Karoo, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Karoo, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Karoo, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Karoo, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Karoo, South Africa, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Karoo, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Karoo, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Karoo, South Africa by month

January

If you visit Karoo during January, you may notice that it is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

February

If you are traveling to Karoo in February, you will notice that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Karoo is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Karoo is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

May

If you vacation in Karoo during May, you may see that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June in Karoo can be chilly and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you are traveling to Karoo in July, you will notice that it is relatively cool and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

August is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

September

If you go to Karoo in September, you will notice that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you go to Karoo in October, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

If you visit Karoo during November, you may see that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you vacation in Karoo during December, you may see that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Karoo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

What to do in Karoo, South Africa

The Karoo region in South Africa offers a unique and magical experience for tourists who love the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of a rural setting. Located in the Western part of the country, the Karoo is a vast desert region covering almost a third of South Africa, and it is inhabited by a variety of wildlife and plant life.

Here's a list of the top tourist attractions in Karoo, South Africa:

1. The Valley of Desolation: This breathtaking gorge is located in the Camdeboo National Park and is a must-see for tourists. The valley is filled with remarkable rock formations and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Graaff-Reinet: This historic town, founded in 1786, is home to beautiful Cape Dutch and Victorian-style buildings, museums, and galleries. The town is also a great base for exploring the Karoo National Park, which is home to numerous wildlife species.

3. The Karoo Fossil Park: This fossil park is located next to the town of Beaufort West and contains an impressive collection of fossils, including giant reptiles, mammals, and fish. Visitors can take a tour of the park and see the fossils up close.

4. The Owl House: This unique attraction located in the town of Nieu-Bethesda features the artwork of the eccentric and reclusive Helen Martins. Her sculptures created out of recycled materials and her house adorned with crushed glass and mirrors, it is a unique and quirky attraction.

5. Sutherland Observatory: This Observatory is located in the town of Sutherland, which is known for its clear skies and is the ideal spot for stargazing. The observatory offers visitors insight into the cosmos and the opportunity to use telescopes to see the magnificent starry sky that the Karoo offers.

6. Willem Pretorius Game Reserve: This game reserve in the Free State province is home to numerous wildlife species, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffaloes, making it an excellent destination for game viewing and safaris.

7. Prince Albert: A charming village town tucked away in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the town is filled with art galleries and cafes to relax and soak in the town's charm.

The Karoo offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, with its rugged beauty and fertile landscapes that offer endless opportunities for hiking, game viewing, bird watching, and stargazing. It's a destination that offers a glimpse into South Africa’s unique and diverse history and culture.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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