Tankwa Karoo National Park

Tankwa Karoo National Park is located in the tankwa karoo region bordered by numerous mountains. This region is located in the southwest area of the Karoo in South Africa. This district was named after the Tankwa River and also features the Tankwa Desert and Rhenoster River. The Roggeveld, Kouebokkeveld, Koedoesberge, and Klein Roggeveld mountains offer breathtaking scenery.

Deemed a national park in 1986 but offering no visitor facilities, visitors must contact the SANPark management for an appointment to enter the park. There is no cell phone reception, running water, or electricity in this barren society that at times offers a very harsh climate. This protected area encompasses over 100,000 acres and is the fourth largest park in Africa. This region once housed sheep farms which caused the area’s vegetation to disappear from their overgrazing. Still in the development stages, dirt and gravel roads are the only access to the park. The South African National Parks, or SANParks, has been preserving nature since 1926 through the many national parks in South Africa.

The Tankwa Karoo National Park is just hours away from Capetown, South Africa and is also located in the Succulent Karoo Biome. This is an ecosystem consisting of diverse plants and animals that can only survive in precise soil and environmental conditions. Hundreds of rare and endangered plants, mammals, and birds make this their home to the delight of tourists. August to October offer the best months for bird watching. The succulent plants survive in this steamy climate by storing water from dew and fog in their leaves, stems, and roots. Flowering plants boast a spectacular blooming display in August and September.

This region features the hottest temperatures between November to March, with the hottest months being in January and February with temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can dip to 5 degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Very high winds occur in the months of October through March. The maximum rainfall achieved per year is only 50 to 70 mm of rain or 1.9” to 2.75”. Although mosquitos are apparent and repellant is needed, the risk of contracting malaria is almost non-existent.

Nighttime tours as well as daytime tours offer a peek at the various wildlife that inhabit the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Regardless of the dry climate, this national park is a popular spot for weddings with a guest house situated conveniently near the park.

Accommodation nearby

For Accommodation nearby, see these towns which are in close proximity