Tankwa Karoo National Park

Size: Approximately 1,436 square kilometres.

Location: Northern Cape Province.

Best Time: Year round.

Known For: Stargazing.

To Do: Game drives, hiking, and stargazing.

One of South Africa’s most arid parks, Tankwa Karoo is not a game drive destination as much as it is a place to soak in the utter silence of the sun and wind blasted desert while observing the dazzling display of stars overhead.

While small reptiles and a variety of birds do call the park home, it is primarily popular due to its barren landscape and the clarity with which stars can be observed on a clear night.

Resident animals include the aardvark, porcupine, caracal, honey badger, mongoose, and a variety of antelopes.