Karoopark Guest House is situated in the historical centre of Graaff-Reinet and is within easy walking distance of all the major highlights Graaff-Reinet has to offer. It’s close to local pubs, shops and museums.
Karoopark Guest House dates back to the end of the 1800’s and the colonial main building boasts high ceilings and numerous areas to relax in and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the karoo
This historical establishment offer rooms with the following facilities: air con, electric blankets, tea and coffee making facilities & secure parking. The main building offer a cosy lounge area where you can enjoy the luxuries of reading a great book, watching the evening news or enjoy playing a game of cards whilst enjoy a delicious glass of wine.
Karoopark offers you peaceful, tranquil surroundings and mountain views. Unspoiled landscapes, fresh Karoo air and mountain water all year round. On a hot day take a swim in swimming pool and enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains surrounding the historical town of Graaff-Reinet
Experience the uniqueness of the Karoo on your doorstep & enjoy your time in the Gem of the Karoo, as Graaff-Reinet is fondly called. No one can leave town without a taste of Withond our local house-drink. Another must is our Karoolamb-chops and Kudu Steak. Come and enjoy the delights of the Karoo and explore South Africa's newest National Park, the Camdeboo National Park.
Tours are also on offer to the nearby highlights such as the Valley of Desolation, Township tour and Camdeboo National Park.
Rooms
Karoopark is a family run guest house with 24 bedrooms and offers you a variety of choices. The rooms available are en-suite twin rooms, en-suite double rooms, family rooms or Self-catering units. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Each individually styled room has a television with a DSTV channel and coffee and tea facilities. All rooms have private entrances and secure parking.
Dining
Your hosts, Buks & Louise, enjoy treating guests to true Karoo hospitality. The smell of fresh coffee welcomes you back from a morning walk in the garden, to a hearty breakfast next to the pool or in the Breakfast Room
We have an a’la carte restaurant for Dinner. Visitors can enjoy tasty meals such as Karoo lamb chops and a range of other traditional Karoo meals like Kudu, Springbuck, and Ostrich etc. Vegetarians are welcome and we cater for specific dietary requirements. Meals are served on the veranda in the summer or in the beautiful dining room during the cold winter evenings
Lunch is served on request
Excursions Available At Karoopark
Valley of Desolation Tour
Graaff-Reinet is well known for the Valley of Desolation. The sheer cliff face is a geological phenomenon that is situated in the Camdeboo National Park. This 19 500 ha reserve surrounds the 220 year-old town of Graaff-Reinet. The Valley of Desolation is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 180 million years. The Valley was declared a Scenic National Monument in 1935. The columns of Dolerite rise 120 meters from the valley floor and in the distance the Karoo landscape stretches to the horizon. The endless space spreading out in various directions has rendered many tourists speechless. It is a mecca for hikers, photographers and students of flora and fauna. Itis a very rewarding site after the steep drive up the mountain. A circular hiking trail of 1,5km (45 minutes) starts at the car park and leads to a wonderful view of Graaff-Reinet and the endless expanse of the surrounding Karoo. This site is 17 km from town. Late afternoon is the best time to enjoy the scenery, since the tinted sun saturates the reds of the rock towers. Do take along
Game viewing
Graaff-Reinet's game reserve was declared a National Park in 2005. Six species of animals that are not in the Kruger National Park is to be found in the Camdeboo National Park outside of Graaff-Reinet, these are Springbuck, Gemsbuck, Red Hartebeest, Mountain Zebra, Black Wildebeest & Blesbuck. There are 43 mammals, 336 plants and over 220 recorded species of bird life to be found in this region. Early explorers were amazed at the vast herds of game that roamed the area, especially the Springbok. People fondly recall these herds taking 3 days to pass. These animals are still prevalent in the district and many farms carry the white and black Springbok.
Township Tour
A two-hour trip through Graaff-Reinet's townships - Kroonvale & Umasizakhe is a must. Walk around with your guide, Isaac, and visit a local family where you enjoy a refreshing tea and roosterbrood - a small bread baked on an open fire in this unique setting. You also pass the house where Robert Managaliso Sobukwe, the founder of the Pan African Congress, grew up.
This is one of the first black operated tourist ventures in Graaff-Reinet whereby the community gets all the financial gain. The money generated would be allocated to community projects, which the community decides upon. The people of Umasizake have undertaken to broaden the tour by exhibiting and demonstrating the Xhosa culture and having handmade goods for sale.