Karoo National Park, Beaufort West: Address, Phone Number, Karoo National Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Karoo National Park
Karoo National Park
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
410 reviews
Excellent
207
Very good
162
Average
32
Poor
9
Terrible
0
Lillian
Franschhoek44 contributions
Oct 2021
It was bitterly cold when we stayed over a few days ago in October. But the scenic beauty of the stark barren Karoo Landscape, with brooding clouds on the 'koppies' / arid hills, more than made up for it. As did the occasional sighting of buck.
The self-catering chalets are comfortable and clean and the restaurant and shop staff very efficient, cheerful and chatty.The Park also offers walking trails.
A very convenient stayover and well worth a visit. Peter and Lillian.
The self-catering chalets are comfortable and clean and the restaurant and shop staff very efficient, cheerful and chatty.The Park also offers walking trails.
A very convenient stayover and well worth a visit. Peter and Lillian.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SouthAfricawithlove
South Africa1,791 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
At check-in we already knew that this is going to be an awesome stayover. The reception lady went out of her way, when we requested a chalet furthest from reception. Although the chalets are basic, nothing more is needed. It is cosy and warm. We were visiting in a freezing time of the year. The vast views from the verandah is so stunning. We did a circular drive the afternoon and it was most enjoyable. Saw 5 different types of antelopes. Breakfast is delicious with big portions. Highly recommended for a stayover.
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
graham e
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa321 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
At the main gate you are greeted by a very friendly attendant.
At check in Patricia and Glenda are even friendlier and so helpful .
We check in to chalet 19 .
The chalet is neat and clean.
However :
Hot tap in bathroom basin malfunctions
Shower rose leaks and sprays badly
Bed next to door is wobbly
We dined and were very impressed with Fiona
She goes the extra mile
I ordered kudu pie - not at all good
Nancy had pasta - was good
We enjoyed our 3 nights
Jenny in the shop was delightful
We like Karoo N P
Please attend to maintenance
At check in Patricia and Glenda are even friendlier and so helpful .
We check in to chalet 19 .
The chalet is neat and clean.
However :
Hot tap in bathroom basin malfunctions
Shower rose leaks and sprays badly
Bed next to door is wobbly
We dined and were very impressed with Fiona
She goes the extra mile
I ordered kudu pie - not at all good
Nancy had pasta - was good
We enjoyed our 3 nights
Jenny in the shop was delightful
We like Karoo N P
Please attend to maintenance
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nigel K
92 contributions
Mar 2021
we spent 2 days at Karoo national park, most of the roads in the reserve were "Closed" the only road open was in a very poor state of repair.
The lights in our unit flashed on and off intermittently , maintenance was called but could not seem to fix the problem. We booked and ate at the onsite restaurant which was appauling. we ordered Karoo Lamb loin chops but were served a few miserable pieces of overdone gristle. We ended up having a huge loud unpleasant argument with our waiter and the restaurant manager, who then proceeded to phone her Boss, in front of all the other guests and berate us. I dont think we will be returning to this poorly run establishment in a hurry.
The lights in our unit flashed on and off intermittently , maintenance was called but could not seem to fix the problem. We booked and ate at the onsite restaurant which was appauling. we ordered Karoo Lamb loin chops but were served a few miserable pieces of overdone gristle. We ended up having a huge loud unpleasant argument with our waiter and the restaurant manager, who then proceeded to phone her Boss, in front of all the other guests and berate us. I dont think we will be returning to this poorly run establishment in a hurry.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SnarkyTraveller
Johannesburg, South Africa24 contributions
Jan 2021
We booked family unit at the Karoo National Park. On arrival, we reported a number of problems to reception. These included dirty furniture, light bulbs not working, and TV remote not working. None of these defects are huge, but when you're paying market rates for accommodation, you should at least expect cleanliness and functionality. Our particular unit (No. 7) looked run-down. The TV cable installation was amateurish, scruffy, and an eyesore. We were reluctant to sit on the upholstered furniture, because it looked so grubby. Happily the beds were comfortable and the bed linen was clean. But this is a sub-standard showcase of SA tourism, and unacceptable to paying tourists.
