Karoo Backpackers

The Karoo Backpackers is situated on the N1 between Johannesburg and Cape Town in Beaufort West, the heart of the Great Karoo. Our accommodation ranges from single rooms to dormitory rooms. All rooms in this wonderfully restored national monument are spacious and clean. We are situated on the main road in this quaint Karoo town, close to all amenities. Relax and experience the peace and tranquility of the Karoo.

Beaufort West lies between the Gamka and Kuils Rivers, just south of a ridge of hills and north of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Central Karoo, where rocks date back some 230 million years. This quirky town, the oldest in the Central Karoo, is rich in history that holds intrigue for the scientist, the historian and the eco-tourist.

Some of the world’s most interesting Stone Age sites have been discovered near here and a legacy of rock engravings have been left by Bushmen on farms in the area and at Nelspoort. Collections of ancient reptile fossils now grace exhibitions in museums all over the world and they form the basis of work set to uncover the truth about life when the earth was young.

Beaufort West displays flamboyant styles of architecture on an easy walk through the centre of town. Some of these are national monuments today, such as the old town hall, mission church and the Barnard House. Local farms provide a popular eco-tourism stop offering walks, hikes and challenging 4x4 routes, whilst the Karoo National Park, just outside of town, is home to a huge variety of indigenous buck and birds. It is also a sanctuary for the endangered black rhino and riverine rabbit.