Founded in 1979, is a wildlife reserve in the isolated Karoo area of the Western Cape, South Africa near Beaufort West. The area is mostly semi-desert and is well known for its isolation. The national park is home of many desert mammals, along with the Black Eagle and various species of tortoise, for the park lays claim to having the most of these species of any national park. Two of South Africa’s most highly endangered species - the riverine rabbit and the black rhinoceros - have been successfully resettled in this park.

Many fossils have been uncovered at both the national park and its surrounding area, of which some are estimated at almost three-hundred million years old. Most fossils date from the Mesozoic Era in the history of Earth. During this period, the area was covered by sea, depositing its sediment atop the dead creatures. The area then became volcanic and as the sandstone eroded away, it left the conical and table-shaped mountains that are characteristic of Karoo.

Wildlife
The Park harbours 64 species of mammals. The bird count in the park totals 196 species, while there are 59 species of reptiles including 5 species of tortoise. Wildlife includes the wildebeest, bat-eared fox, springbok, Cape mountain zebra, Burchell's Zebra, kudu, gemsbok, red hartebeest, mountain reedbuck, grey rhebok, eland, baboon, vervet monkey, Black rhino, black eagle, aardvark, aardwolf, caracal, mongoose, genet, suricate (meerkat), steenbok, klipspringer and duiker.

Accommodation
Accommodation comprises of the Main Rest camp and a selection of Camping sites:

	10 new self-catering Cape Dutch style cottages - one bedroom (double bed) open plan kitchen (microwave and hob) and lounge, bathroom (shower)
	6-bed Cape Dutch style family cottages, each with two bedrooms, en suite bathrooms (bath and shower) and fully equipped kitchen. Main Restcamp accommodation is serviced daily and equipped with bedding, towels and soap.
	3-bed Cape Dutch style chalets, each with Bathroom (shower) and kitchenettes with basic equipment.

If you are a real Outdoor enthusiast, you would be happy to know that Karoo National Park also offers you a range of award-winning camping and caravan sites. All the sites are equipped with communal ablution and kitchen facilities, 220V power points and can accommodate six visitors: one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorised caravan will be allowed per site.

Karoo landscape