Tankwa-Karoo National Park

Situated on the southern boundary of the Northern Cape, with the Roggeveld Escarpment in the east, Cederberg in the west and the Klein Roggeveld mountains in the south, a four hour drive from Cape Town brings you to this truly spectacular National Park.

Situated within the Succulent Karoo Biome, the unique features of the vegetation are combined with mind-blowing landscapes – from the sheer cliffs of the Roggeveld Escarpment to the moonscapes of the Tankwa Desert. Tankwa Karoo National Park came into being in 1986, with the conversion of approximately 27 000ha of state owned land into this National Park. This is the area that can still be seen demarcated on most commercial maps.

Since 1996 additional land has been bought and Tankwa Karoo National Park’s size currently stands at approximately 131 000ha.

Tankwa Karoo National Park has a multitude of small mammal species including: duiker, steenbok, porcupine and black-backed jackal. Leopards also naturally roam the area and large game species which were historically found in the area, such as the Cape mountain zebra, red hartebeest, gemsbok and springbok, have also been reintroduced and join the existing kudu.

Tankwa is the ideal destination for those seeking the brightest stars in Africa, a once in a lifetime glimpse of a rare endemic bird or, perhaps, nothing more than silence that reaches deep into the soul.

Attractions & Activities

Tankwa Karoo National Park is still in a developmental and land consolidation phase. As such, the Park offers limited visitor facilities, signage and other amenities and prospective visitors are urged to confirm availability of accommodation and other relevant information with the Park Office. Tankwa is a place of solitude and vast horizons. The nights are profoundly quiet with a lavish display of stars. It is a priceless addition to our National Parks system, in a world that is becoming ever more congested, noisy and threatening.

Accommodation

Elandsberg

Wilderness camp These five fully equipped cottages come complete with a fireplace in the lounge, covered braai area, individual splash pools and are comparable to upmarket private game lodges. Built using traditional methods and materials, such as, unbaked bricks and clay plastering, the buildings have been constructed on the contour of the hillside and blend superbly into the surrounding landscape. They are also positioned in such a way that they are not directly visible from one another and the large picture windows afford wonderful views of the Roggeveld Escarpment.

The Farm Cottages

Varschfontein Paulshoek DeZyfer

The Varschfontein Cottage is an old farmstead 45km from the Park offices within the dry westerly section of Tankwa. The desolate beauty of the area is breathtaking and there is a reservoir in which you can swim. A maximum of nine people can stay at this farm.

The Paulshoek cottage, 5km from reception, with its old-worldly furnishings, has beautiful views of the Roggeveld Escarpment. A maximum of six people can stay at this farm. DeZyfer Cottage, the latest renovated cottage, has a ‘stoep’ - ideal for sitting and enjoying the silence, and for watching endemic birds. A maximum of six people can stay at this farm.

Tankwa Guesthouse

Complex

Conveniently situated on the southern boundary of the Tankwa National Park and a stone’s throw from the Oudebaaskraal Dam, the Complex offers a range of accommodation. There are four units, which are ideally suited for groups of up to 18 guests. With its construction reminiscent of a desert fort, it has played host to weddings, team building exercises as well as film and commercial shoots. A 900m landing strip situated next to the main building, also allows for fly-in guests.