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Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park
Guide to accommodation descriptions
Location of
Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park
Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park
Richtersveld Transfrontier National 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.
The harsh environment opens up a treasure-chest containing the world’s richest desert flora. Miniature rock gardens, perfectly designed by nature, cling precariously to cliff faces. Tiny succulents, mere pinpoints against a backdrop of surreal rock formations, revel in the moisture brought by the early morning fog rolling in from the cold Atlantic Ocean.
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 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 ‘half-mens’ keeping vigil over this inscrutable landscape.
Accommodation
Sendelingsdrift (Reuning Mine)
chalets 4 bed and 2 bed
- Air conditioning, fridge and two plate electric stoves
- Showers, front porches
- Swimming pool in the camp.
Campsite
- Ablutions with showers (cold water only).
Potjiespram
Campsites
- Communal ablutions with showers (cold water only)
Environmental Education Centre
- School groups can stay over in traditional Nama huts *
De Hoop
Campsites
- Communal ablutions with showers (cold water only)
Richtersburg
Campsites
- Communal ablutions with showers (cold water only)
Kokerboomkloof
Campsites
- Dry Toilets
- No water is available on site and the nearest water point is at Richtersberg (32 km) away
Tatasberg and Ganakouriep Wilderness Camps
Bungalow - 2 bed
- Showers, 12 volt lighting system, fridges and gas stoves (hot and cold water)
- A caretaker is resident on site
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.
- Gas stoves, fridges and hot showers are available.
- 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. Note that the water is not suitable for drinking and it is recommended that guests should bring their own drinking water.
Facilities
- Petrol and diesel
- 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
- Telephones
- A Public Phone (Coin Operated) is available at Sendelingsdrift
- Cellular communication is not available in the Park
- If you have international roaming you can call from a few spots around Sendelingsdrift on MTN Namibi
Extra Information
Pets are not allowed in a National Park- Firewood and kindling may not be collected in the park
- It is an offence to pick flowers or to remove plants or any other material from the park
- Driving off indicated routes and outside camping sites is a serious offence. It is harmful to the park and dangerous to the visitor
- Do not sleep on the bare ground as the park is ideal scorpion habitat
- Make sure that you always have a good supply of water. Fresh water is available at Sendelingsdrift
- Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed on departure
- Generator motors not permitted
Day visitors
- Because of the great distance involved in getting to the park, day visitation is not recommended unless some form of accommodation is secured in the area.
Climate
- The Richtersveld climate is harsh and dry
- Extreme temperatures up to 53 degrees Celsius in mid-summer
- Activities should be restricted to early mornings and late afternoons
- Nights are cool, but may become chilly during winter
- Heavy nighttime dew occurs in the park
- Provide clothing for extreme temperatures
- Scarves protect against dust and wet towels from extreme heat
Gate hours and best time to visit
| Gate Times | Oct - Apr Open | Oct - Apr Close | May - Sep Open | May - Sep Close |
| Office Hours (Sendelingsdrift) | 08:00 | 16:00 | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| Gate Hours | 07:00 | 19:00 | 07:00 | 18:00 |
Handy Hints
- Gas cookers are recommended due to evening winds
- Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and animal reference books
- Hat and sunscreen lotion
- Medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites
