Origins

Gecko Rock is located within one of the World’s most unique regions. Known simply as the Karoo. The name, ‘Karoo’ originates from the Khoikhoi tribe, who long ago called the region ‘Garob’ – meaning place of great dryness. The word eventually changed to Carro, and finally its present-day form.

Described by Prof. Bruce Rubidge as a ‘Palaeontological Wonderland’ the Karoo basin contains one of the most remarkable records of prehistoric activity – from the Permian to the Jurassic age. Plants and animals abound too – and on Gecko Rock one can observe three distinct vegetation types – succulent Karoo – (vetplante), rhenosterveld Karoo – (shrubs, bushes, and trees) and fynbos Karoo – restios, proteas, ericas.

The indigenous game is found on the reserve – leopard, springbok, gemsbok, zebra, grey rhebuck, duiker, steenbokkie, klipspinger, aardvark, African wild cat, caracul and even honey badger. Many bird species including the rare black harrier and Verreaux’s eagle that frequently nests in the valleys and cliffs.

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