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The Karoo is a very special place. Its history recorded in stone and rooted in a time when the earth was young, stretches back across 300 million years. Geologists come from across the globe to study the rocks. Paleontologists consider it a dream place to to visit because some of its rich fossil beds. Visitors to the Karoo can evidence of its fascinating geology and paleontology at the Karoo National Park and along Laingsburg Geological Walk today

Peaceful Prince Albert at the foot of the spectacular Swartberg Pass makes a convenient base from which to venture out and explore. It’s close to Gamkaskloof or Die Hel (The Hell), once home to an isolated farming community that for a century was accessible only by foot or horseback. The Karoo National Park, as the largest ecosystem in South Africa, reveals how fauna and flora have adapted to their harsh environment.

The largest San rock art site in the Karoo can be visited at Nelspoort, 40km north of Beaufort West. At this site there is a fascinating record covering 30 000 years of San, Khoi-Khoi and historic period (formerly considered to be graffiti) rock art. The Central Karoo is also a place of pioneers. Born here in the last century was Dr. Emil Hoffa, founder of the modern science of orthopedics. It was also the birthplace of probably the worlds most famous surgeon, Dr. Christiaan Barnard, heart-transplant pioneer. In his home town, Beaufort West, a collection of awards presented to this famous son can be seen in the local museum.