7 things I discovered in the Tankwa Karoo

Heading out into the Tankwa Karoo, I came across a world that was vastly different from what I was used to. The vastness of the landscape and the overwhelming silence left me in awe, making me realize just how small I am in the grand scheme of things. Here are 7 things that I discovered during my time in the Tankwa Karoo:

1. Embrace the tranquility

When I first arrived in the Tankwa Karoo, I was struck by the peacefulness that enveloped me. The stillness of the desert and the absence of noise allowed me to truly disconnect from the outside world. Taking the time to embrace this tranquility brought me a sense of calm and rejuvenation like no other.

2. Marvel at the starry night sky

One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in the Tankwa Karoo was gazing up at the night sky. Without the pollution and artificial lights of the city, the sky came alive with an unimaginable number of stars. It was as if a breathtaking celestial painting had been spread out for me to admire.

3. Explore the unique flora and fauna

As I ventured deeper into the Tankwa Karoo, I discovered a remarkably diverse range of plant and animal life. From the resilient succulents to the curious meerkats, each species seemed to have adapted to thrive in the arid conditions. It was a reminder of nature’s ability to adapt and flourish against all odds.

4. Unearth the secrets of the past

The Tankwa Karoo holds a rich history, with evidence of ancient civilizations that once thrived in this harsh desert environment. Exploring the rock formations and uncovering artifacts gave me a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. It was a humbling experience that reminded me of the passage of time.

5. Engage in self-reflection

The solitude of the Tankwa Karoo provided me with the opportunity for deep introspection. With no distractions or obligations, I was able to truly be present and reflect on my own thoughts and emotions. It was a chance to gain a clearer understanding of myself and my place in the world.

6. Connect with fellow adventurers

The Tankwa Karoo attracts a diverse group of individuals who are seeking the same sense of adventure and exploration. Engaging with fellow travelers and sharing stories around a campfire fostered a sense of camaraderie and connection. It reminded me of the power of human connection, even in the most remote of places.

7. Leave only footprints, take only memories

In the Tankwa Karoo, I learned the importance of treading lightly on the land and leaving no trace behind. Respecting the fragile ecosystem and preserving its natural beauty became paramount. By doing so, I was able to fully appreciate the wonders of the Tankwa Karoo while ensuring its preservation for future generations.

In conclusion, my time in the Tankwa Karoo was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the beauty and resilience of nature. It reminded me of the vastness of the world and the insignificance of our individual lives in the grand scheme of things. If you’re looking for a place to disconnect, reflect, and find solace in nature, the Tankwa Karoo is a destination like no other.

Hey there, let’s talk about the Tankwa Karoo National Park! It’s this awesome place located just about four hours away from Cape Town. You can find it nestled between Ceres, Calvinia, and Sutherland on your map. This park is all about preserving a vast and stunning piece of land. It’s like a treasure trove of nature!

1. Take a Road Trip on the Gannaga Pass

If you’re up for an adventure, hop in your car (or put on your hiking boots or grab your bike) and head up the thrilling Gannaga Pass. This scenic drive, hike, or cycle will take you to the top of the majestic Roggeveld Escarpment. When I went during the summer, I was treated to breathtaking views, although the chilly wind near the Gannaga Lodge definitely woke me up. Keep in mind that in winter, this pass can be treacherous due to slippery conditions caused by rain or snow. It’s always a good idea to check with the park’s offices at Roodewerf before taking on this challenge.

Now, the journey back down the pass is even more exciting than the climb. As you descend, you’ll have the incredible views below you to marvel at, laid out like a picture-perfect painting. Gone are the views that used to hide behind you as you made your way up. This descent offers a whole new perspective and allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

2. Explore the Charm of Middelpos

If you’re attracted to empty Karoo dorpies like I am, then you should continue driving from Gannaga Lodge towards Middelpos, which is about 30km away. They say it’s the tiniest village in South Africa, born as a trading post in 1860. Nowadays, only a few hundred people live there, and you’ll find basic amenities like a school, police station, hotel, general store, and a garage. It’s a lonely little place, though, so don’t expect much. I happen to have a fondness for quiet, sleepy villages, but I understand it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. We stopped at a minimally stocked shop across from the post office for a cold drink, checked out a hotel that looked abandoned but wasn’t, spotted three and a half people, and then drove back down the pass. Another tiny dorp ticked off our “lifers” list.

