Karoo National Park

To the northwest of Beaufort West is the Karoo National Park (area 33,000/81,500 ac), which covers much of the Nuweveldberg range (825-1,911m/2,707-6,270ft). It was established in 1979 to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Karoo. A number of species have been reintroduced here (mountain zebras, springboks, kudus, wild cats). The Springbok Hiking Trail (a 3-day walk: advance booking necessary) runs through the park, and there are also many shorter walks, for example on the Fossil Trail 400m/440yd), which lets visitors see the fossils on their original find-spots.

The Karoo National Park is open throughout the year (though the Springbok Hiking Trail can be used only between February and September) and has accommodation for