[1] The area was once used to graze livestock and was proclaimed in 1966 as a reserve then fenced in 1969 and wildlife introduced shortly afterward.

Goegap is part of the Succulent Karoo transitioning into the Namaqualand Broken Veld,[3] with an average rainfall of 150 mm (5.9 in) per annum.

[4][5] The main attraction is the desert bloom that covers the sand with flowers in the spring provided enough winter rain.

[1][4] Bird species found in the reserve include Cape eagle-owl, Black eagle, Booted eagle, Ludwig’s bustard, White-backed mousebird, Karoo eremomela, Dusky sunbird,[4] ostriches, spotted dikkops and Ground woodpecker.

[5] Megafauna such as oryx, klipspringer, duiker, and the endangered Hartmann's mountain zebras call the park home.