The best way to truly experience the serenity of the Tankwa Karoo National Park is to give up your basic comforts and opt to camp at a rustic, informal campsite in the park.
The open landscapes of Tankwa Karoo National Park
Tankwa Karoo National Park is receiving more and more attention these days and deservedly so. It epitomises a quintessential Karoo escape – solitude, space and absolute quietness. It is raw in a romantic kind of way and has the tendency to calm one down and tune one out of the fast-paced life and headspace so many of us are accustomed to.
What I love most about staying at this park are its rustic campsites. By rustic, I mean basic, informal campsites that have no facilities whatsoever and that feel like they are in the middle of nowhere. All you get is the right to access and camp on a deserted piece of Karoo veld and the subsequent privilege of letting the nothingness, space and serenity soak in.
While rough camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I certainly recommend it for anyone who isn’t afraid of not having a toilet to flush or shower to clean up in. It is something to be enjoyed precisely because you have to let go of all the distracting comforts you’re used to, which compels you to unwind properly and let the setting take over.
The two camps I have stayed at are Volmoesfontein and Steenkampshoek.
Volmoesfontein
Volmoesfontein is located just south of Pramberg, really just consists of a run-down cottage, flat plains and a view of the mountains in the distance. The highlight for me was the complete silence at night and the sense that I was the furthest away I could be from any form of civilisation.
Find out more about camping at Volmoesfonetin here
What to expect at Volmoesfontein Campsite
Volmesfontein Campsite exudes the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere
A spectacular Karoo sunset at Volmoesfontein
Steenkampshoek
Steenkampshoek is accessible by 2X4 and 4X4 only and is situated on the western slope of the Roggeveld Mountains. This is an incredibly special spot where you have the privilege of a mind-blowing view over most of Tankwa Karoo National Park and onto the Ceres and Cederberg Mountains in the distance. We didn’t expect much before we got there, but when we arrived we were completely overwhelmed by the magic of the setting and the expansive landscape in front of us.
Find out more about camping at Steenkampshoek here
The view from Steenkampshoek campsite
On the slopes of the Roggeveld Mountains at Steenkampshoek
The best thing about sunset at Steenkampshoek, is the view towards the Cederberg and Ceres Mountains
We arrived at Steenkampshoek very impressed with what we saw!
Other informal camping options include: Pyper se Boom (2X4/4X4), Skaapwagterspos (2X4/4X4), Oom Rickert se Huis (2X4/4X4) and Biesjiesfontein (all vehicles).
