For those who aren’t in the know, the Karoo has a lot more to offer than arid conditions, heatstroke and headaches! Brush off those old stereotypes and, with a fresh set of eyes, check out our top 5 reasons why the Karoo rocks!

1. See the Fossils

The Karoo is one of South Africa’s richest fossil sites – with renowned scientists hailing it as a wonder of the world. Many dinosaur fossils displayed in museums around the world come from this area; which was once a lush swamp-like environment that was the battleground of gigantic lizards like the Pareiasaurus and Diictodon. The old swamp has since turned into mud, clay and sand that have enveloped and preserved the remains of both plants and animals. These remains were eventually moved down by pressure, before being fossilised into layers of rock that researchers dig out today.

2. The Starry Skies

If you lie out at night and look up at the stars you will get lost in their beauty. They, much like the landscape of the Karoo, retain a sense of timelessness. This could be why the upper Karoo Hoogland has attracted the nickname ‘Gateway to the Universe’. The best town for star-gazing has to be Sutherland, where the crisp nights turn the ordinarily hazy stars seen in the city into bright gems; some of which you can even discern the faint colours of.

3. Experience the Valley of Desolation

The landscape within the Valley of Desolation is quite simply spectacular – towering dolerite cliffs and spars brush dot the landscape. Once you reach the summit of the dolerite tower you’ll see the town of Graaff-Reinet. The town is set between the mountains and offers a relative sanctuary of green, compared with the semi-desert conditions around it. The best time of day to view the Valley of Desolation is at sunrise or sunset, when the sun’s rays light up the rocky landscape in a magical way.

4. Experience Nieu Bethesda

If you’ve never been to Nieu Bethesda, then you’re missing out on seeing some of the strangest and most beautiful figurines and designs at the Owl House! This small dwelling was home to the innovative artistic legacy of the late Helen Martins. After her death in 1976 the Owl House fell into disrepair, before it was taken under wing by the local council and restored to its former glory. Be sure to see the stone sculptures in the yard, and the eerie owl guardians dotted all over – which look even more haunted in the winter months, when they’re covered in snow.

5. Stay at a Farm

The Karoo has many interesting farms, such as the Merino Wool sheep farms and the Ostrich farms. If you’re very brave (and if they offer it), you can even attempt to ride an ostrich. The majority of the farms offer overnight accommodation and the chance to explore the working farm environment, where you can sometimes pick fresh fruits and herbs. But there are also many other types of Karoo accommodations to be found.

Know any other hidden gems in the Karoo? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

Main image credited to frames of mind (Flickr)