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20 things you may not know about the Richtersveld

16/7/2015

27 Comments

 
Picture
By Roxanne Reid
When we went to the Richtersveld for the first time in 2004, we wanted to soak up information from anyone and everyone. It seemed a daunting undertaking. And although it certainly isn’t a journey to be undertaken lightly, given that it’s so remote and rough, these 20 things you may not know about the Richtersveld might help to set in motion plans for your own visit.

1. The /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park covers more than 6 000 square kilometres, 27% of it in the far northwest of South Africa (Richtersveld), the rest stretching across the Orange River into Namibia (/Ai/Ais) and taking in the Fish River Canyon along the way.

2. The quickest way to get to the South African entrance gate is via Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay, just 90km away. The more scenic route to the park via Kuboes, Lekkersing and Eksteenfontein will give you an idea of what makes this region is so special. (See Where to stay in the Richtersveld) 
Ricthersveld Transfrontier Park
Rock formations here will fascinate even those who don't know much about geology
3. The geology and plant life of the Richtersveld are special. Some rocks are up to 2000 million years old, and the area is rich in botanical biodiversity. Small wonder the park was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2007.

4. Don’t even think about going into the Richtersveld without a really detailed map. Getting lost around here is no joke. Invest in a good map and take a GPS loaded with map software, such as Tracks4Africa. It helps if you plot the co-ordinates beforehand. Take a compass as a back-up.

5. Calculate distances in hours rather than kilometres. Although distances on the map seem short, the nature of the terrain (rocky and sandy) means it takes much longer to travel the distances than you might think. As an example, Tatasberg Wilderness Camp is just 60km from Sendelingsdrift if you take the inland route, but will take you about three hours - or longer if you stop frequently to marvel at the views or take photos.
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Must-haves include a detailed map, GPS with good map software, and a satellite phone
6. There’s cell phone reception only at Sendelingsdrift. Given the remote nature of this park, hiring a satellite phone (and carrying the phone numbers of reception and the duty manager in case of emergency) is a good idea.

7. Come prepared. Summer temperatures can get up above 50°C. While winter days are warm to hot, night-time temperatures can plummet to freezing point.

8. Fuel (unleaded petrol and 50ppm diesel) is available only at Sendelingsdrift from 8:00–16:00 daily.

9. Whether you’re camping or staying in the wilderness camp chalets, you need to be self-sufficient in terms of food/water and medical supplies. Bring your own firewood and drinking water (or if you’re staying along the river, bring a means to purify the river water). Carry drinking water with you at all times.
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Potjiespram (pictured), De Hoop and Richtersberg campsites are along the river
10. There are some 220km of 4x4 tracks in the South African section, but they’re all sandy or rocky, so you need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and recovery equipment. At the bare minimum, you should carry extra fuel, a tow rope, two spare tyres, a tyre repair kit and a decent jack.

11. There are many scorpions in the park. To avoid an unpleasant encounter, don’t sleep on the ground and always check your shoes before putting them on. An ultraviolet torch will help you find them in the dark if you want to watch them.
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Crossing the Orange River from Namibia to Sendelingsdrift on the South African side
12. There’s a pont at Sendelingsdrift where you can cross the Orange River into Namibia and the /Ai/Ais section of the park, seriously shaving travelling distances for those wanting the best of both worlds. It operates on a first-come first-served basis unless it’s really windy. Bring your passport unless you plan to stay within the Transfrontier Park and come back through the same border post. Check just before you go if the pont is operating – it doesn’t if the river is too high and fast-flowing.

13. Scenery, geology and plants are the major draw cards here and birds play second fiddle, but there are more than 200 species of birds in the park. You might find rosy-faced lovebirds at Sendelingsdrift; jackal buzzard, Verreaux’s eagle, swallow-tailed bee-eater, dusky sunbird, tractrac chat; even waterbirds like fish eagle and goliath heron along the river. 
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Away from the river, the Richtersveld is dry mountain desert
14. Stars are visible in their multitudes in the clear desert air, far from city lights, so lie back and enjoy them. Just don’t fall asleep on the bare ground or you could be sharing your bed with a scorpion!

15. The park is home to 10 species of bats so stay alert at dusk and you might see some of them setting off on a hunting expedition.

