Karoo National Park

Karoo National Park is set in the Great Karoo, South Africa's largest natural ecosystem. Consisting largely of vast, undulating plains and including part of the Numeveld mountain range the park is a spectacular landscape containing a hugely diverse range of animal and plant life.
Karoo literally means 'great thirst' and the lack of rain in the park leads to extremely clear skies which rarely disappoint a keen stargazer, to which the nearby Southern African Large Telescope will attest. The wide open spaces that the park is renowned for ensure a panoramic view of the stars and give rise to some of the most impressive sunsets and sunrises in the world. The national park runs night safari tours under the guidance of trained staff, which are a great way to get right out into the wilderness where, away from any habitation and associated light pollution, the stars are at their most spectacular. There are also other tours running in the area, which include telescope access and the chance to take professional quality photographs.