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/|Ai-|Ais Transfrontier  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 'halfmens' keeping vigil over this inscrutable landscape. This is the only place where the remarkable halfmensboom (half-person tree) grows. The top of this succulent tree consists of a bunch of thick, crinkled leaves, reminiscent of a human head, the unusual appearance being the inspiration for its name.

The climate in the Richtersveld is extreme with summer temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius quite frequently. Rain is a rare event. Plants and animals get moisture primarily from the sea fog.

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.

ACCOMMODATION

Sendelingsdrift (Reuning Mine)
A new rest camp has been built which consists of ten chalets (4 x 4 bed units and 6 x 2 bed units). All chalets are equipped with air conditioning, fridge and two plate electric stoves. All units have showers, front porches with views over the Gariep (Orange River) and there is a swimming pool in the camp. A new campsite designed to service the transfrontier route with six sites opened on 3 July 2005. It has ablutions with showers (cold water only).

Potjiespram
New ablutions have been built and showers (cold water only) are available. There are 18 Campsites and an Environmental Education Centre where school groups can stay over in traditional Nama huts.

De Hoop
This remains one of the most popular spots in the park and ablutions (cold showers) have been built to service 12 Campsites.

Richtersburg
As for De Hoop, this camp, which lies on the banks of the river, has been upgraded with ablutions (cold showers) to service 12 Campsites.

Kokerboomkloof
The 8 Campsites are serviced by Dry Toilets. No water is available on site and the nearest water point is at Richtersberg (32 km) away.

Tatasberg and Ganakouriep Wilderness Camps
Each camp consists of 4 x 2-bed self catering units with showers, 12 volt lighting system, fridges and gas stoves (hot and cold water). Should problems occur with the lights, paraffin lanterns are available. A caretaker is resident on site. The units are swept out and the area kept clean but the washing of utensils and making of beds will be the responsibility of the guests for the duration of their stay.

Please note that the water at Ganakoeriep, Tatasberg and Hakkiesdoring is not suitable for drinking and it is recommended that guests should provide their own drinking water.

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 2005. Gas stoves, fridges and hot showers are available. The hiking trail itself is not open yet 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.

ACTIVITIES

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

• Flowering season - experience the springtime floral splendour of the 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

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

VITAL INFORMATION
Diesel and 97 Octane Petrol is available at Sendelingsdrift. Note that Lead Free Petrol is not available. The nearest supply of Unleaded Petrol is at Alexander Bay - 80 km. Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed on departure. Firewood and kindling may not be collected in the park. 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.

Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.

When making an enquiry, please supply full detail regarding the number of adults, number of children together with their ages, arrival and departure dates, accommodation type(s) required and number of nights in each rest camp. Also supply alternative dates and rest camps where possible. Children under 2 are free of charge. Bookings open 1 year in advance - it is essential to book as early as possible for busy/peak periods and school holidays.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008– 31 AUGUST 2009

PLEASE NOTE
CAMP & CARAVAN SITE RESERVATIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH SA NATIONAL PARKS AND NOT THROUGH US.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY !