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Tankwa Karoo National Park
R355, Calvinia, 8190, South Africa
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Mi
Review №1

Our parks are national treasures and Tankwa is a jewel. Incredible accommodation at Elandsberg. Still spaces & endless vistas are a balm in troubled times.

La
Review №2

Great place far an amazing experience

Ch
Review №3

Elandsberg Cottages are very comfortable, nice setting. Great for star gazing and the silence.A trip up Gannaga Pass was a highlight. A very dry and arid park, but we saw plenty of birds for that environment. No cell phone coverage, except at the top of Gannaga pass.The roads inside the park are in a bad state. Severe corrugations put a damper on exploring, and vehicles are damaged. Parks Board must improve the roads, tourists will follow.

Cl
Review №4

Very very dry and arid. A very long way to drive from Ceres on the most terrible roads.180 km took us almost four excruciating hours.We stayed in De Zyfer cottage with a solar fridge that only worked in daylight .Hot water was obtained by lighting a fire under a metal cistern.Paraffin lights kept the dark at bay .The cottage was well equipped and hasbeen tastefully renovated.The beds were comfortable with crisp linen and towels. The portable braai served us well.Staff very helpful and friendly.We discovered Elandsberg Wilderness Camp ,where each unit has its own splash pool ,which would be my only choice on a revisit. The road to Matjiesfontein was shorter and in a better condition.Roads in the Park need to be graded

El
Review №5

The area is beautiful, but the roads are in an awful condition. I wouldnt recommend driving here when you dont have an off road vehicle.Also, there is no cellphone signal whatsoever. Plan ahead and bring an old school map. (or at least download the map on your GPS.)

Mi
Review №6

Roads are a nightmare but scenery is unworldly

An
Review №7

Beautiful place. One of lifes has to see places. Roads are terrible. If you want to test how well you vehicle is put together, take it there.

An
Review №8

Well done Sanparks on this wonderful gem. Stayed in de Zyfer cottage. A trip back in time as it has no electricity except for the fridge. Had interesting weather with rain and wind but still wonderful to be in this remote part of the country. The Ganaga pass was a an adventure with the road haven seen better days but was worth the trip up. Will be back soon.

Zi
Review №9

Was awesome to be completely unplugged for a couple of days! Wide expanses and so peaceful. Luckily I had a good 4x4, as the roads were not in a good state. The self catering cottage was perfect!!

Gi
Review №10

Langkloof one of the best camping experiences

An
Review №11

Just be aware that the roads are gravel and it takes much longer to drive than tar but the scenery is amazing!

Ar
Review №12

This park is quite amazing. You want space - its there in abundance, you want views - some of the best I have seen, you want animals - plenty of those around as well, clean fresh accommodation - check.The winner though was the stars, it feels like the heavens are pressing down on you, breathtaking and without a light in sight.The only down side is the quality of the main roads. The corrigations have corrigations.

Bu
Review №13

I have seen fauna and flora in the Tankwa Karoo National Park- A huge herd of Eland with calfs. Unfortunaly they where quite wild and gallopped away. Springbuck galore, an owl, Oryx, Hartebees and smaller antilopes.This Park is far away from any civilation and therefore a jewel in this arrid world.The roads leading to the Park are in a non describle horrific state.Plan a lot of time to negociate these roads, even the 2 spoor roads inside the park are in the same condition.

Ni
Review №14

Went for Afrikaburns 2019. Definitely worth visiting every year, will change your life in a way you cant foresee

Ju
Review №15

Stayed overnight in Calvinia at Calvinia Guesthouse and drove through the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Turned left to go to Sutherland. SUV is definitely recommended 👍

Ga
Review №16

We drove down the pass, was absolutely breath taking, drove a few km in the park but had to leave to get to our accomodation in Sutherland, we used the back roads from the park to drive to Sutherland

Si
Review №17

Beautiful surroundings and landscape....wow moment we had with AfrikaBurn at the beautiful Stonehage.... you can see the milky way with your raw eyes.... amazing

Ka
Review №18

Third visit, what a surprise to see the changes , but still keeping its natural beauty.

Hu
Review №19

Absolute stunning area. Worth a visit.

cl
Review №20

Very Tranquil place great for Sabbatical.

Tr
Review №21

Im giving this a five for very specific reasons. Its an extremely isolated reserve with not much to offer other than silence, no cellphone signal and wildlife, birdlife and wild flowers if youre prepared to slow down and look. The sunsets and sunrises are epic. But dont underestimate the distances and terrain. Some roads are dusty and easy to drive on then it can change to rocky and rutted tyre-eating Tankwa. You have to be prepared and pace yourself. Elandsberg is beautiful and lush for the Tankwa. But southerly the Tankwa Guesthouse is equally amazing but harsh and baron with great rock formations for the geologists. We like to head east and drive over Oubergpas to Sutherland afterwards. But thats also not easy going. You decide.

Er
Review №22

Wonderfully peaceful! Very hot in December/January, but incredible when a thunderstorm passes (not often). Never knew there were so many stars!

Ba
Review №23

We stayed at Langkloof campsite. An absolute remote place with perfect camping facilities. Own shower, toilet and small kitchen with braai. We will definktely come back.

Ko
Review №24

Roads are very reasonable at this point, Jan 2019. Hot & dry. Spectacular scenery.

An
Review №25

Best campsites in South Africa

Ra
Review №26

If you are looking for big skies, wide open spaces, solitude and the opportunity to turn off from the frenetic paced world we live in, then the Tankwa Karoo is just the right place.

Na
Review №27

Amazing. Love the peacefulness.

Ma
Review №28

Words fall short trying to explain the beauty

Er
Review №29

This park has a lot of game despite its arid climate. Birdlife is also plentiful near water troughs. I enjoyed staying in an old farmhouse and lighting a fire in the donkey geyser for hot water. Accomodation is limited which keeps the park uncrowded

Jo
Review №30

Beautiful scenery and great accommodations

Ro
Review №31

Home away from home! A place to go and be free. You will leave and your heart will be full and your car dusty

BA
Review №32

Road is terrible in places....take 2 spares if you can.....what an awesome place though! Solitude at its best!

Ri
Review №33

Lots of fun, amazing landscapes.

Ge
Review №34

Absolute silence. I love it!

Gr
Review №35

A remarkable arid region of South Africa.

By
Review №36

Excellent! What an experience!

Pi
Review №37

R355 is rough but the area is stunning and worth the effort getting there.

Je
Review №38

We have just spent 3 nights in cottage #9 at Elandsberg Camp. This was our 3rd visit and we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and tranquility. All interactions with staff was excellent and they responded quickly to replacing the gas cylinder when it ran out. However, the deterioration in the maintenence of the cottage was evident and disappointing. Leaking toilet, doors that didnt lock, some doors jammed closed and impossible to open, other doors had to be held closed at night with rocks. Shadedectufied carports to protect vehicles in the searing heat would be a winner! The cottage is a 4-bed...but many crockery and cutlery items were missing (only 3 coffee mugs, 2 spoons, etc). These matters were brought to the attention of staff so hopefully will be rectified for future guests.

An
Review №39

If you want to literally get away from EVERYTHING, then there is no better place in South Africa.

An
Review №40

You will not find any place like Tankwa Town anywhere on earth. Its one of the most unique places with a sunset to be wowed by, and please do make sure you visit over a time when its Afrikaburn and be prepared for the known.

El
Review №41

Very helpfull and friendly staffThey can improve on their maintanance

Cl
Review №42

There is some natural beauty in this place - depends on the eye of the beholder. Some parts are desert-like, some parts well-vegetated. This year there was enough rain to bring on a flush of growth in the kloofs, and many wild flowers made the kloofs very attractive. But it remains a harsh place. Daytime temps at our campsite in Langkloof reached 38°C and there was no natural shade. We used the scrappy lapas to sit under so our tents were exposed and our fridges struggled. The bathrooms and kitchens were a real bonus. But be prepared for horrible corrugated roads - they are bad. Happily we had no punctures in any of the three vehicles and caravans (you must lower your tire pressures significantly if you wish to avoid punctures from the sharp shale slivers - 1.8 bars max) . The Gannaga Pass is a highlight of the area. It is not very difficult. We exited the valley towing our vans up the pass on the way to Middelpos.The worst aspect of this trip was the road from Middelpos to Sutherland. A suspension breaker. Corrugated as hell. Totally unmaintained all through Covid. Think twice about doing this stretch. Happily the wild flowers in Sutherland area are spectacular this year.

To
Review №43

The vistas are overwhelming. Not for the faint hearted. Pity the facilities were not functioning properly.

Ga
Review №44

Awesome place. Accommodation was excelent

Gu
Review №45

It was a fantastic experience to see it in t from the air

Ju
Review №46

Very good camp site and personal well trained and friendly.

Da
Review №47

This place is like another world... The sunsets you see in this corner of the world will be amongst the best of your life. The stars will be brighter than youve ever seen them. Breathtaking.

