Richtersveld National Park, SANParks

Richtersveld National Park, SANParks

Description

Conjure up a desolate and forbidding landscape, seemingly devoid of life, except for some people dotting along the horizon. Make a startling discovery upon closer inspection when the mirage dissolves into the human-like half-mens (half person) and the harsh environment prove to be a treasure-chest containing the world’s richest desert flora. Miniature rock gardens, perfectly designed by nature, cling precariously to cliff faces. Tiny succulents, mere pinpoints against a backdrop of surreal rock formations, revel in the moisture brought by the early morning fog rolling in from the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes that sweep away inland from the Orange River divulge the fact that you are now in the vast mountain desert that is the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld National Park, an area managed jointly by the local Nama people and the South African National Parks. This is a harsh and unpredictable land where water is scarce and life-sustaining moisture comes in the form of early morning fog – called ‘Ihuries’ or ‘Malmokkies’ by the local people – which rolls in from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sustaining a remarkable range of small reptiles, birds and mammals. A staggering assortment of plant life, some species occurring nowhere else, is to be found here, with gnarled quiver trees, tall aloes and quaint ‘half-mens’ keeping vigil over this inscrutable landscape.

The park is only accessible by means of a 4x4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances such as combi’s and LDV’s do travel in the park. Sedan vehicles are not permitted. There is no specific route that can be booked in advance.

Contact Details Bontebok National Park +27 (0) 27 341-2366 +27 (0) 27 341-1815 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

• Flowering season – experience the springtime floral splendour of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld area (between June and October, depending on good rains).
• Bird watching – almost 200 species in the park.

Guided Trails

• Vensterval Trail (4 days, 3 nights)
• Lelieshoek-Oemsberg Trail (3 days, 2 nights)
• Kodaspiek Trail (2 days, 1 night)
• The above mentioned are only available from 1 April to 30 September
• Guided walking trails will be conducted from a base camp called Hakiesdoring hiking camp soon.

Hiking Trails Base Camp

The Hiking Trails Base Camp, which is situated in the panoramic Ganakouriep Valley and accommodates 9 people opened in mid-July. Gas stoves, fridges and hot showers are available. The hiking trail itself is not open due to a shortage of qualified guides but groups under the control of an appropriately qualified guide may be allowed to hike. It is strongly recommended that they take a person with extensive knowledge of the area with them to enhance their experience and minimize the risks associated with this terrain and climate. Bookings for this unit will be taken three months in advance until such time as the trails issue has been resolved. It is also an ideal location from which to explore the Park by vehicle. Note that the water is not suitable for drinking and it is recommended that guests should bring their own drinking water. The cost of this unit is R600 for the first four people and R100 for each subsequent person.

 5 Things To Seek

• Rock Hyrax
• Ground Squirrel
• Jackal Buzzard
• Half-men (Half Human)
• Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra

Facilities

No shops in the park, but fuel and cold drinks can be purchased at a small general store at Sendelingsdrift. The shop is open on weekdays only.

Pontoon at Sendelingsdrif

The old pont, that was last in service in 1988, when South West Africa (now Namibia) was still governed by South Africa, has been restored and offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the Garib (Orange) River that separates the two countries. Before the opening of this border a very inconvenient 485km detour and about 4 hours drive had to be undertaken to cross from one side of the Park to the other.

Pont Regulations:

Maximum carrying capacity is 6 Metric Tones or:
• 2 standard 4x4 vehicles without trailers
• 1 standard 4x4 vehicle with trailer
• 2 standard light motor vehicles with trailers
• 1 bus with a seating capacity of less than 20

Hours:

Summer and winter: 8:00 – 16:15 (weather permitting)

Fuel hours

• Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 18:00
• Saturday : 08:00 – 16:00
• Sunday: 08:30 – 13:00

Directions