Karoo Gariep Conservancy

Karoo is a “quenna” word meaning “dry and hard”. Gariep is also a “quenna” word meaning “big water”or river. The Karoo Gariep Concervancy is found on the Karoo “dry and hard” side of the Gariep “big river”. Like its name describes this is a very natural diverse part of South Africa. The fact that the N1 route runs through the Karoo Gariep Conservancy adds to its popularity and it is geographically halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg. The direct effect of this diversity in habitat is the variety of wildlife and birdlife you get here. The bushman etchings found on the conservancy are evident of this. Many of the animals are nocturnal to adjust to the harsh climate.

The conservancy was founded in 2005 by P.C. Ferreira. It is home to the only hippos in the Karoo. They have been reintroduced after the last ones were shot out of this system more than 200 years ago. This act has won P.C the very prestige Kudu award from South Africa Parks Board for his contribution to conservation in South Africa.