|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Getting There
South Africa Parks
Namibia Parks
Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.
|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park spans two countries: South Africa and Namibia. The Sendelingsdrift pontoon takes cars across the border, crossing the Gariep (Orange) River from the Richtersveld in South Africa to the Fish River Canyon and Ai-Ais Hot Springs on the Namibia side. It acts as a proper border crossing, so you'll get your passport stamped.
|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld is primarily a self-drive destination (especially on the South African side) although organized tours are available. The park is not accessible with an ordinary 2WD car. A 4WD vehicle is preferred, but high-clearance pickups or 2WD SUVs can also enter the park. Driving in convoy is recommended. On the Namibia side, fly-around tours with chartered planes are common, and the Fish River Canyon can be part of the itinerary.
South Africa Side
There are two options available to those visiting |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld on the South Africa side. Upon flying into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you can hire a car and drive to the park. You can also take a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Upington Airport (UTN) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and rent a car there. The park is 1,600km/994mi from Johannesburg, 885km/549mi from Cape Town and 720km/447mi from Upington.
Namibia Side
Generally, visitors to |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld in Namibia fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located 40km/25mi east of Windhoek, where you can rent a car. The park is located approximately 650km/403mi away. You can visit the canyon as a day trip, or you can go deeper into the park to Ai-Ais Hot Springs. A 4WD vehicle is only necessary when venturing deeper into the park (including the hot springs).
Your tour operator can organize a charter flight to the Fish River Canyon. The flight time is about 1½ hours from Windhoek.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Namibia or South Africa, and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Tour operators will generally book domestic flights (chartered and regular) on your behalf as part of your package. You can also book scheduled flights directly with the following carriers:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – South Africa and Namibia pages to learn more about passport, visa, COVID-19 and other entry requirements.