Tankwa Karoo National Park

Accommodation

Tankwa Karoo National Park is designated as a Scientific National Park and still in a developmental phase. As such the park offers very little visitor facilities and other amenities and it is thus essential for prospective visitors to confirm availability, directions and other information with the park management prior to arrival.

Paulshoek Cottage

The Paulshoek farmstead was restored in 2003 and able to accommodate up to six people. The cottage is situated approximately 5km from the new park offices at Roodewerf and has beautiful views of the imposing Roggeveld Escarpment and plains in-between.

• Two bedrooms, 4 beds (1 double bed and 1 single bed per room)
• One bathroom (shower only)
• Open-plan kitchen and living-room
• Braai-facilities
• Fully equipped with linen, cutlery, towels, cooking utensils etc.
• Gas two-plate stove and fridge
• Paraffin lamps and candles (provided)
• “Donkey” / boiler, wood supplied
• Wood stove for lighting during cold spells

Varschfontein Cottage

The Varschfontein Cottage, also an old farmhouse, was renovated in 2005 and is situated 45km from the park offices at Roodewerf and able to accommodate up to nine people. The cottage lies within the dry Westerly Section of Tankwa National Park and the desolate beauty of the area is truly breathtaking.

• Three bedrooms, 6 beds (1 double bed and 1 single bed per room)
• One bathroom (shower only)
• Open-plan kitchen and living-room
• Braai-facilities
• Reservoir for swimming purposes
• Accessibility by low-clearance vehicles hampered by the occurrence of water relay humps in road
• Access through sedan & 2x4 vehicles not advisable in winter
• Fully equipped with linen, cutlery, crockery, towels, cooking utensils etc.
• Gas two-plate stove and fridge
• Paraffin lamps and candles (provided)
• “Donkey” / boiler, wood supplied
• Hearth inside house for cooking or lighting of fire during cold spells

Elandsberg Wilderness Camp

Development of a five cottage wilderness camp was initiated in September 2006, with the first two cottages completed in July 2007. Construction on the three remaining cottages is due for completion by February 2008.

The wilderness camp is situated in the hills of the area known as the Elandsberg, with views of Tanqua Karoo plains and the imposing Roggeveld Escarpment. Each cottage is built with locally made clay-and-straw bricks with sections of walls built with rocks from the site, a traditional building method which can still be seen in many of the ruins within the park.

Three cottages will consist of a bedroom, bathroom, open-plan kitchen and living room, the latter able to sleep a further two people on a queen-sized sleeper couch and thus capable of accommodating a total of four guests each. A universal unit for mobility impaired guests and a two bedroom unit will complete the wilderness camp. A small splash-pool will also be constructed at each unit by February 2008.

• One bathroom (shower only)
• Open-plan kitchen and living-room
• Covered Braai / Stoep
• Fire-place in living room
• Accessibility by low-clearance vehicles hampered at present
• Fully equipped with linen, cutlery, crockery, towels, cooking utensils etc.
• Gas appliances
• Paraffin lamps and candles (provided)

Tanqua Guesthouse

The Tanqua Guest House is very conveniently situated on the southern boundary of the Tankwa National Park. Built somewhat like a desert fort, the Tanqua Guest House was formerly run by Esther and Alewyn Burger but was incorporated into the park at the end of 2007. The Guest House offers a range of accommodation and has played host to weddings, teambuilding exercises as well as film and commercial shoots. A 900m landing strip is also situated next to the main building allowing fly-ins by guests.

• Four bedrooms, 1 double and 3 twin
• Two bathrooms (one en-suite)
• Open-plan kitchen, living-and dining room
• Braai-facilities
• Fireplace in living room
• Fully equipped with linen, cutlery, crockery, etc.
• Electrical appliances
• Limited electricity available via generator

Camping facilities

No formal facilities for camping are currently available in Tankwa National Park. Fully self-sufficient campers are however allowed to camp at designated spots on approval of park management.

A campsite with six stands, in the area known as Perdekloof, is due for completion early 2008.