Access to Tankwa Karoo National Park, Northern Cape

© Chris Daly

When you visit this Northern Cape national park in South Africa you’ll experience the wonders of the Succulent Karoo Biome and truly awesome terrain. The Tankwa Karoo is idyllic for birders and those who love wide open spaces.

The Tankwa Karoo National Park in South Africa is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom which has World Heritage status, so paying attention to the flora and fauna is richly rewarding. It’s a 4 hour drive from Cape Town and truly a delightful side-trip for those travelling from / to Johannesburg. The nearest fuel stop is Middelpos (52km / 32 miles) where there is a General Dealer and Bottle Store also.

Directions to Tankwa Karoo National Park, Northern Cape, South Africa

By Air

The closest airports for commercial flights would be Cape Town and George (Garden Route). There is a 900 metre airstrip in Tankwa Karoo National Park at Oudebaaskraal near the Tanqua Guesthouse.

By Road

You will need to travel with care on your Tankwa Karoo holiday, as the roads are gravel and also you’ll have to give extra thought to your petrol and water requirements. The nearest refuelling points are Middelpos, Calvinia, Sutherland (closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday) and Ceres. It is advisable to carry extra fuel for certain types of vehicles to alleviate any concerns should you set off on an interesting detour.

Most roads are accessible with a sedan or 2x4, although certain routes will require high clearance vehicles. There are also a number of 4x4 trails and some of the accommodation facilities can only be accessed in an all terrain vehicle.

There are no formal gates to the park, but driving in it at after dark is not permitted. All guests must report to the Roodewerf reception office.

From Calvinia in the north

Take the R27 (direction Nieuwoudtville) for 4.5km (3 miles)
Turn left onto the R355 (direction Ceres) for 48km (30 miles)
Turn left at Rodewerf Pad-sign (P2267), continue for 49km (30.4 miles)
Turn right onto the P2250 for 5km (3.10 miles)
Turn left at Tankwa National Park information sign, Roodewerf

From Ceres in the south

Take the R46 for 40km (25 miles)
Take the R355 and continue for 65km (40 miles)
Turn right onto the P2250 at Tankwa National Park-sign (Middelpos Road)
Continue for 75km (46 miles)
Turn right at Tankwa National Park Information sign, Roodewerf

GPS Coordinates

Roodewerf reception office
32:14:27.9 S
20:05:44.5 E

Oudebaaskraal Airstrip
32:24.044 S
19:50.576 E

Booking Tankwa Karoo National Park

South Africa Nature Reserves : Game Reserves and National Parks