from the air - Karoo National Park from murray ralfe on Vimeo.

Some big parts of the Karoo lost its original vegetation because of agricultural use – mostly through sheep farming. But the Karoo is still growing and they recon that the semi-desert almost doubled it size in the last 100 years.
There are two major attractions in the Karoo showing the original beauty of this rough and dry landscape – the “Karoo National Park” and the “Karoo Nature Reserve”.

Graaf Reinet

Graaf Reinet, founded 1786 and named after the governor of that time "Cornelis Jacob van de Graaff", lies in the middle of the Karoo National Park where another wonder of nature, Valley of Desolation, keep silent memories of times gone by.

Oudtshoorn Tour

This tour will take you over the Outeniquea Mountains and to the fertile valleys and spectacular countryside of Little Karoo. Once you arrive to Oudtshoorn, the largest settlement in Little Karoo and with broad streets and smart sandstone Victorian houses, you will be taken to Cango Caves, hidden away in the foothills of Swartberg Mountain 28kilometres from Oudtshoom. The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to see the caves avoiding long queues and only accessible with a pre-booked tour. Witness the bizarre formations representing millions of years of slow chemical processes and walk through chambers with hanging stalactites and stalagmites formed by the erosion of underwater currents. After your cavern experience, stop at the Cango Wildlife Ranch to appreciate the beauty of the Bengal tiger, wrap yourself in a python or come face to face with Nile crocodiles. Also at Oudtshoom you will find yourselve surrounded by ostrich farms, your final visit will be to one of these farms which are rarely opened to the public. [more info & booking]

Not too far from the Karoo region is Addo National Park, home to roundabout 400 elephants. If you don't have the chance to go further north to see and explore Hluhluwe-Umfolozi or Kruger National Park, visit Addo. Addo is also home to the so-called BIG 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard + whales and the Great White Shark).

Addo Elephant National Park Tour

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy a close experience with the world's largest land animal, the Addo Elephant National Park Tour offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world.
Sanctuary to one of the densest elephant populations on the planet, Addo Elephant National Park is also a home to numerous species including Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, Zebra, Jackals, Hyena, Lions and a variety of Antelope. After a short one hour drive from Port Elizabeth, embark on a fascinating three-hour game drive deep into the heart of the reserve to view the wonderful flora and fauna. The antics of the 400 elephants are sure to delight and photo opportunities abound at every turn. A casual lunch will also be enjoyed. [more info & booking]