Rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes that sweep away inland from the Orange River divulge the fact that fact that you are now in the vast mountain desert that is the Richtersvelt 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 a 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 'halfmens' keeping vigil over this inscrutable landscape.
Climate
The Richtersvelt climate is harsh and dry, with extreme temperatures of 53 șC having been recorded in mid-summer. Activity should be restricted to early mornings and late afternoon. Nights are cool, but may become chilly during winter.
Travel
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 (94km). Follow the signs to Sendelingsdrift. The park headquarters in the Reuning mining village are indicated by SA National Parks flag.
- The scinic 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 Elksteenfontein and Vioolsdrift.
- Vioolsdrift is the closest international border post with Namibia. The pontoon 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 4x4 vehicles, but vehicles with high ground 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 on departure.
- Driving in the park at night is not permitted.
Office Hours
08:00 - 16:00 at Sendelingsdrift
Tourist Facilities
Accommodation
- Ten-bed Arieb Guest Cottage, five bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with bath; other with shower)
- Eight-bed Kokerboom Guest Cottage, four bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with bath; other with shower)
- Four-bed Fish Eagle Guest Cottage, two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with bath; other with shower)
- All the above accommodation have a lounge, dinning room and kitchen, as well as ceiling fans in bedrooms, lounge and dinning room.
- Bedding, towels and soap are provided. The kitchens are fully equipped, including stove, refrigerator, crockery and cutlery.
Other 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.
- Fuel hours: Monday - Friday:
07:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 08:00 - 16:00
Sunday: 08:30 - 13:00
Camping
- Potiespram, Richtersberg, Kokerboomkloof and Die Koei have 3 camping sites each (maximum of 3 persons per site), and Die Hoop eight (maximum on 6 persons per site).
- Camping sites have no shelter or facilities.
- Supply own water, food supplies, tents and outdoor equipment.
- Tents only as terrain is not suitable for caravans.
- Heavy night-time dew occurs.
Recreational activities and adventures
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 operational from 1 April to 30 September.
Take Note
- Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed on departure.
- Firewood and kindling may not be collected in the park.
- Gas cookers are recommended due to evening winds.
- Extra spare wheel, tools, spares, enough food and extra water containers are essential.
- Make sure that you always have a good supply of water.
- Fresh water is available at Sendelingsdrift.
- Do not sleep on the bare ground as the park is ideal scorpion habitat.
- Cotton sheets will keep insects at bay.
- Driving off indicated routes and outside camping site is a serious offence. It is harmful to the park and dangerous to the visitor.
- Scarves protect against dust and wet towels from extreme heat. Provide clothing for extreme temperatures.
- No pets, generators or outboard motors permitted.
- Picking of plants, removal of seeds, rocks, crystals or drift-wood is an offence. Please help us preserve the Richtersveld's wilderness atmosphere.
Info supplied by the
South African National Parks
