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Tankwa Karoo Cottages Accommodation Tankwa Karoo National Park SANParks

Tankwa Karoo Cottages

The Tankwa Karoo National Park is still in its developmental phase and the process of expanding the area protected and managed by SANParks, is still continuing. The damage done to the vegetation which falls within the Succulent Karoo biome, have to be repaired, because this is one of the most arid sections of the Karoo. Various endemic plants of the Succulent Karoo need to be protected in this Biodiversity Hotspot and the Tankwa Karoo National Park also offers a safe haven for several endemic birds and wildlife making this place their home.


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Tankwa Karoo Cottages Camping and Room Prices

Accommodation Type Price Per Night
room R xxx
room R xxx
Camping R xxx

Accommodation Options

As farms were added to the protected land, the original farmsteads have been converted into overnight accommodation cottages where visitors can experience the Tankwa Desert first hand, without many luxuries and modern facilities.

Experience the sense of peace and tranquillity offered by the vast expanse of the Tankwa Karoo National Park by staying in one of these rustic cottages. The exquisite Karoo landscapes, especially during the spectacular flower season running from August to October each year, provides a soulful place for relaxation and recharging.

De Zyfer Cottage Paulshoek Cottage Varschfontein Cottage

De Zyfer Cottage

Up to six persons can be accommodated at De Zyfer Cottage. There are 2 bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed. A sleeper couch in the living room can accommodate an additional 2 persons, preferably children.

The bathroom is private and shared by all guests staying at the cottage. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering and even though there is no electricity, guests can enjoy a hot shower because the water is heated through a traditional donkey boiler. Candles and lanterns provide lighting.

De Zyfer Cottage Facilities

  • Accommodates maximum 6 persons
  • 2 Bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed
  • Sleeper couch in living room for 2 more persons, preferably children
  • Bathroom
  • Candles and lanterns for lighting
  • Hot water through donkey boiler
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Living room

Paulshoek Cottage

Of all the farmsteads added to the Tankwa Karoo Park and being restored to accommodate guests, Paulshoek Cottage was the first. It is quaintly furnished with antique furniture and accommodates up to six persons. It is located only 5 km from Roodewerf where the Park’s Reception is. Beautiful views on the plains and the Roggeveld Escarpment can be enjoyed from Paulshoek Cottage.

There are 2 bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed and a single bed and a maximum of 6 persons are accommodated. There is no electricity, but lighting is provided by candles and paraffin lamps. The bathroom is private and water is heated through a donkey boiler. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering and barbecue facilities are provided.

Paulshoek Cottage Facilities

  • Accommodates maximum 6 persons
  • 2 Bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed and a single bed
  • Bathroom with shower, toilet and hand basin
  • Candles and lanterns for lighting
  • Hot water through donkey boiler
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Living room
  • Barbeque facilities

Varschfontein Cottage

This cottage is located in a remote area of the park and guests have to book at least two nights’ stay. It has 3 bedrooms and 6 beds and can accommodate up to six persons. The bathroom is private and shared by all guests staying at the cottage.

The kitchen is equipped for self-catering and even though there is no electricity, guests can enjoy a hot shower because the water is heated through a traditional donkey boiler. Candles and lanterns provide lighting.

Varschfontein Cottage Facilities

  • Accommodates maximum 6 persons
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 6 Single beds
  • Bathroom with toilet, shower and basin
  • Candles and lanterns for lighting
  • Hot water through donkey boiler
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Living room
  • Barbecue facilities


The park is still in a developmental and land consolidation phase and therefore offers limited facilities, signage and other amenities to visitors. The seclusion, tranquillity and silence experienced in the Tankwa Karoo National Park are the most important features, drawing visitors who need a time away from modern technology and facilities, as these come with their own sets of worries. Appreciating the spectacular landscapes and colourful display of flowers during springtime does not require amenities, which means the focus is here more on what is NOT available in the park.

There is no fuel station in the Tankwa Karoo National Park. The nearest fuel supplies are located in Calvinia, which is about 90 km from the park. Please ensure that you refill before driving all the way. There are no restaurants, ATMs or shops, so guests must ensure that they bring sufficient supplies, including drinking water. There is little to no cell phone reception in the park.

Facilities

  • Roodewerf Office and Reception
  • Oudebaaskraal Airstrip
  • Oudebaaskraal Dam

The park attracts visitors in need of time to be cut off from communication and modern facilities, but with an enthusiasm for the rugged nature of the desert and the breath-taking beauty of spectacular flower displays.

Self-sufficient campers have the opportunity to enjoy “wild” camping by staying in the informal campsites where no facilities are available. While game watching is high on the list of things to do, enjoying the magnificence of the biodiversity hotspot for Succulent Karoo Plants. Due to the clean, crisp and clear air, stargazing is an incredible experience.

Activities

  • Stargazing
  • Discover unique and rare plants in one of only 35 biodiversity hotspots on earth
  • Birdwatching
  • Flower season
  • 4x4 Trails
    • Leeuberg
    • Watervlei
  • Game watching
  • Mountain biking and walking
    • No formal hiking or bicycling trails but visitors may make use of marked roads within the immediate vicinity of their booked accommodation facility.
  • Visit scenic viewpoints - visitors may exit vehicles at these points
    • Gannaga Pass
    • Elandsberg
    • Drive Gannaga Pass - 6 km pass
  • Rugged, volcanic mountains and fascinating geological landscapes
  • Magnificent floral splendour in springtime
  • 188 recorded different species of birds
  • Endemic species of birds

Tankwa Karoo Cottages Map And Directions



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