The scenery around you while driving on Route 62 in the Klein Karoo will slowly start transform from lush green grass that stampedes the hills to arid, semi-desert colours like beautiful browns and vibrant yellows. When most people travel to South Africa, they visit Kruger Park, Johannesburg, Cape Town, the Western Cape Winelands and the Garden Route. However, the Klein Karoo doesn’t get as much attention from visitors.
One of the best kept secrets in South Africa lies at the heart of the Klein Karoo. This stretch of land is situated within Western Cape and consists of a string of little, magical towns and villages that lay invitingly along Route 62 in the Klein Karoo.
1. Fauna and flora in the Klein Karoo
The Klein Karoo contributes to the Succulent Karoo Biome, which is ranked among the top 26 areas in the world for biological diversity. The fauna and flora is absolutely mind-blowing when you get the chance to actually stop and take a look at its naked diversity.
2. Ostrich farms
Oudtshoorn was once a bustling centre of ostrich farming which was the main source of income for the valley. The town Oudtshoorn is called the ostrich capital of the world today because of the many ostrich farms. Visitors are welcome in the ostrich farms where they can learn a lot about these birds and even interact with them.
3. Cango Wildlife Ranch
The Cango Wildlife Ranch lies just outside of Oudtshoorn, it’s a great wildlife sanctuary which is a home to a huge number of endangered species such as cheetahs and tigers. There are also massive crocodiles because of the fact that the ranch used to be a crocodile farm. So, feel free to visit and interact with some of these amazing animals.
4. Meet the Big 5
If you’re keen on meeting the big 5, then rest assured, the Klein Karoo is the place to be. There are a number of Private Game Reserves here which you could visit. In fact, if you book a Cape Town Safari with us, you’ll be sure to drive through and visit the great Inverdoorn Game Reserve.
5. Mountain Passes
Another thing to do in the Klein Karoo is to drive through the beautiful mountain passes available. The scenic 27km long Swartberg Pass is one of the beautiful passes. It’s actually considered one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world. It definitely isn’t a road for people who get carsick though, given its steep zigzag route that goes up along a gravel road to the height of 1,583m above sea level.
6. Klein Karoo wine route
Stretching from Montagu to De Rust, this wine route is probably the lesser known one. The Klein Karoo produces hugely diverse wines because of the diversity with regards to the climate in the Klein Karoo. Expect some of the wineries to be very old-styled and beautiful. One thing that visitors have to keep in mind when visiting is the differentiation between the hot summer and cold winter. These vast differences come quickly without warning, so be sure to bring warm and cooler clothes with as well.
If you’re keen on visiting this beautiful place, then make sure to book our Cape Town Safari Tour by clicking this link: https://africantraveldesk.com/tours/cape-town-safari/.
