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Hi LionWhisperer,

The fence around the restcamp has been completed already but the lions have not yet been released and won't be by the time you are there. The fence is a low electrified fence so unobtrusive but effective.

Enjoy your visit!

Thanks Elzet and Megan for the info. Picked up a brochure from the Sanparks desk today. It looks awesome and we can't wait to be out there in a little over 2 weeks time. We were hoping for either the possibility of seeing Lions, or experiencing the wide open space from our front door, but are happy that there will be no construction while we there. Our main reason for the Karoo NP was the wide open spaces and star gazing.

If you like the wide open places together with absolute tranquility - then Karoo is the place to go. I'll be there in June too (also in August and next year over Easter). While waiting for the lions you can go and seek for the black rhinos (especially in the Doornhoek-valley).

Greetings from a very warm and pleasant Southern England.
Is there a date for the introduction of the lions yet?
Visiting Karoo NP in September
Regards
JDW

Hi JDW
We have not set a date for the lion release yet. It might happen by September but we are not yet sure. I'll keep everyone updated.

Hello there Guys

I was in the Karoo over the Weekend. What a wonderful place. The staff are awesome and we had a great time. Saw more game than expected, which was a pleasant surprise. The Lion proof fencing really works (From a visual point of view I mean) It does not disturb the view at all. Well done all at Sanparks.

Thanks for the wonderful compliments, LionWhisperer I'll be sure to pass them on to the staff concerned.

It's great to hear that the new fence is not a visual disturbance as I think there are a few visitors who are worried about the impact of introducing lions.

Can somebody tell me how well suited the Karoo NP chalets are to self-catering?
Is there a fridge in the kitchen?
Is the microwave the only means of cooking?
Are there pots and pans supplied?
Is there a kettle? Toaster?
Is there a braai facility outside?

Hi there, the Karoo chalets and cottages are FULLY EQUIPPED, some of them even got a DSTV (limited chanels) TV. There is a braai area outside with the most wonderful view on the veld and mountains. If you visit the webpage of Karoo National Park and click on "accommodation" in the green area on your left, you will find all the information you need.

It will be my first visit to Karoo NP , but will basically just a 'sleep over' on our way back from KNP & Golden Gate. We will spend one night here and leave later the next day for Cape Town.
Question is, what will be adviseble we can enjoy for a period of hal a day +?
We do not have a 4x4, but enjoy birds and anything else.
We will arrive 1 Oct late and depart 2 Oct 2010 afternoonish.

Hi Kaapsedraai

We also did a 'sleepover' visit to KarrooNP on our way to MZNP in June this year.

You should definitely do the whole 'Klipspringer Pass' loop which includes the Doornhoek valley. We saw lots of game, as well as Black Rhino in the Doornhoek valley, and the Black eagles. .This loop is also great for scenery. You will find quite a few birds around the rest camp, there is also a bird hide that you can walk to from the camp at the moment, but I'm not sure what is going to happen about the hide when the lions are released. If you have a bit of time left over, you can possible also do the Lammertjieleegte road on your way out.(that covers just about the whole park for non 4x4s)

We were very impressed wirh this park and will definitely stay longer next time.

Thank you wanderw. We got just over a month to go, hence me doing lots of research. I will explore these suggestions and give feedback on my return from my trip.

We are going to Karoo in December2010. Just a few questions if anyone can help we will be greatful. 1. Swimmingpool? 2. Can we camp with a Fleetline, how are the roads? 3. What are the temparatures in December, day and night?

Thanks
E

Yes, there's a swimming pool. Not sure what a Fleetline is, but I suspect it's one of those campervan thingies? We were there last month and there was a camper the size of a Golden Arrow bus, so anything smaller than that should be fine! The roads are all very good. Obviously you won't be able to do the 4x4 roads, but you won't be expecting to, will you?
Not sure of December temperatures, but I know we were nearby in Camdeboo and Graaff-Reinet in December 2008 and nearly melted. I'm sure someone else will be able to help with average temperatures...

We camped in Karoo for 13 nights over the December/January 2008/09 festive season. Yes, it can get quite hot. But the camping area has lots of trees supplying ample shade and the main rest camp has a great swimming pool (although we never used it). Make sure to pack a fan.

Most of the camping sites are more than big enough to accommodate a Jurgens Fleetline.

The entrance road from the N1 is tarred all the way to the camping area. The Lammerleegte road (for game viewing) is also tarred and so is the road up Klipspringer Pass. The Potlekkertjie road (starting at the end of the Klipspringer Pass) is a good gravel road over the middle plateau, down into and through the Doornhoek amphi-theatre and back via the Karoo plains on the western side (just less than a 50 km circular road). The Doornhoek valley is a good place to find game - even black rhino.