Written January 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karishma-Kim
London, UK475 contributions
Nov 2021
Because of the sparse vegetation, game viewing is excellent compared to some of the other SANParks.
We saw loads of herbivores on the 13km Lammertjiesleegte route on the plains.
We also saw Klipspringer on the aptly named Klipspringer Pass with its stunning views.
The reception and restaurant at this park seemed fancier than most other SANParks that we have been to.
Roads aren't as well marked though, so its good to have a GPS so you at least know that you are headed in the right direction.
The park has a lot of 4x4 routes that we would have loved to explore - especially since other visitors had said they saw lions on those routes, but we just had a 3 hour trip budgeted for this park, as we had to get to Bloemfontein before sunset, so we didn't have the time.
We saw loads of herbivores on the 13km Lammertjiesleegte route on the plains.
We also saw Klipspringer on the aptly named Klipspringer Pass with its stunning views.
The reception and restaurant at this park seemed fancier than most other SANParks that we have been to.
Roads aren't as well marked though, so its good to have a GPS so you at least know that you are headed in the right direction.
The park has a lot of 4x4 routes that we would have loved to explore - especially since other visitors had said they saw lions on those routes, but we just had a 3 hour trip budgeted for this park, as we had to get to Bloemfontein before sunset, so we didn't have the time.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
entma
Paarl, South Africa2 contributions
Dec 2020
What an amazing 1 night stop over. Arrived around 1pm from Paarl. Such a friendly welcoming, it really was good to be back again. We have stopped over here many times. Our chalet was clean and lovely. After a quick lunch we set off on a game drive, very excited as this trip we had a 4x4!!! Enjoyed the great views and more game than before. Took the 4x4 tracks less travelled and were rewarded with a very close sighting of a herd of about 20 Gemsbok. Shortly after 2 black backed jackals crossing meters infront of the vehicle. Cherry on top, came across some game rangers that had darted 2 Desert LIONS and were changing their tracking collars. They were so forthcomming with information and allowed us to take pictures. Closed the evening with a braai and good cape red wine under the stars.
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Graham W
Durban, South Africa30 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We can certainly recommend camping at this park. The campsite is relatively small, with well sized sites and immaculate bathrooms and kitchen facilities. There were quite a few sites with shade as well. All sites are paved, with movable braai’s. The staff were really friendly and the huge pool was welcome in the Karoo during December. The Klipspringer pass is beautiful and can’t be missed. We also did a night drive which was well worth the cost, and managed to see 3 lion and quite a few smaller nocturnal game.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christine O
Letchworth, UK360 contributions
Mar 2020
I always enjoy going to the Karoo National Park as the one and only camp is so well managed. Chalets are clean, well organised and well equipped. The camp shop is great and is managed externally. There are perhaps too many jams and preserves but otherwise a very good range of all sorts – meat, some fresh vegetables, bread, alcoholic drinks as well curios and some clothing. The shop didn’t have that good feedback according to the board which I found surprising.
The camp serves breakfast to everyone which is an excellent way of making sure the restaurant is well used at at least one meal.
Game viewing is not easy though – there has been rain and everywhere was green and there were loads of zebra and some other bok but roads up the plateau are very bumpy for an ordinary car and not maintained as well as in the past. It is a long drive round the loop with not that many animals to view. In the end we did see zebra, springbok, ostrich, a lonely red hartebeest, kudu, a lonely gemsbok, eland, baboon and the two male lions which were helpfully pointed out to us by other people in another vehicle.
The camp serves breakfast to everyone which is an excellent way of making sure the restaurant is well used at at least one meal.
Game viewing is not easy though – there has been rain and everywhere was green and there were loads of zebra and some other bok but roads up the plateau are very bumpy for an ordinary car and not maintained as well as in the past. It is a long drive round the loop with not that many animals to view. In the end we did see zebra, springbok, ostrich, a lonely red hartebeest, kudu, a lonely gemsbok, eland, baboon and the two male lions which were helpfully pointed out to us by other people in another vehicle.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stephne A
Shaka's Rock, South Africa746 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We did not have high expectations as we were going to a SANParks lodge instead of an exclusive private lodge.