Jo
Review №48

Surreal scenery, no grocery stores nearby so bring all necessities and water. Firewood is available. Roads are corrugated and I would not recommend a car with low ground clearance. The accommodation was clean and fully furnished. The staff are fantastic and extremely helpful, they even visited us in the evening to check if we settled in alright. The houses are quite far a part so very private and tranquil. Absolute silence. Amazing star gazing at night since there is zero light pollution.

Wl
Review №49

A beautiful park but the info center has nothing to offer and the roads at not marked, Google and compass do not work most of the time and proper maps are not available. Easy to get lost.

Da
Review №50

Cannot book, power off. Cannot book on-line either. Dont know if there will be a stand open for one night. Called the next day, cannot accomodate us because the ablutions were not cleaned yet. Was not on the list for today due to power failure?

ma
Review №51

For a nature lover this place is amazing. Its remoteness and wilderness makes it feel like you are in another planet. Loved it

Da
Review №52

A great feel of the dry African hinterland. Fascinating mountainous scenery and wild animals, including lion, on the Great African Escarpment. Excellent interpreted trails for cars, 4x4 and walking. Comfortable huts for hire in the remote mountains and in the base camp where there is a fine campsite.

Ya
Review №53

National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries are our most beautiful swaths of wilderness, and may well be our most precious resources. ... This one is really beautiful and has amazing and beautiful scenery and imp animals... Hop u guys have a visit there..simply best one

Ja
Review №54

Isolated and beautiful. Great for photographers. Dirt roads, 4x4 not necessary. Only if you want to get away from it all; there are no amenities, shops, or information kiosks - its just open Karoo.

Ko
Review №55

If it is peace and quiet you want, Tankwa Karoo delivers in bucket loads! The Elandsberg family cottages are very well appointed, placed a discreet distance from each other and offering breathtaking views towards the mountains in the distance, highly recommended.

La
Review №56

A little bit of everything in the middle of nowhere. Wide wide open spaces, millions of stars, views for days and little treasures here and there to experience. Elandsberg has the newest and most stylish accommodation, however dont overlook the farmhouses that have a story all of their own, not to mention character and a chance to create awesome memories. Take the step and go visit Tankwa Karoo National Park. Best time of year is autumn or spring.

An
Review №57

Beautiful and wild.

Bo
Review №58

An amazing place to visit. The sheer vastness of the karoo desert can only be experienced. Words fail to describe the beauty, the vastness and the insignificance of human existence in the greater scheme of things.This place must be seen, even if only once in your lifetime.Absolutely stunning. Beautiful. Mind blowing.Make sure you get there, even if only for one or two days.

Ia
Review №59

Tranquility need i say more

Da
Review №60

If you are looking to be in nature. Ts perfect for you. Very remote. Beautiful landscapes.

Rh
Review №61

We visit the Tankwa Karoo National Park as often as we can, at least every 2 years.. Have experienced an unbelievable flower season there in August one year and the next year there were no flowers. That is the Tankwa. You dont go there for the wildlife, although we have seen wildlife every time. The Tankwa is about experiencing an ancient and harsh landscape, incredible views , silence and starry nights -. And long evenings around a camp fire. But I would recommend going with a 4x4 or SUV with high ground clearance.

Cl
Review №62

South Africa Karoo Region at its best. The Tankwa makes you fall in love with this country

Am
Review №63

Beautiful place. Nothing for miles... perfect if youre looking for peace and quiet.

Ch
Review №64

Super nice if you like a quite experience. Will go vack any day.

Sh
Review №65

Perfect place to get away from everything! The peace and tranquillity is amazing. We stayed at Elandsberg, the views are stunning and the cottage is beautiful. Its an added bonus if you happen to see wildlife. For those who want guaranteed wildlife viewing, I suggest you go to a zoo! Take note though, the roads are rough.

Cr
Review №66

Lovely place to visit if you like stars and wide open spaces. The roads are terrible. Would get five stars if the roads were better. Avoid in a sedan car.

Si
Review №67

Clean crisp fresh air

Le
Review №68

A whole new type of lekker. Not for the faint hearted...but worth the endeavour. Plan well and the fun is just so much better...

De
Review №69

Majestic mountains and beautiful Karoo landscape. Add the Ganaga pass to your bucket list.

Be
Review №70

Beautiful. Stark. Be prepared- no cell coverage, no shops. Stock up before you arrive

De
Review №71

One of our all time favourite soul places on Earth. A truly off the grid South African treasure.

