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 visitors. The main gate is reached on a minor road branching off N 1.