For those seeking the brightest stars of Africa, a once in a lifetime glimpse of a rare endemic bird, or perhaps nothing more than a silence that reaches deep into the soul, Tankwa Karoo National Park is the ideal destination. Luminous clouds of dust swirl through the ancient landscape, a tortoise patiently wanders in search of succulent morsels, and a lizard basks in the sun while gemsbok and red hartebeest share the arid plains with mongoose, orb-web spiders, skinks and leggy toktokkies. The park is just a four-hour drive from Cape Town. The park is a well-known stop for birding enthusiasts in search of Karoo endemics, and is also home to a number of semi-desert dwelling mammals. Stargazing, 4x4 trails, self-drive game viewing and scenic viewpoints are some of the activities visitors and guests can look forward to.