What an amazing surprise! The approach to the reserve was beautiful. Met by the friendliest most welcoming gate keeper, the property is well looked after and the love and care is apparent everywhere and with everyone we met.
Considering that we are still a lockdown, the restaurant (Salt and Pepper) serves basic meals and delicious breakfasts. The waiters are friendly and have great senses of humour. There is a waterhole at the restaurant area.
The chalets have all the basic requirements including air conditioners and TV. The view towards the mountains from the chalets is breathtakingly beautiful. It is worth having one self catering evening so that you can absorb every second of the colour changes over the mountains.
Their information centre is perfect. Don’t miss a visit to this centre.
The park is in excellent condition. Well signposted and roads are perfectly maintained. Some roads have hand packed stone retaining walls which are beautiful too! Lots of animals. There will always be a debate whether Burchell’s zebra is prettier than the Mountain zebra. Go visit. You will not be sorry.
What an amazing surprise! The approach to the reserve was beautiful. Met by the friendliest most welcoming gate keeper, the property is well looked after and the love and care is apparent everywhere and with everyone we met.
Considering that we are still a lockdown, the restaurant (Salt and Pepper) serves basic meals and delicious breakfasts. The waiters are friendly and have great senses of humour. There is a waterhole at the restaurant area.
The chalets have all the basic requirements including air conditioners and TV. The view towards the mountains from the chalets is breathtakingly beautiful. It is worth having one self catering evening so that you can absorb every second of the colour changes over the mountains.
Their information centre is perfect. Don’t miss a visit to this centre.
The park is in excellent condition. Well signposted and roads are perfectly maintained. Some roads have hand packed stone retaining walls which are beautiful too! Lots of animals. There will always be a debate whether Burchell’s zebra is prettier than the Mountain zebra. Go visit. You will not be sorry.
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yaz H
70 contributions
Hello, Please could someone help with the below.
I am using this as a stop over for one night only and should arrive at about 1pm.
Please could you tell me how much it costs for two people to enter the park in a caravan and stay for one night?
Also can we do a few hours self drive in the afternoon there?
Thanks
Gautenger65
Johannesburg, South Africa69 contributions
I am unable to answer the cost of overnight camping but a call to SANPARKS will give you that answer.
Yes you can do a shortish drive between one and two hours you will see a fair amount of what the park has to offer.
The more scenic route into the mountains will be slightly longer
Also on display are dinasore selection which is interesting enjoy
JANEFLOWER11
East Cape17 contributions
How much does it cost for 2 adults in vehicle?
Are there game drives?
Sedge0987
Sedgefield, South Africa44 contributions
Hello there
Apologies for the late response. Accommodation for two people is around R1 200 per night - less if you are camping.
They did offer game drives at one time, but the vehicle they use has been out of commission for some time now. I suggest you call to confirm, but I am not optimistic that this has been remedied yet. Its a pity, because night drives in that park would be very nice.
I hope I have helped,
Regards
Jenny Nel
Do you have to make reservations for a day if you want to go to bull kraal and how does payment work do you pay per person in vehicle or just the vehicle
KKB000
Brisbane, Australia61 contributions
Hi there,
Sorry we had our own vehicle so I am unsure of the payment process. Have fun & enjoy
didetannou
Florenville, Belgium4 contributions
Karoo National Park: randos à pieds : existe t'il une carte des circuits balisés??
Tsarivich
1 contribution
Are there boboons and monkeys at the campsite? If you have a caravan with a pop top do you have to pull it down when your not there to stop theonkeys tearing the gauze?
Frequently Asked Questions about Karoo National Park
- We recommend booking Karoo National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Karoo National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Karoo National Park:
- (5.25 mi) Die Herehuis
- (4.47 mi) Cape Karoo Guesthouse
- (4.79 mi) Bakgat Blyplek
- (6.72 mi) Ko-Ka Tsara Bush Camp
- (5.03 mi) 17 on Bird Guest House
- Restaurants near Karoo National Park:
- (5.06 mi) Karushi - Sushi and Pizza Restaurant
- (4.86 mi) 4 Sheep Restaurant
- (4.91 mi) Joe's Easy Diner
- (4.81 mi) Red Canyon Spur Steak Ranch
- (4.99 mi) Donkin Deli