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Richtersveld National Park

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National Parks South Africa

Richtersveld, Northern Cape, South Africa

An arid mountainous wilderness with splendid scenery, rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes, bordering the Orange River.

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 Richtersveld National Park, an area managed jointly by th local Nama people and the South African National Parks.
A staggering assortment of plant life, some species occuring nowhere else, are to be found here, with gnarled quiver trees, tall aloes and quaint `halfmens’ keeping vigil over this inscrutable landscape.

The Richtersveld climate is harsh and dry, with extreme temperatures of 53C having been recorded in mid-sumer. Activity should be restricted to early mornings and late afternoons. Nights are cool, but may become chilly during winter.

The Richtersveld National Park is a very good example of one of the most interesting mega-ecosystems of the world, the succulent Karoo. There is no desert flora on our planet, possessing similar species richness and individuality of flora.

On a surface area of one square kilometer more than 360 plant species of flowering plants (angiosperms) are found at a site with an average rainfall of only 68 mm per year.

One outstanding example of unique life forms is the psammophorous plants, i.e. plant species that are fixing a layer of sand to their surface in order to build a protective shelter against the force of sand storms and the related sand blasting.

The Richtersveld is widely reckoned as one of the worlds richest succulent areas. It is estimated that 50 generas out of a total of 160 from the Mesembryanthemaceae family occur here.

A number of the endemic plant species only occur in small colonies on the highest peaks. About 30% of the total floristic composition is endemic to the park.

Two trees are particularly associated with the Richtersveld: the bastard quiver tree and the halfmens (half-human), Pachypodium namaquanum. The human-like trees are revered by the Namas as the embodiment of their ancestors, half human, half plant, mourning for their ancient Namibian home.

Camping
Potjiespram, Richtersberg, Kokerboomkloof and Die Koei have 3 camping sites each (maximum of 6 persons per site), and De Hoop eight (maximum of 6 persons per site).
A maximum of three vehicles per site are allowed.
Camping sites on the banks of the Orange River – no shelter or facilities except braai areas.

Tourist must supply own water, food supplies, tents and outdoor equipment. Tents only as the Richtersveld terrain is not suitable for caravans. Please note – heavy dew sometimes occurs at night.

Rooms
Ten-bed Arieb Guest Cottage, five bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with bath; other with shower). It has a lounge, diningroom and kitchen, as well as ceiling fans in bedrooms, lounge and dining room.

Bedding, towels and soap are provided. The kitchen is fully equipped, including stove, refrigerator, crockery and cutlery.

How to get there
The most commonly used route is via Springbok following the tarred N7 to Steinkopf, Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay.

From Alexander Bay a gravel road runs along the Orange River to Sendelingsdrift/Reuning (94 km). Follow signs to Sendelingsdrift.

The scenic route via Kuboes, Lekkersing and Eksteenfontein provides an additional dimension of what the region has to offer.
Another spectacular route, recommended for 4X4 vehicles only, is over the mountain pass via Helskloof Reserve between Eksteenfontein and Vioolsdrift.

Vioolsdrift is the closest international border post with Namibia. The ferry at Sendelingsdrift is for mining personnel only.

Admission and overnight permits must be obtained at the park office at Sendelingsdrift before entering the park.
Overnight visitors must arrive before 16:00 to reach camping sites before dark.

Internal roads are `farm tracks’, mainly suited to 4 X 4 vehicles, but vehicles with high clearances such as kombis and LDVs do travel in the park Sedan vehicles are not permitted.

Due to deep-sanded river beds and rough mountain passes, driving in convoy is suggested.

Single vehicles must sign an agreement to report back to park headquarters before departure. Driving in the park at night is not permitted.

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