The Little Karoo is one of the two sub-regions of the semi-desert Karoo region of South Africa.
As the name implies, the Little Karoo is the smaller (and more southerly) of the two Karoo sub-regions (the other being the appropriately named Great Karoo). Geographically it is a fertile valley (enclosed by the Swartberg, Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains) that features many spectacular rock formations and passes.
The main town of the region is Oudtshoorn, but some well-known mission stations such as Zoar , Amalienstein and Dysselsdorp are also situated here.
This area was first explored by European settlers in the late 17th century, who encountered the Khoisan people living in a semi-arid area. Due to modern farming methods it was later turned into a productive farming district.