LIONS IN KAROO NATIONAL PARK AFTER 170 YEARS

8 Lions were released in the Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West late last year. There has not been wild lions in the Greater Karoo in more than 170 years. The last wild lions were shot around 1842.
The lions were brought from Addo National Park and were released with success after they have been in a separate enclosure for a month. The introduction of lions is great new as this will have great tourism value for

the Karoo National Park. The carrying capacity for lions in the Karoo National Park has been set for between 15 and 20 lions, depending on the conditions in the Park and availability of prey species.
Previously of course the main camp at Karoo National Park was not fenced and you were allowed to go for hikes on your own. However due to the presence of the lions, the camp has now been fenced and guides will escort the guests on hiking trails.

The Great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the Karoo National Park is but a small portion. The Karoo is the largest eco system in South Africa and home to a diversity of life, all having adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. Karoo National Park is shadowed by the magestic Nuweveld Mountains and rolling plains. We are fortunate that many species once again have the opportunity to roam their former areas at Karoo National Park.

The introduction of the lions are exciting news for all lovers of the Karoo National Park. This park is known for its beauty and of course the many species of succulents found here. I personally love it here as the sun goes down and it gets darker and darker and the sky becomes an inky black. And the moon rises and you see millions of stars against the darkness of the African night. This is magical Africa.

Karoo National Park is well worth a visit. You wont find the big 5 here, but you will leave with a feeling of peace and a desire to revisit this place of magical colours.
http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za/south-africa/karoo/accommodation.html