Karoo National Park Vital Information

Climate

Annual rainfall ranges between 100 and 500mm, averaging at about 200mm. Summer rainfall comes mostly in the form of thunderstorms or cold fronts from the Cape. The winters are frosty and chilly, when temperatures drop to below 0 degrees Celcius, with snow sometimes visible on the peaks of the Nuweveld Mountains. Summers are hot, with temperatures rising up to 40 degrees Celcius.

Day Visitors

Day visitors are most welcome to visit the Park throughout the year – with no bookings required.
The Park is popular among day visitors for its Bulkraal and Doornhoek picnic sites. Each has picnic and ablution facilities, while Bulkraal also sports a braai area, sparkling blue pool and lush, green grass all year-round. It can be found just off the Lammertjiesleegte tar road, about 10km from Reception. Please note that due to its popularity, management may be required to cap the number of guests to Bulkraal over the busy summer periods. Doornhoek is situated at the halfway mark on the circular Potlekkertjie route – about 25km from the rest camp when approaching from the Klipspringer Pass.

Office Hours

• Administration: Mondays to Fridays 07:30 to 16:00
• Reception:
  April to end September – 07:00 to 18:00
  October to end March – 07:00 to 19:00

Gate Hours

• Main gate: 05:00 to 22:00 daily, although there is security at the gate 24/7. Late arrivals and early departures must be arranged through Reception. As the Park is easily accessible from the N1, we welcome walk-in stays by weary travellers after hours. Security is provided with keys to a number of available units each evening and guests checking in after hours are requested to report to Reception the following morning.
• Game area gates: 07:00 to 18:00 (1 April to 30 September) and 06:00 to 19:00 (1 October to 31 March).

Park Regulations

• To ensure a safe and joyful trip through our parks, kindly adhere to the Rules and Regulations as stipulated by South African National Parks.
• The use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly prohibited.

Tips and Hints

• Pets are not allowed in national parks.
• As outdoor lighting in the camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night.
• Firearms are to be declared at Reception upon arrival where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
• Motorcycles are not allowed. Arrangements can be made with Reception for transport from and to the Main Gate at a fee. This should be arranged in advance.
• Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and bird and mammal reference books.
• Guests participating in walks are reminded to always carry sufficient water.
• Hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, filling stations, vehicle repair, shops, car hire and police services are available in Beaufort West, about 12km from the rest camp.

Seasonal Tips & Hints

• Pack cool clothing for summer and warm for winter – the area is subject to sudden changes in weather, particularly in the mountains.

Summer:

• Keep an eye out for klipspringers on Klipspringer Pass, big herds of eland on the Nuweveld route, tortoises throughout the rest camp. Birding is prolific in the garden at the Interpretive Centre, as well as at the bird hide.
• Please be aware of the presence of Cape cobra and puff adders if walking in the rest camp. Scorpions are also common in the Park
• Early morning and late afternoon drives are best to possibly spot the Park’s elusive lions.

Winter:

• Keep an eye out for breeding pairs of Verraux eagles (black eagles) near the lookout point on the Klipspringer Pass. Aloes are in bloom during the winter months and are visible throughout the Park. Snowfall on Nuweveld mountain range has been known to occur during very cold winters.

Contact Information

• Karoo National Park
  Tel: +27 (0)23 415 2828/9
  Email: karooreservations@sanparks.org
  Facebook Group: SANParks – Karoo National Park
  Twitter: @SANParksKarooNP