The floral diversity of the Little Karoo is some of the highest in the world. A number of factors are responsible for this diversity. The region consists of mountains, valleys, rolling hills, rocky areas, plains and a maze of small drainage systems. Together with the convergence of a hot and dry climate in the north and a cool and moist climate in the south, plant life is able to thrive here. Over 3200 plant species occur here, of which 400 are endemic.

The most dominant plant species here are succulents, desert-adapted grasses, perennial & annual wildflowers, acacia trees and drought-resistant shrubs. The months of July, August and September are the best to visit here and see an abundance of colorful succulents. Noteworthy plant families are the Stonecrop and Stone Plant families. In these two families you will find many succulent plants that are so characteristic to arid environments.

There are quite a lot of different mammal species in the Little Karoo. Some of the game reserves have the Big 5 present and other reserves host species like Klipspringer, Greater Kudu, Springbok, Cape Porcupine, Gemsbok, Giraffe, Aardvark, Mountain Zebra and Nyala. Some reserves also inhabit the critically endangered Riverine Rabbit.

Over 200 bird species have been observed here, with some notable birds being the Martial Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Cape Rockjumper, Southern Black Korhaan, Blue Crane, Crowned Lapwing, Kori Bustard and Blacksmith Lapwing. But this region is most famous for the Common Ostrich. Although they can be found throughout South Africa, the most handsome specimens have always come from the Little Karoo. You can find many Ostrich farms here, especially around Oudtshoorn.

The, mostly, dry and arid landscape of the Little Karoo is ideal for reptiles. With 5 species of tortoise and many snakes and lizards, this class is well represented.