The Tankwa Karoo is a photographic Nirvana.
The Tankwa-Karoo is an area of extremes, there is no middle ground. Ask the locals you either love it or hate it, but as a photographer, I love it. The weather in the Tankwa is extreme with summer temperatures easily exceeding 40°C and winter temperatures often dropping below 0°. Spring (Aug – Sept) is one of the best times to visit as the temperatures are milder, an added bonus is the amazing wildflower display. It is an area of extreme beauty and there is no shortage of amazing vistas to tempt a landscape photographer.
The Tankwa has incredible mountains that make for amazing sunrise and sunset images as can be seen in the silhouette above. The Tankwa is home to a large variety of bird and animal species both inside and outside the Tankwa National Park. There are a number of private game reserves in and around the Tankwa where the Big 5 can be seen. As a photographer, and regular visitor to the Tankwa, I know the area can be hard on people, vehicles and camera gear with lots of dust and the occasional rain and snow. When coming to visit it is best to be prepared.
There are a couple things to bear in mind when coming to visit. The R355 road leading into the Tankwa is notorious for destroying tyres. While the road can be driven in a normal sedan, this will limit the areas you can visit. A high clearance 4×2 vehicle will allow access to more of the Tankwa while the best option is still a 4×4. If at all possible, deflate tyres as you enter the Tankwa and reduce speeds to between 80-100kph to minimise the possibility of destroying a tyre.
There are many places in the Tankwa to get a good meal, it is however best to bring extra drinking water and food just in case you stay out in the field longer than expected, which is not unusual out here. While you can visit the Tankwa for a day it will be best to give yourself at least 2 days. The area is vast and having the second day will allow you to spend more time capturing sunset, sunrise and amazing Astro-photographs.
Astro-photography in the Tankwa is very good as there is no light pollution, the closest towns are miles away. The Tankwa is an amazing location for all kinds of photography and my best advice, take the time and the drive. Come and see for yourself.
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