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

Tour highlights:

• Extreme climatic experience in South Africa's only true desert region
• Challenging off-road sand and rock driving in places
• 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 Springbok - meet us here on the first morning. After coffee and a pre-tour briefing, we travel via Steinkopf, Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay to the Richterveld. We spend a total of 4 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 Richtersveld 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-malarial area, therefore prophylaxis not required
• Weather can be variable - pack clothing to cover most eventualities
• Tour cost includes guiding fee, park entrance, camping costs and two dinners provided by us
• Campsites next to the river
• Fuel, water and provisions required for 4 days away from shops and supplies

Contact us for further information.

Information

Tour cost includes:

• Tour bookings
• Professional tour leader / guide
• Detailed information pack with GPS points
• Camping costs (5 nights)
• Park & reserve entrance & conservation fees
• Two dinners provided by us

Where are we in Africa?

Off-road driving conditions:

Gravel, corrugations, sand, rock

Experience level:

Basic. Where required, advice and assistance will be given by your tour leader

Minimum off-road fuel range:

250 km

Vehicle requirements:

Reasonable ground clearance, transfer gearbox (hi / lo range), lockable differential/s, good set of tyres, spare wheel

Important equipment:

Long-range water tank, dual battery system with deep-cycle battery, fridge / freezer

Optional / recommended:

29 MHz radio, vehicle snorkel, 2nd spare wheel

Recovery gear:

Basic set-up including Hi-lift jack, jacking plate, spade, tow strap, snatch strap, bow- and D-shackles, compressor, tyre guage, radiator seed net

Distance covered:

500 km Springbok to Richtersveld to Steinkopf