South Africa is a popular destination on many travelers’ lists of places they dream of traveling to. The reasons are clear: not only is the beautiful climate a drawing card, but it has so much to offer. From crystal clear beaches with long stretches of white sands, majestic mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, safari trips to get you up close and personal with nature to the fantastic landscapes of lush forests, desert plains, the famous Robben Island, and other beautiful places. However, the Karoo is one part of South Africa you should notice. The landscapes are incredibly fascinating, and there is much to do if you are eager to get in touch with your roots and nature. There is also excellent luxury accommodation in the Karoo - as if you need any more reason to go!

The landscapes of the Karoo are breathtaking.

The landscapes of the Karoo

The landscapes of the Karoo are breathtakingly beautiful and ever-changing from season to season. The Karoo is a semi-desert that offers peace and tranquillity with its clear skies during the day, fresh, clean air, and a dark atmosphere at night with sparkling bright stars in abundance. The Karoo is broken up into different regions: Klein Karoo, Koup, Hantam, and Roggeveld, Western Upper and Lower Karoo, and Eastern Upper and Camdeboo, with each having its own uniqueness to offer. The Karoo is very dry, and even the hint of rain brings a promise of life. There is nothing like the smell of just a few raindrops on the bare ground; it is a smell you never forget. Even after a slight shower a few days later, you will see the new buds of tiny wildflowers or greenery as grass or plants grow in appreciation for the rain. The Karoo takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life; its beauty and quietness lodges itself deep into your soul.

Enjoy authentic wildlife experiences.

wildlife experiences


Although barren, the Karoo is filled with life and is surprisingly a great place to enjoy authentic wildlife safaris. Going on a wildlife safari is always a highlight for visitors exploring the continent. This is large because Africa is one of the few places on Earth where wildlife roams free in protected concessions that extend far and wide and have been left untouched by man. Africa offers the most incredible wildlife experiences, with South Africa being one of the favorites, especially since the parks are close enough to the main cities. No matter the age, seeing the animals in their natural habitat is something anyone will appreciate; it’s an experience that moves you like none other.

Explore the Karoo’s fascinating arts and culture scene

Museums

If you are looking for a museum with a difference, The Saddle Horse Museum in Richmond is a real ‘find’. There are only two other museums in the world like it. The name ‘The Saddle Horse’ comes from the earliest Trekboers, who spent hours in their saddles and were known worldwide as the best horsemen. The museum is proud of its cart named the ‘Nachtmaal Wa.’

Prince Albert Art Gallery

The Prince Albert Art Gallery is located in Prince Albert in Seven Arches. The art gallery is in a Victorian building opposite the Fransie Pienaar Museum, which means you can explore history and art in an afternoon in this lovely town. The gallery exhibits both international and local artists.

Explore some of the world’s most fascinating sites

Cango Caves

All the towns in the Karoo are filled with fascinating locations. Oudtshoorn, the gateway to Central and Klein Karoo and about 430 km from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town is home to the famous Cango Caves. These caves have formed over thousands of years, extending beneath the Earth’s surface. You can either do a general tour or one which takes you through some of the deepest channels within the cave.

Learn more about early life on Earth at the fossil sites

South Africa’s most productive fossil sites are found in the Karoo, which is why many of the sites have well-known scientists coming from all over the world to explore them further, hoping to discover more about early life on Earth. Some dinosaur fossils have been found in the Karoo, which are now displayed in the museums.