16. Despite the apparently dry conditions when you roll into bed, heavy dew can settle overnight so protect your equipment. If your chairs or camera get covered with dew you’ll be breakfasting with a wet bum and going home without photo-memories of this special place.
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
The halfmens is just one of the Richtersveld's unusual plants
17. Include Kokerboomkloof in your camping itinerary. Although it’s not on the river like De Hoop and Richtersberg campsites, there’s a humungous rock formation, Die Toon, which gives a grand view of the surroundings. Wander among the jumble of granite boulders and get up at dawn to catch the gentle sun on hundreds of quiver trees – a photographer’s delight. (For other accommodation in the park and in the area, see Where to stay in the Richtersveld)

18. Spend a night or two at the self-catering chalets at Tatasberg or Gannakouriep. You get a fridge and stove, hot showers and a wonderful view of the surrounding stark mountains from the wooden deck. 
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Tatasberg Wilderness camp has a wonderful view of the Orange River
19. The zebra that occur here are Hartmann’s mountain zebra, unlike the Cape mountain zebra of the Eastern Cape or the Burchell’s (plains) zebra of Kruger National Park. If you happen to pass any, see if you can spot the differences. (Hint: look at the stripes and dewlap.)

20. You’re expected to take all your rubbish away with you from the campsites so bring extra-strong black bags. Be considerate of other people: you can burn paper in your campfire, but putting empty food tins into the fire is not good enough.
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Copyright © Roxanne Reid. No words or photographs may be used without written permission from roxannereid.co.za
20 things to know about the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape, South Africa
20 things you may not know about the Richtersveld wilderness in the Northern Cape, South Africa
27 Comments
Mervyn Davids
17/7/2015 04:34:41 am

Reply
Philip Olivier
18/7/2015 05:11:16 am

River rafting is also fantastic in the area, the fish eagle's and awesome scenery from the mighty Orange! !! Just be very aware of the weir just before Sendelingsdrift, it can change your life forever.

Reply
Roxanne link
19/7/2015 04:46:22 am

I'm sure it's stunning, Philip. Your comment about the weir sounds as if you speak from personal experience?

Reply
Steven Mathews
20/7/2015 01:34:30 pm

A truly wonderful place.
Stop and chat with a herder and give him some food, coffee, tea or sugar. The lead a remote and lonely life often without many supplies and if they run out they go hungry.. Give them your time. An interesting article.

Reply
Roxanne link
21/7/2015 03:51:15 am

I agree with you 100%, Steven. We had a poignant encounter with a shepherd that I wrote about here: http://www.roxannereid.co.za/blog/richtersveld-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-nama-shepherd

Reply
Jonker - Firefly link
30/7/2015 09:30:00 am

An area I have never even been close to but would definitely visit if I had the opportunity.

Reply
Roxanne
1/8/2015 10:41:54 am

Not everyone sees the beauty in the Richtersveld, Jonker. It's an acquired taste, like all of the Northern Cape's arid parks, and I've definitely acquired the taste!

Reply
Ingrid
13/5/2016 04:00:16 pm

Hi Roxanne,

Enjoyed the article. I'm from the Netherlands and have plans to visit Richtersveld in september. But things seem difficult to organize with a rental car. Stuff like a second spare tyre doesn't belong to the options when renting a 4WD. Beside of that it seems difficult to have your car covered by an insurance in such a remote area. Are the roads really challenging?

Reply
Roxanne
14/5/2016 09:04:10 am

Ingrid, if you don't have a second spare I suggest taking a can of tyre sealant so you can plug any puncture. and take a puncture repaid kit too. Some of the roads are stony and rocky and you don't want to be stuck there with a puncture you can't fix. I'd also suggest when you book in that you ask for the emergency number. And carry a satellite phone so you can call reception if you run into problems. We've been there and never had a puncture, but know of people who have had more than one. One couple had vehicle trouble and sat for a day and a half before anyone came past to report their plight to management. It's not a bad drive if things go well, but a bit remote too if they don't.

Reply
Matshediso Mphiwa
26/9/2018 02:45:32 pm

Hi Roxanne , I intend going that route this December - Can I make with a 4X2 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Reply
Roxanne
27/9/2018 10:08:57 am

It depends, Matshediso, on how experienced you are in 4x4 driving. If you do chance it (and I wouldn't) just stay away from the riverbeds, which have very thick sand where we have previously had to pull 4x2 vehicles out of the sand in the past. And definitely take sand ladders and a tow rope with you. I might chance a 4x2 if I was travelling in a group with a 4x4, but it's no fun to get stuck on your own. See also my reply to Ingrid above.

Ingrid
14/5/2016 05:48:58 pm

Thank's a lot Roxanne, I will orientate myself on things like tyre sealant and repair kids, and the availability of it....The detailed map, is it available at the reception desk at the main entrance?

