Richtersveld | Northern Cape

"The Richtersveld is South Africa's only mountain desert region - explore this unique wilderness area with its amazing rock formations, spectacular scenery and interesting botanical highlights that include the Giant Quiver Tree and unusual Elephant’s Trunk or Halfmens Tree. "

Richtersveld | Mountain Desert

Tour highlights:

• Extreme climatic experience in South Africa's only true desert region
• Accommodation in lodge, chalet and guest house
• Welcome relief of cooling off in the Orange River
• Exciting driving across sand and rock terrain
• Magnificent mountain and river scenery
• Interesting flora, including the "Halfmens" (Pachypodium Namaquanum) and "Giant Quiver Tree" (Aloe Pilansii)
• Ancient geological formations - a geologist's dream!

Richtersveld National Park is located in the far north-western region of the Northern Cape Province, and lies alongside the Orange River which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. The park measures 162,445 hectares, and is unique in that it is South Africa's only mountain desert, offering the possibility of an extreme climatic experience.

Our tour starts in Cape Town when we follow the N7 north through Namaqualand to the Northern Cape town of Upington, where our first night is spent in luxury lodge accommodation nearby. We enter the Richterveld next day, spending 3 nights in the Park as we explore this fascinating area - South Africa's only true desert region, with annual rainfall figures of between only 50mm and 125mm per year!

The area is especially known for its great diversity of succulent plants which store water in their trunk or leaves, therefore being able to survive the extreme dry periods in this area. Most noted of these are the "Halfmens" (Pachypodium Namaquanum) and "Giant Quiver Tree" (Aloe Pilansii), both of which are on the red data list.

The area is also a geologist's dream, and every well-known geological process has played a role in the development of the area. The oldest rock formations are said to be in the region of 2,000 million years old!

Animal species found here include the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, which is seldom seen. Smaller mammals like Klipspringer, Duiker, Steenbok, Leopard, Caracal, Black-backed Jackal and Baboons may also be seen.

The mountains and rock formations of the Richtersveld are both spectacular and awe-inspiring, and the mighty Orange (Gariep) River brings life to this arid and beautiful region. This adventure package provides a wilderness experience in a unique setting, with rich rewards for landscape photographers, botanical enthusiasts and lovers of remote places.

Important notes:

• Non-malaria area
• A single soft bag (max. 60 litre volume) plus small day-pack is permitted
• Accommodation in lodge, chalets and guesthouse / country hotel (no camping)
• For our nights spent in chalets in the Park, bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, or ask us to provide these freshly-laundered items for you at a nominal charge
• Breakfast, snack-lunch and dinner is provided daily
• Soft drinks and bottled water included

This tour is recommended between March and September, and is subject to availability of accommodation. Contact us with your preferred tour dates, and for further information.

This trip was undoubtedly something not to be missed and has inevitably left many indelible memories of great times. With Chris' flair for organisation and travel and the benefit of good companions who are now firm friends, returning to the UK to the cold and wet weather again sees the need to do it all again - the sooner the better! Perhaps the Kaokoveld next time!

Ian Forrester, UK

Information

Tour cost includes:

• Transport in 4x4 vehicle with tour guide
• Accommodation & camping costs
• Camping equipment
• Park & reserve entrance & conservation fees
• Meals as specified
• Bottled water & soft drinks

Fitness level:

Guests should be reasonably fit to cope with the climatic, travelling, camping and walking elements of the tour

Essentials:

Light-weight clothing, warm jacket or jersey, light rain jacket, wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, open shoes, sturdy closed shoes (eg. hiking boots)

Recommended:

Sunglasses, binoculars, camera equipment, anti-bug spray

Distance covered:

1,800 km Cape Town to Richtersveld, then return to Cape Town