As luminous clouds of dust swirl through the scarred landscape, a Karoo tortoise patiently ambles around in search of a succulent coral aloe. A lizard basks in the sun while Suricates and mongoose share the arid plains with orb-web spiders, centipedes and leggy toktokkies.
The 80 000 hectare Tankwa Karoo National Park, proclaimed in 1986 and still in a development stage, is at present in a veld recovery phase and it will be some time before the original vegetation re-establishes itself. Even so, after the occasional shower, the park erupts into a dazzling display of flowering succulents. With an average rainfall of 80mm a year, even a scant shower is reason for celebration.
Nomadic pastoralism first brought sheep into the succulent Karoo about 2 000 years ago, and cattle some 1 500 years later. The European pastoralists (trekboere) who moved northwards from the Cape Peninsula in the 18th century were nomadic, moving with their flocks to suitable grazing. In the 19th century the succulent Karoo became the first biome used for settled European pastoralism (Milton et al. 1997). The extremely arid summers however make much of the succulent Karoo unsuitable for settled pastoralism, even now when boreholes provide perennial water and forage can be imported from other areas (Milton et al. 1997
Accommodation
Klein Cedarberg Private Nature Reserve
We can testify that a visit to Klein Cedarberg is an experience in itself, even aside from its beautiful location in the Koue Bokkeveld region, west of Skitterykloof and not far from the true Katbakkies Pass. Karoo cuisine, Cedarberg architecture and the hospitality of the Wullschleger family combine with nearby Bushman rock art, excellent potential for night drives (notably for Cape Eagle Owl, but don’t ignore Smith’s Red Rock Rabbit, Rhebok and perhaps some time a Leopard!) and ideal proximity to birding at Skitterykloof. See www.capebirdingroute.org for further details.
Tanqua Guest House
The Tanqua Guest House is very conveniently situated on the southern bank of the Tankwa Karoo, a stone’s throw from the National Park. Built somewhat like a desert fort and catering primarily to small-plane enthusiasts, the Tanqua Guest House is run by Esther and Alewyn Burger and offers a range of accommodation, from fully-catered to self-catering to a rustic ‘hunting lodge’.
Camping facilities available in the park.
Food parcels, picnic baskets, braai packs and braai wood can be arranged.
* All information is taken from the relevant source SANP.
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