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An update from Evaneos
Karoo

Karoo (South Africa)

Practical information about Karoo

  • Nature Reserve / Wildlife Observation / Safari
  • Desert
  • Mountain
  • Off the beaten track
3 / 5 - One review
How to get there
1 day by car from Johannesburg or the Cape
When to go
During Springtime
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Karoo

Camille Griffoulieres Travel writer
116 travel articles

A fairly vast region in the centre of the country, near Beaufort West, the Karoo is a desert few tourists know about.

My suggestion:
Visit the Karoo in Spring if possible, when the mountains are beginning to turn green and the landscape is coloured with flowers.
Summary:

I loved taking a road trip through this region (useful when heading from Johannesburg to the Cape): long, straight roads, a sky of brass, ochre dust, cacti and ostrich and sheep farms everywhere. And not a tourist to be seen!

The scenery isn't incredible, and can be quite flat and monotonous, but in the mountainous regions and in the parks, such as Karoo national park, there are fabulous views; you'd think you were in an African Wild West. But I preferred the Little Karoo to the Big Karoo; the views are more varied.

In the region, you can stop off at Craddock or Victoria West for the Big Karoo, and Oudtshoorm for the Little Karoo. Incidentally, the gastronomy here happens to be among the best in the country: a stew of Karoo sheep and thyme is served in all the restaurants in the area and, when coupled with some good wine, it's delicious!