South Africa’s Karoo National Park has closed all its popular 4×4 routes until further notice after recent heavy rainfall caused significant damage to off-road trails a blow for adventure travellers who flock to the iconic semi-desert park for its rugged wilderness experiences.
What SANParks Has Confirmed
The 4×4 roads at Karoo National Park are closed until further notice. All road rejuvenation of tarred roads within the park is now complete and there will be no further closure of tourist roads but the 4×4 routes remain shut.
Meanwhile at the nearby Tankwa Karoo National Park, the situation is even more severe. The 4×4 routes within Tankwa Karoo National Park are closed due to recent rain damage caused by flash floods, with the damage described as extreme and expected to take some time to fix.
What Visitors Can Still Do
Karoo National Park continues to offer guided and unguided walks, guided game drives, mountain biking, and breathtaking game viewing across its vast plains and Nuweveld Mountains. The park remains a sanctuary for springbok, gemsbok, Cape mountain zebra, black rhino, and more than 196 recorded bird species.
Read Also: South Africa Showcases Tourism Strength at ITB Berlin 2026 on the Back of Record 10.5Mn Arrivals
Standard two-wheel-drive scenic routes and the popular 49km Klipspringer Pass circular drive remain accessible, allowing visitors to experience the park’s extraordinary landscapes without a 4×4.
Plan Before You Go
Visitors with existing bookings that include 4×4 activities are advised to contact SANParks directly before travelling. Monitor official updates at for the latest trail status.
