The Klein Karoo offers tourists the chance to experience one of South Africa's most interesting landscapes, semi-arid and dry and home to a wide variety of fascinating succulent plant and animal life. Situated between the spectacular mountain ranges of the Swartberg and the Langkloof, the region is home to historic "dorp" towns like Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladismith, Van Wyksdorp and Uniondale. It stretches along the R62 from Barrydale in the west to De Rust in the east.
Known for its hot days and cold nights, Klein Karoo used to be home to herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu but today is well known for the ostrich, farmed for its meat, eggs and feathers. Klein Karoo is also home to the bat-eared fox and the common barking gecko. One of the most popular attractions is the Cango Caves located just west of Oudtshoorn, which are thought to be an incredible 20-million years old. The Wonder Cave, inside the Cango complex, is well known for its incredible stalactite formations. The Klein Karoo also has a wine route, with the easternmost wine producing estates in the country, whose vines grow high on the slopes in the fertile alluvial soil on the riverbanks. A variety of wines including fortified wines and pot-stilled brandies are produced here.
Karoo National Park
Guests arriving at the Karoo National Park just outside of Beaufort West do so generally with one thing in mind: exploring.
An elephantine ecosystem and home to a collection of fossils dating back millions of years, the Karoo park plays host to fascinating cross section of specially adapted species, capable of surviving the area's harsh climate. Sunsets drenched in rose-amber hues are framed by the lofty Nuweveld Mountains and neighbouring plains. Many of the park's endemic species have been relocated to their former ranges, such as black rhino and buffalo, as well as Cape mountain zebra, while over twenty breeding pairs of black eagle are to be found within the park.
Leisurely game viewing is facilitated right from inside one's own vehicle, visitors in 4 x 4 vehicles having access to the ninety kilometer Nuweveld , and thirteen kilometer Afsaal EcoTrail. The Nuweveld route also avails guests to the Embizweni Cottage for an overnight stop, a fully equipped unit capable of accommodating up to six guests with a gas-powered stove, fridge and geysers. Lights are solar powered. Those opting for a more scenic drive should consider the environmentally friendly Klipspringer Pass and its panoramic viewpoint at Rooivalle. Guided game drives are also provided, conducted under the supervision of trained and enthusiastic staff. A minimum of four people are required for such a drive, each drive accommodating up to nine passengers. Guests wishing to take in a hiking trail may want to consider either the Bossie Trail, the Pointer Hiking Trail or the Karoo Fossil Trail.
For more information about 'THE KLEIN KAROO" please contact
Namibia Reservations at:
info@namibiareservations.com
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