Karoo National Park
Wildlife & Animals
South Africa Parks
Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.
Lion and black rhino have been re-introduced, but as large parts of the park are inaccessible, sightings of these animals are unlikely. Although wildlife viewing is mostly low-key, a good variety of antelope species can be seen, including springbok, gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest and klipspringer. Also keep your eyes open for tortoises; five different species are present.
Wildlife Highlights
Two types of zebra are found in the park: the common Burchell's zebra and the rare endemic Cape mountain zebra. The localized black wildebeest is a common companion to the zebras as both like to eat the same grass. Bat-eared fox is one of the small predators to look out for. Groups of suricate can be seen scanning the surrounds by standing on their hind feet before diving into their burrows.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Karoo National Park is comparable throughout the year, but since the heat of the summer months (October to April) can be unbearable, the best time to visit is in the cooler winter months (May to September).
