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DDeep in the valleys and the vast open plains of the Tankwa Karoo National Park you can expect peace and tranquillity. Here you can fill your lungs with crisp clean air and lose yourself in the sparkling night sky. Don’t be fooled by the silence, and arid surroundings. The park is teeming with life - almost 30 mammals and more than 100 species of birds call the park home.
While you’re exploring keep an eye out for the 615 species of succulents found within the park boundaries. The succulent Karoo is the only arid region in the world to be recognised as a biodiversity hotspot. Tankwa Karoo National Park is also home to some of the oldest geological formations in South Africa.
With a recently published booklet on the park’s fascinating rock formations and geosites, you no longer need a degree in geology to identify them. Around the Tankwa Karoo National Park, a field guide to the geology and landscape will tell you exactly what to look out for and where to find them.
Did You Know?
TThe nearest towns are Ceres, Sutherland, Calvinia and Middelpos.
WWhile earth is an estimated 4550 million years old, the oldest formations in the park were created approximately 300 million years ago. In some instances, the sizzling masses of hot lava forced to the surface created eye-catching formations, while water, temperature and pressure also played a role in the formation of other geological sites.
Tankwa Karoo
TThere are 18 geological features of interest listed, easily accessible throughout the park. Some of them include plant fossils and ruins of old farm buildings or hills formed by very hot, gas-rich volcanic explosions. Signs of methane gas bubbles are still visible today. Animal lovers will enjoy the fossilized springbok hoof-prints visible in some areas. For the more adventurous, a hike up the Gannaga Pass will allow you to see parts of what used to be a huge inland body of water. 400 million years ago, the area now known as the Roggeveld, was covered in ice sheets. As the continents formed and split, this area warmed up, forming what was then the Karoo Sea. The area below the Gannaga pass used to be part of the Karoo Sea. Enjoy the stunning views from up here, but do take your hiking boots and plenty of water.
For more information, get a copy of the official park booklet. This 25-page full colour booklet includes a map and photographs and has detailed descriptions of the sites in the park. The booklet is an initiative of the SANParks Honorary Rangers (HRs) and took three years of research, two HRs and five geologists to put together.
Get yours from the park reception for R60. Copies are also available at the SANParks regional offices at Mount Pleasant in Cape Town. All proceeds will go towards developing projects in the park. The only thing left to do is to go and explore the treasures hidden in the Tankwa Karoo.
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