Karoo National Park, founded in 1979, is a park you see from the car: visitors stay in their vehicles except at designated spots such as picnic sites and lookout points. Those stops are what shape a family day. Bulkraal and Doornhoek picnic sites both have picnic and ablution facilities, and Bulkraal adds a braai area, a swimming pool and green lawn all year round, which makes it the natural midday break between drives. Day visitors are welcome throughout the year without booking. For families staying on into the evening, the park runs guided night drives into the nocturnal Karoo. The trade-off is Bulkraal’s popularity: over busy summer periods, park management may cap the number of guests there, so the pool stop is not guaranteed on the busiest days.
Family FAQ
How much does Karoo National Park cost?
Daily conservation fee until 31 Oct 2026: international visitors R325 adult (12+), R163 child (2-11); SADC nationals R149 / R74; South Africans R73 / R37.
Do you need to book Karoo National Park in advance?
Day visitors need no booking and are welcome all year.
Where are the toilets at Karoo National Park?
Ablution facilities at Bulkraal and Doornhoek picnic sites.