One of the richest synapsid fossil beds in the world, more than 250 million years old
Area
830 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1979
Declared in 1979, Karoo National Park sits on one of the richest synapsid fossil beds in the world — the remains of the reptilian ancestors of today's mammals, which lived in the region more than 250 million years ago, before the dinosaurs even appeared — making the park a world reference for the palaeontology of the reptile-to-mammal transition.
Location
Loading map…
1 dive site within 300 km is also shown.
Karoo: 31 documented species
Mammals20Birds5Reptiles4Amphibians
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in South Africa, where Karoo lies.
SavannahDesertMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Diving and snorkellingBirdwatching
Nearby dive sites
Where can I dive near here?
192 km away
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in South Africa?
Now is a good time: Southern right whales at Hermanus (June to November (peak August to October))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
South Africa