3. Take a Hike to Elandsberg Viewpoint

If you’ve got a big off-road truck or a high-clearance pickup, make sure not to miss the drive up to the Elandsberg viewpoint located just behind the Elandsberg cottages. (If you only have a regular car but you’re up for a challenge, you could hike up there instead.) The beginning of the route is the start of a 4×4 trail, but it was closed when we went because it was deemed too rough, according to one of the park rangers. That part of the trail was extremely rocky. Once you reach the spot where the 4×4 trail is blocked off and you turn left towards the viewpoint, it’s about four kilometers until you reach your destination, and the terrain becomes much easier to navigate. Despite the strong wind at the viewpoint, it was definitely worth the trip. What awaited us was a completely flat valley floor with countless small mountains scattered all around as far as the eye could see.

4. Spotting Animals at Tankwa National Park

When you visit this park, don’t expect game viewing to be the main attraction. However, if you’re interested in spotting some of the animals that have been reintroduced into the area, like gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, and Cape mountain zebra, taking a game drive in the stony desert area around the Oudebaaskraal Dam is your best bet. Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of a bat-eared fox or spot a couple of tortoises along the way.

5. Discover the world of plants

Ready for a fun adventure? Let’s go on a plant spotting expedition in this magnificent part of the Succulent Karoo biome! Believe it or not, there are a whopping 615 different plant species waiting to be discovered within the park boundaries. Wow! The Succulent Karoo is actually the only arid region in the world that has been recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. How cool is that? Biodiversity hotspots are special areas that cover just 1.4% of our planet, yet they are home to a stunning 60% of all land-based species. Amazing!

If you really want to see the park in all its glory, I highly recommend visiting in August or September. During those months, the whole place comes alive with a riot of colors. It’s like stepping into a vivid painting. However, even when we visited in late October, we were still treated to some breathtaking sights. There were splashes of pink and yellow scattered throughout the landscape, and we even spotted a few hoodias (a type of plant called Hoodia gordonii) that were covered in delicate pinkish flowers. The hoodia plant is quite fascinating because the San people use it to suppress their hunger. Isn’t that interesting? But remember, no experimenting with plucking the hoodia here. It’s protected, and the park rules don’t allow it.

6. Let’s Go Bird Watching!

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do in the Tankwa Karoo National Park, I highly recommend indulging in some bird watching. The park is home to 174 out of the 178 bird species known to occur in the region, including the rare Karoo endemics. Keep an eye out for the elusive Burchell’s courser in the gravel patches near the Tanqua Guesthouse. While the best time for birding is from August to October, you can spot most of the unique bird species throughout the year. Make sure to visit the Oudebaaskraal dam, where you can catch a glimpse of water birds and waders like the South African shelduck and avocet.

7. Enjoy a Spectacular Star Gazing Experience

When the sun sets and the night sky emerges, take advantage of the pure air and clear skies in the Tankwa Karoo National Park for an unforgettable star gazing experience. Due to the absence of big towns and their bright lights, this area boasts some of the darkest skies in Africa, allowing the stars to shine their brightest.

Plan Your Visit to the Tankwa Karoo National Park

Hey there! If you’re interested in planning a trip to this amazing location, I’ve got all the details you need. Let’s dive in!

Reservations: You can make a reservation by calling 0124289111 or by visiting www.sanparks.org.

Cost: The camp site without facilities is priced at R95, while the camp site with private ablutions is priced at R200. If you prefer a cozy cottage, prices range from R545 for 2 people in restored old farm cottages to R1305 for 1-4 people at the Elandsberg chalets. These chalets are built in the old style with unbaked clay-and-straw bricks. How cool is that?

And if you’re looking for more travel tips and stories, you’re in luck! Check out my travel blog at www.roxannereid.co.za. Happy exploring!