Karoo

Karoo (Khoikhoi karusa, “barren”, “dry”), collective name given to semi-desert plateau regions in southern South Africa. The Southern Karoo, or Little Karoo, is located east of Cape Town between the coastal Langeberg range on the south and the Groot-Swartberge and other ranges lying about 24 km (15 mi) to the north. The Southern Karoo is bounded on the north-east by the Great Karoo, or Central Karoo, a vast plateau extending about 560 km (350 mi) east and west and bounded by mountain ranges. Some authorities classify a third plateau, which extends north from the Great Karoo to the Orange River, as the High Veld or Northern Karoo. During most of the year the Karoos are parched. Some parts are irrigated, however, and are very fertile. The irrigated land is used to grow citrus fruit, while sheep graze the rest of the Karoo. The general elevation of the plateau is between 305 and 1,220 m (1,000 and 4,000 ft) above sea level. The area is more than 259,000 sq km (100,000 sq mi).