NORTHERN CAPE ACCOMMODATION RICHTERSVELD PARK
RICHTERSVELD NATIONAL PARK

The Richtersveld National Park, created in 1991, occupies the northwestern Namaqualand and is home to the Nama people, another ancient population group and part of the rich cultural heritage of South Africa.  The Nama people are mainly sheep or goat-herders and live a simple life in the harsh surroundings of the Namaqualand. The landscape is very harsh and rugged with very descriptive names like Skeleton Gorge, Devil’s Tooth and Helskloof. The Richtersveld is a popular destination for 4x4 enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Richtersveld is not a destination for everybody. The harsh landscape with its giant triangles of Granite Mountains, the very hot summers (with temperatures reaching the fifties) and the cold winters makes it the playground of the very adventurous traveller. With a landscape and vegetation that resemble Mars rather than Earth, visitors need a few essentials when planning a trip to the Richtersveld. The roads in the Richtersveld are suited for 4x4 drive vehicles only, travel is slow and takes hours and there are no emergency services. The summer is very hot, making winter the best time to visit the park.

However, even though the Richtersveld looks like it is the perfect haven for snakes, scorpions or fierce predators; the area is home to the shy and rarely seen leopard only. The Orange River that gives welcome relief to travellers in the Richtersveld has no crocodiles and is a perfect place to cool down with plenty of Acacia trees to provide welcome shade.

The evenings are pleasant, with soft light, perfect clear skies that bring the bright stars to almost reachable distance from you and are perfect for lighting a fire for a braai and enjoying a relaxing drink. Add some decent music and the mood is set for a night of fun and games!

The most beautiful area of the Richtersveld Park is undoubtedly the Paradyskloof area in the west of the park. The gorge is always cool and provides shelter to some unique plants and animals only found in the Richtersveld.

Accommodation in the Richtersveld Park

There are seven campsites in the park, of which four have chalets, but only the chalets at Sendelingsdrift are air-conditioned. The Richtersveld is camping area and you may find it is cooler outside than in the chalets at night. Camping sites allow freedom of choice, as there are no defined spots to set up your tent, only a general marked out area for camping. All camping areas have clean ablution facilities with cold water, good toilets and showers.

* Sendelingsdrift - Has chalets and camping facilities. It is the headquarters of the park and offers comfortable chalets with plenty of green lawns.

* Potjiesdam - Camping facilities only. Sandy surroundings and bit far from the river.

* De Hoop – Camping facilities only. Spectacular surroundings with the road twisting and turning along steep mountain views. Situated on the Orange River with big acacia trees and plenty of grass. The wide-open riverbed makes camping on the river edge a pleasure. One of the three best spots in the Richtersveld Park.

* Richtersberg – Camping facilities only. Situated further east along the Orange River. The camping area is right on the river. It has fewer trees than De Hoop has, but provides a better view of the river, making it a great spot for camping.

* Tatasberg – Chalet facilities. Chalets are build on great boulders overlooking the Orange River. Each chalet is equipped with two beds, en suite bathrooms, separate kitchen with a fridge and has a viewing deck where meals can be enjoyed. The lack of air-conditioning and the fact that it takes 10 minutes to walk to the river is a drawback in summer. The site is one of the best in the park.

* Kokerboomkloof – Chalets and camping facilities. Situated away from the Orange River and deeper into the mountains. It is hot in summer, but better in winter, making it worth a visit in the winter months. The strange granite structures provide spectacular views.

* Gannakouriep – Chalet facilities. Situated deep in the mountains, so take your own drinking water. The chalets are comfortable and well equipped as at Tatasberg.

Essentials for a visit to the Richtersveld Park

* First-Aid kit – Although attacks are rare in the area, injuries can occur. Snakebites and scorpion stings are rare, but sand lice comes out at night in the riverbeds.
* Map – As the roads are not always clearly marked, a decent map is essential. Info Map provides a detailed map of the Richtersveld.
* GPS – will provide additions assurance.
* Water – You need about 6 litres of water per person per day for cooking and consumption. Water from the river is safe when boiled.
* Camping fridge – A good fridge will allow you to enjoy the “cold ones” at campsites.
* Firewood – Visitors are not allowed to collect firewood, so take enough wood or charcoal to enjoy your braai at campsites.
* Tent – Camping is as comfortable as you make it. Whatever you want to use, including sleeping bags, ground sheets, duvet, pillows, pots, pans, braai, dishwashing liquid, black rubbish bags, etc. you have to carry with you. Please note that you are expected to take all rubbish with you and leave campsites clean. Rubbish can be dumped at the exit gates.
* Toilet accessories, including enough toilet paper and insect repellent.
* Awning
* Guidebook on scorpions and snakes
* Fuel – Fuel is available at the entrance to the park at Sendelingsdrift. Only leaded fuel and diesel is available. Filling up at Alexander Bay should be sufficient, but for peace of mind, take extra fuel.

How to reach the Richtersveld Park:

From Cape Town travel north on the N7 until you reach Steinkopf. Turn left towards Port Nolloth and head to Alexander Bay. From Alexander Bay travel inland to the park, following the signs of the Sanparks.

From Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, travel on the N14 through Upington to Springbok. At Springbok, turn right onto the N7 and travel north towards St
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