Karoo National Park’s Grantham Environmental Education Centre is most well-known for hosting school groups on conservation-related programmes. While this was originally its main purpose, and still is, it is also able to accommodate a number of other groups and events.
Situated 40 kilometres from the Park’s main gate on the Fraserburg road, the restored farmhouse and adjoining dormitories are able to accommodate up to 50 people.
Since its opening in 2008, Grantham has been the base from where the SANParks, Pick ‘n Pay and Department of Education’s Kids in Programme has taken place when in the Park. It is also here where learners are hosted on exciting conservation programmes, facilitated by the Park’s People and Conservation Department staff or the educators themselves. Here the youngsters make use of the surrounding environment as their classroom as they learn about conserving environments, participate in outdoor activities and go on guided walks. Programmes can be tailored according to each specific groups’ needs.
In the past the venue has also hosted corporate teambuilding sessions, family reunions and weekend getaways for larger groups of friends or families.
Groups of up to 50 can overnight in the nine dormitory-style bedrooms with separate ablution blocks. There is a fully equipped kitchen fitted with an electric stove, gas stove, fridge, freezer, urn, crockery and cutlery. The facility also includes a braai area perfect for outdoor cooking on an open fire.