Discover the Heart

of South Africa's Arid Beauty

Journey into the vast and captivating landscapes of the Great Karoo, South Africa‘s semi-desert heartland. Discover resilient wildlife amidst arid plains and mountains, and marvel at the brilliant clarity of the Karoo’s night skies. Embrace a unique safari experience, where the spirit of open spaces defines your encounter with this fascinating destination.

 

The Great Karoo spans four provinces in South Africa, offering stark beauty, rich history, and unique wildlife. This vast semi-desert region features extensive open plains, dolerite-capped mountains, and wide-open spaces that promise incredible starry nights. Bordered by the Nuweveld and Swartberg Mountains, the landscape is both dramatic and serene.

With a semi-arid climate, the Great Karoo experiences hot summers and cold winters, with scarce rainfall ranging from 4 inches in the west to 16 inches in the east. Despite its dry conditions, the region boasts diverse plant and animal life, including succulents like aloes and vygies, diverse birdlife such as ostriches and eagles, and smaller mammals like springboks and meerkats.

The region’s rich history includes evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years, with rock paintings left by the indigenous San people. The Khoisan people also inhabited the area before European settlers arrived in the 17th century.

Activities in the Great Karoo include stargazing, particularly in Sutherland, home to the South African Astronomical Observatory. Hiking and biking through mountain ranges, wildlife viewing, and fossil hunting are popular pursuits, along with cultural experiences exploring the history of the San and Khoisan people.

Nkumba township between Boston and Bulwer in Kwazulu-Natal

Our Recommended

Great Karoo Tours

 Explore our thoughtfully designed itineraries showcasing the Great Karoo’s distinct allure. Discover classic safaris focusing on unique Karoo-adapted wildlife, scenic self-drives with a touch of adventure, or combine the Karoo with other exciting South African destinations.

What To Do

In the Great Karoo

 Encounter wildlife adapted to arid landscapes, uncover quirky towns, hike among mountain vistas, and feel the vast openness of this captivating region.

What To Do

In the Great Karoo

Encounter wildlife adapted to arid landscapes, uncover quirky towns, hike among mountain vistas, and feel the vast openness of this captivating region.

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