An Arid Place for Landscape Lovers
SOUTH AFRICAN PART
There are two main ways for visitors to experience and explore the park’s rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. A series of adventurous 4x4 routes wind their way through the parched Richtersveld on the South African side, but, personally, I like exploring this desolate park by river. South Africa’s longest waterway cuts through a geological paradise and visitors have a chance to join 4-, 6- or even 8-day fully-catered canoe safaris. You will negotiate a series of minor rapids as you paddle and drift beneath contorted mountains, deep canyons and bizarre rock formations at every turn.
The Richtersveld contains a treasure-trove of endemic desert flora that survives in some of Africa’s most beautiful geological landscapes, but this is certainly not a place for avid wildlife enthusiasts to frequent, as few large mammals survive in this harsh and unforgiving environment, and those that do tend to stick to the Namibian side of the transfrontier park. So, while you’re unlikely to come across any of the Big Five during a visit here, you will experience a wilderness vibe and geological masterpiece second to none.
NAMIBIAN PART
Few landscapes on earth can rival the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Area for enormity, arid beauty, sizzling sunshine and a feeling of absolute desolation. For decades, the park was the exclusive domain of a handful of experienced 4x4 enthusiasts and hot spring visitors, but more recently a new breed of explorer has taken to conquering the rocky desert on foot and bike.
The lack of dangerous wildlife has prompted some extreme events to take hold and cater for privileged few energetic adventure seekers wanting to explore more than just the Fish River Canyon hiking trail and /Ai/Ais hot springs.
Quite likely the only wildlife you’ll see during your visit is the endemic Hartman’s mountain zebra, along with oryx, kudu, springbok and baboons, but leopard spoor is common and /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld is an ageless and primordial landscape like no other. Sitting around a desert campfire, the night sky dripping with a billion stars, the sense of remote, ancient wilderness is intoxicating.