes and beautiful scenery. The open spaces, starry skies devoid of light pollution, sheep farms, and windmills upon windmills make it road trip country like nowhere else in the world. No matter what route you choose to take through the Karoo, there are many great stops to make along the way.
Little Karoo Towns
Barrydale in the Langeberg is a beautiful little spot known for its many fruit orchards and quaint lodging. Kimberley is known for its rich history in mining and its tourist attraction, ‘The Big Hole’. The town is a good stop to see museums depicting the diamond rush, and the streets are lined with art galleries and restaurants.
The town of Camdeboo is the heart of the Karoo, offering pristine views of the Valley of Desolation next to the ‘Capital’ of the Karoo, Graaff-Reinet. A stop here will give you the best view of the alarming, beautiful vastness of the Karoo.
National Parks and Scenic Attractions
The Karoo National Park is a must-stop to explore the area’s geography and spot various animals that call the park home. The Mountain Zebra National Park is home to beautiful wildlife such as lions, cheetahs and zebras. Stop at the park and bask in the majestic mountain scenery as you spot a mountain zebra grazing in the distance.
Namaqualand Flower Route is one of the most well-known routes in the Karoo. Come springtime, the area erupts with a burst of colour as flowers bloom alongside the roads. The many small towns along the route are worth a stop for their old-world charm and local peculiarities.
The Swartberg Pass in the Western Cape is a perfect outdoor adventure area. Here you can mountain bike, to your heart’s desire, while taking in the scenic views of the Swartberg Nature Reserve.