Karoo tours & holiday packages
The quietest place in South AfricaCustom Karoo
- Describe your dream trip
- We'll source the best value
- Book when you're ready
Miles upon miles of sweet nothing, quiet days, small towns with friendly locals and the best stargazing in the country.
The Karoo comprises some two-thirds of South Africa's heartland. It's a semi-arid region, dotted with succulents and low bushy scrub and the wide flat plains are sometimes broken by craggy mountain ranges. The area has been compared to the Australian Outback and Arizona in the United States and it's a wonderful region for desert tourism.
The region is divided into two sections: the magical Great Karoo to the north, a huge expanse of arid semi-desert, and to its south the more-vegetated Little Karoo, which is more accessible and easier to explore. Small, characterful towns connect the vast open flatlands and there are many options for authentic farm stays in beautiful stone cottages on working farms.
“It's fun to just pick a town at random and drive out for a weekend of peace, quiet and stargazing. I love all the farm houses out here where you get freshly baked farm bread and watch the sheep being milked.”
More on Karoo holidays
In the Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn is the anchor town and it is here that the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, a popular annual event celebrating all genre of performing arts, is held. Other towns in the region are Calitzdorp, where travellers can taste the wines of the region, and Ladismith at the foot of the spectacular Klein Swartberg mountain range.
The Great Karoo holds an immense amount of beauty. It's about 400 000 square kilometres in area and is so undeveloped that at night the stars feel within reach. It may be the quietest place in South Africa. Towns to visit are the quaint Aberdeen and Nieu Bethesda. An overnight stay in the Victoria Manor Hotel in Cradock will spoil travellers with old-world charm and a traditional dinner while the Theatrical Hotel outside the mohair town of Steytlerville is a more remote option. In Sutherland, travellers will find the Southern African Large Telescope and it's the place to be for stargazing. In spring, Calvinia is a must-visit as the daisies provide a natural show.
Karoo Map
Karoo's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Karoo
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Related Articles
Three autumn getaways in the Western Cape
Autumn in South Africa starts around the end of March to the end of May. This is a magical time of year in the Western Cape, with the weather turning from very warm to pleasant with cooler evenings. This marks the start of the low season in… read more
The Karoo, South Africa’s most underrated destination
The little-known and underestimated Karoo is synonymous with South Africa's heartland magic. If anything, it can be compared the Gobi, the Outback or even New Mexico. This vast, semi-arid ancient seabed is dotted with farms, funky hotels and… read more
The ultimate guide to preparing for a luxury African safari
The African savannah is often portrayed as a warm and dry destination, and may result in unwanted surprise for travellers who aren’t properly informed about what to expect in the bush. With the right advice and guidance, knowing what to… read more
10 reasons why a Selinda safari is worth the trip
A private wildlife sanctuary situate in Northern Botswana, the 320,000 acre Selinda Game Reserve is home to a huge diversity of wildlife, most notably it’s large elephant herds, as well as antelope, zebra, cheetah, wild dog and lion. If… read more
