Tankwa Karoo National Park

In Tankwa Karoo, you'll find peace and space in abundance. The park has only existed since 1990, so it remains relatively undiscovered. Camp under a sky full of stars or stay in the luxurious Elandsberg Cottages with a private plunge pool. From colourful flowers to endless plains, here you’ll experience the essence of pure Africa.

A carpet of flowers in Tankwa Karoo.

Tankwa Karoo National Park is located just 4 hours north of Cape Town, nestled between the Cederberg and Klein Roggeveld Mountains. The park is particularly known for its great diversity of plant species, many of which are rare and unique. This brings with it a rich bird population, and various antelope species can be spotted, from the rare Cape Mountain zebra to gemsbok and springbok.

It’s the perfect destination for curious nature lovers! After the light winter rains in June and July, the spring months (from August to October) bring a colourful carpet of wildflowers, interspersed with hardy succulents that are found throughout the Karoo year-round. Tankwa Karoo is a place of silence and tranquility. Here, you’ll see dust clouds gently floating across the ancient landscape, and the colour of the earth changes with the position of the sun. In the evening, you can enjoy an endless and awe-inspiring starry sky! Even if you’re not prone to daydreaming, you’ll effortlessly find yourself in a state of meditation here.

Elandsberg viewpoint

With a 4x4, you can drive to the Elandsberg Viewpoint for a beautiful photo opportunity. No bulky off-road vehicle? Depending on the time of year, you can also hike to this spot, though it’s quite a challenging route! A must-do: drive the Gannaga Pass! This stunning, unpaved road ascends around 548 metres through the Roggeveld Mountains, from the expansive plains of Tankwa Karoo to the high plateaus near Middelpos.

The rugged beauty and endless vistas make this a unique experience. The pass features extremely sharp hairpin bends, so good driving skills are essential. There’s a strong chance you’ll spot the impressive Black Eagles, as the high mountain ridges are ideal for their nests. Halfway up the pass, you’ll find a forest of the unusual Botterbomen—dwarf trees with distinctive leaves that look as though they’ve come straight out of a fairy tale.

Unique & Authentic Experiences

Come with us to the authentic sides of Africa. That means authentic connections with local people and keeping a curious eye for the unknown.