Reply
Roxanne
14/5/2016 07:03:04 pm

No, I don't think they do keep it. Google Tracks 4 Africa and you should be able to buy it online.

Reply
Lucinda
16/5/2016 08:36:48 pm

Thanks for this informative article. We have just bought our first 4x4 and are taking our little kids camping there this holiday June July . Will buy the map online - your advice is great!

Reply
Roxanne
17/5/2016 09:09:35 pm

I'm glad you found it useful, Lucinda.

Reply
David Kyle
8/12/2018 06:24:10 am

Hi Roxanne, thanks for a very informative blog. Can you tell me whether there are road entry points to the Richtersveld near Kuboes or Eksteenfontein? Thanks, David

Reply
Roxanne
8/12/2018 07:22:54 am

Helskloof entrance gate is the closest to Kuboes, David. Not sure of the exact distance, but probably about 30-35km north (and slightly west) west of Kuboes.

Reply
Eugene
19/8/2019 01:54:40 pm

Would anyone know where on Helshoogte Pass is the lonely tree? It's quite near the top, I think. And what side of the park is the pass? Also, only accessible with a 4&4 I suppose. Thanks.

Reply
Roxanne Reid
23/8/2019 08:45:20 am

The pass is kn the west of the park. As for where the 'lonely tree's is you'd have to ask the park. Try googling it for contact info or email the duty manager on hendrik.prins@sanparks.org

Reply
Pierre Theron link
30/10/2019 12:25:48 pm

Thank you Roxanne for producing these points. I'm interested in doing a "lite" version of the Richtersveld, in that we do all have 4x4s but no sand ladders and long range fuel and water tanks.

Would love to do it in winter to escape the wet Cape, but not sure we are well enough equipped to go off for more than 3 nights before needing a water refill. We plan to camp and are comfortable in sub zero as we have the right gear. I'm hoping a river trip and possible Potjiespram stopover - maybe for more than 1 night.

Is this even possible please?

Do you need to book accommodation in June/July?

Best regards,
Pierre

Reply
Roxanne
4/11/2019 11:05:17 am

If you're two vehicles, Pierre, you should be fine - if one gets stuck the other can pull him out. Always carry a tow rope. If you go to De Hoop you should be fine because you can top up with water from the river for washing, etc, I just wouldn't drink it unless you purify it. De Hoop is prettier than Potjiespram now that the river has changed course and isn't right next to the sites at Potjies. And Potjies is only about a 30min drive from Sendelingsdrift so you don't get to see the stunning mountain desert scenery. I'd definitely book ahead and June and July are popular months to avoid the heat. We went once in June and were HOT! Have a wonderful time :-)
Btw there's lots more about RIchtersveld on my site - find it here: https://www.roxannereid.co.za/blog/category/richtersveld

Reply
Mandy
18/9/2020 05:31:01 pm

Thanks for all the informative info! Just returned from the Richtersveld after spending a week there. It was amazing to see the tail end of the Spring flowers and all the Richtersveld plants. Entered from the Alexander Bay side and exited on the road from Eksteenfontein to Vioolsdrif, which had an amazing “field” of cairns and a whole lot of petroglyphs.

Reply
Roxanne
18/9/2020 06:54:11 pm

I've been following photos of the flowers, Mandy, and they seem to have been wonderful this year. Such a special place, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

Reply
Johann
22/12/2020 09:37:09 pm

Lovely articles about the Richtersveld. We going for 3 days end Dec... Can’t wait to soak it all in.... And hopefully do some fishing...

Reply
Roxanne
11/1/2021 12:18:14 pm

I hope you had a wonderful time, Johann. I can't say I'd enjoy the heat in December, though!

Reply
elda van dijk
22/5/2021 11:55:34 am

hallo just want to know. We've booked for July holiday in richtersveld. Just got camping availability at sendelingsdrift. We decided to stil go and do day trips to de hoop richtersberg and other sites. I know it is not ideal but we want to go to richtersveld. Any recommendations?

Reply
Roxanne Reid
22/5/2021 12:06:34 pm

There's lots of info in my Richtersveld category - see https://www.roxannereid.co.za/blog/category/richtersveld. At the bottom of each page click on "previous" for more posts about the Richtersveld that you can read through. If you can, drive the Akkedis and Domrogh passes for gorgeous views. Enjoy!

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
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    We're happiest in the middle of nowhere, meeting the locals, trying something new, or simply watching the grass grow.
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