Ja
Review №72

Peaceful, quiet, no cellphone signal, no electricity and very few people!An absolute treasure, beautiful landscapes sparse vegetation, you could literally count the trees higher than hip height on one hand.Yet despite what appears to be an empty dessert, there is life and it is sustained by nature!Visited in the park in mid December 2016.The roads are not the best, but what a jewel awaits once youve beaded the roads.What you dont have, you do without, unless you are prepared to drive very far and still have no guarantee that you will find it.The park staff are extremely friendly and helpful.Peoples people!This is a jewel for those who need to rest their souls!

Pi
Review №73

It is totaly quiet and close to Nature. No other lights could be seen at night. A ace yo relode! We stayed at Elandsberg camp and had a great view. Be carefull, the scaly road like to eat tyres!

Fl
Review №74

This is a dry Karoo area with limited animals to see. The quiet, mountains and very good camping facilities at Perdepoort, as well as the various houses available, makes this a worthwile destination. Just note that no shops or fuel are available at the Park. Fill up and stock up.

Le
Review №75

Great place...lovely open spaces

Ne
Review №76

The Tankwa Karoo is a magical place that has to be visited.

Ca
Review №77

Absolutely beautiful scenery. Just make sure to carry Tyre repair kits and an extra spare.

Ha
Review №78

Expect lots of corrugated roads, friendly staff, more corrugation, untouched nature, extreme road corrugation, breathtaking silence and some more corrugation.

Ka
Review №79

Beautiful

An
Review №80

Sunsets like nowhere else on earth!

Da
Review №81

Amazing experience. Fantastic accommodation.

Ma
Review №82

This place is amazing, although barren for most of it you will still come across a herd of springbok and Gemsbok. Keep an eye out for birds of prey and large owls. We came across a little snake as well so watch out when setting up camp.The wind can be a huge pain as it generates massive dust storms across the landscape, often hurtling at quite a pace. If you can find some shelter and shade you will be rewarded with amazing fees in hot weather with a cool breeze.Also, while driving keep a look out for Aardwolf roaming over the distance in the early morning.

Sa
Review №83

Wide open spaces where you can here the silence. Absolutely loved it!

4x
Review №84

Love the peacefulness, and quiet weekend spent there. Bumpy road to travel thou a suv is needed.

Ka
Review №85

Very lovely place to go to.Beautful mountains n very welcoming people we met.

De
Review №86

Love this place. We stay in Paulshoek. Nice and remote.

Ni
Review №87

Kruger what? Ahhh,...if you dont wanna see animals and youre kinda short in time, visit Tankwa!Great views. Solitude. Calm.

Re
Review №88

The most energized ground in SA, Old and majestic.FANTASTIC

Th
Review №89

Open spaces Quiet, nic accommodation. Drought is really a problem!

Ro
Review №90

Home of Afrikaburn. Amazing place turned into a super special place at the end of April every year.

Ha
Review №91

Vast vast Karoo plains and if you are lucky..... Some Gemsbokke

Ba
Review №92

Tranquility, clear skies. No taxis

mi
Review №93

A dream

He
Review №94

Best dust eating ever 😋

Ka
Review №95

So much SPACE!!

st
Review №96

Just go. Its incredible.

ho
Review №97

Visited the park in late August 2015. What a waste of time. Roads were rough and almost unpassable. We drove for 5 hours and didnt see a single animal (other than sheep), only a couple of birds. In fairness, we did not go to the water hole, however we did speak with a local resident of the park (farmer), who told us we could drive all day, we would not find any animals. Do not waste your time, gas,or energy visiting this park if you want to see wildlife!I used the Google Reviews to determine if this was a park worth seeing, again a waste of time. These fools who wrote these reviews have probably never even been to S Africa, let alone anywhere near the park. Best they should go play in traffic, with any luck clean up the gene pool.

In
Review №98

Beautiful all of it.

Jo
Review №99

The beauty of the arid karoo landscape

لق
Review №100

The best time to visit Tanuwa Karu National Park is the spring so the scenery is very fascinating and the atmosphere is nice and the pets are seen and the rose fields are very beautiful

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:R355, Calvinia, 8190, South Africa
  • Site:https://www.sanparks.org/parks/tankwa/tourism/general.php%23contact
  • Phone:+27 27 341 1927
Categories
  • National park
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:9AM–4:30PM
  • Tuesday:7:30AM–5:30PM
  • Wednesday:7:30AM–5:30PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:7:30AM–5:30PM
  • Saturday:7:30AM–5:30PM
  • Sunday:7:30AM–5:30PM
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