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The Karoo is the vast central plateau of South Africa, a land of sweeping skies and wide horizons where Nature reigns majestic.
As an eco-tourism destination the Karoo is a land like no other, offering a diversity of scenery, fauna, flora, history and cultures.
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Formed millions of years ago by the erosive and volcanic forces of nature, The Valley of Desolation is a national monument within the Karoo Nature Reserve.
Here sheer cliffs and percariously balanced columns of dolerite rise 120m from the valley floor.
Heat and cold, drought and water caused the rocks to crumble and form the bizarre formations on display here. |
Mountain Zebra National Park provides a sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra as well as herds of eland, springbok and kudu.
The proclamation of the park in 1937 saved the zebras from extinction, and currently their population stands at approximately 300.
Its 6 000 hectares boost scenery from grass covered plateaus to wooded ravines.
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The Karoo's towns, from its smallest villages to the gracious town of Graaff-Reinet, are just as fascinating as the vast country surrounding them.
The Karoo landscapes were immortalised by the author Olive Schreiner.
Yet the towns and villages which sprang up have carved a niche for themselves as intriguing places to be explored for their architectural heritage, turbulent history and unique arts. |
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