RICHTERSVELD NATIONAL PARK.
The Richtersveld is a desert landscape characterized by rugged kloofs and high mountains, situated in the north-western corner of South Africa’s Northern Cape province. It is full of changing scenery from flat, sandy, coastal plains, to craggy sharp mountains of volcanic rock and the lushness of the Orange River, which forms the border with neighboring Namibia. The area ranges in altitude from sea level, to 1,377 m (4,518 feet) at Cornellberg. Located in the north-western side of the Northern Cape province in South Africa, the Richtersveld is regarded as the only arid biodiversity hotspot on earth and the majority of the area is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List due to its cultural values.
The Nama people of Richtersveld claimed title to their traditional land and set aside this conservancy for future research and tourism. The northern part of the area was proclaimed in 1991 after 18 years of negotiations between the National Parks Board and the local Nama people who continue to live and graze their livestock in the area. It has an area of 1,624.45 square kilometres (627.20 square miles). This is a space for Nama people who live what is known as a transhumant lifestyle – where they migrate seasonally with their livestock and make use of a fragile succulent ecosystem. The community conservancy is bordered to the north by the Richtersveld National Park (managed by the Richtersveld community and the South African National Parks) the Nababiep Provincial Nature Reserve and designated community grazing areas that allow the Nama people to continue with their lifestyle.
In June 2007, the “Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape”, just to the south of the National Park and an area of equivalent size and beauty, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the National Park, the Richtersveld Community Conservancy, which forms the core zone of the World Heritage Site, is not subject to diamond mining and is as a result the more pristine of the two areas.
The Richtersveld is characterized by harsh summer temperatures which have been recorded to reach approximately 53 °C (127 °F) in mid-summer. Nights are cool and bring with them heavy dew. With water being scarce, life in the Richtersveld depends on moisture from the early morning fog. Locals call it ‘Ihuries’ or ‘Malmokkies’ and it makes survival possible for a range of small reptiles, birds and mammals Temperatures drop between April and May to more temperate levels, however, through June – August the nights grow much colder. Strong gale-force winds often pick up in the winter and these cause sandstorms. The wind is often cold due to the influence from the Atlantic Ocean in the west.
The Richtersveld is a transitional zone between the coastal Succulent Karoo ecoregion in the west, and the drier Nama Karoo to the east. Rainfall in the Richtersveld varies from 5 mm per annum in the east to 200 mm per annum in the west. The western mountainous region receives mainly winter rainfall as well as life-giving mists from the ocean. The eastern area along the Orange River is drier and the rain more often arrives in summer, often as large thunderstorms. By late August through to early October spring arrives with a vast floral blooming of daisy species (Osteospermum) and “vygies” (Lampranthus), namely in Namaqualand.
WILDLIFE.
The Richtersveld offers habitats for a diverse range of mammal, reptile, and bird species. These include the Grey rhebok, Duiker, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Chacma baboon, Vervet monkey, Caracal and the African leopard. Reptiles include snakes such as the Puff adder, Black Spitting Cobra, and the Nama Tiger Snake, and lizards which mainly comprise species of Agama. Species of weaver birds, doves, and Guinea fowl are often found inland, although bird species become more diverse during the rainier seasons. The threatened Richtersveld katydid (Africariola longicauda) is endemic to the area. In addition, there are several species of spiders and scorpions.
Approximately 4 849 plant species, 40 percent of which are endemic, have been documented in the Richtersveld and comprise mainly succulent and aloe species.
The area is home to a number of rather unusual plants, many of which are found nowhere else on earth
Chief among these is the “Halfmensboom”(Pachypodium namaquanum Well.) meaning “half-person tree” the name comes from the plant’s resemblance to the human form. These trees are revered by the indigenous Nama people as the embodiment of their ancestors, half human, half plant, mourning for their ancient Namibian home. Also found here are three endemic species of the tree aloe Aloidendron: A. dichotomum, pillansii and A. ramosissimum, often referred to as “kokerbooms” or “quiver trees”.
CULTURE.
The area is inhabited by Nama and other peoples. The local community, which owns the entire area, manages the National Park in conjunction with South African National Parks and is entirely responsible for management of the World Heritage Site. Both areas are used by traditional nomadic/transhumance herders to practice their ancient lifestyle and culture. It is the last place where the traditional way of life of the Khoikhoi (of whom the Nama are the largest surviving clan) who once occupied the entire south-western part of Africa, survives to any great extent. The World Heritage Site is declared under the cultural criteria of the World Heritage Convention although it is recognised that the cultural values of the community and their continued existence are intrinsically connected to the environment
ACCOMMODATION ARROUND RICHTERSVELD NATIONAL PARK.
POTJIESPRAM REST CAMP
With 18 campsites and an educational centre where visiting school groups can learn about the environment while staying over in traditional Nama huts, this camp is one of the parks more rustic options.
The camp has communal ablution facilities but only cold water is available.
SENDELINGSDRIFT CAMP
This is one of the parks newest rest camps and it includes 10 comfortable chalets with 4 bed units capable of sleeping 4, and 6 units equipped for 2. The chalets have air conditioning, a two plate electric stove and a fridge.
The units have their own showers, a front stoep with the view of the Gariep River and the camp has a communal swimming pool.
POTJIESPRAM REST CAMP.
With 18 campsites and an educational centre where visiting school groups can learn about the environment while staying over in traditional Nama huts, this camp is one of the parks more rustic options.
The camp has communal ablution facilities but only cold water is available.
KOKERBOOMKLOOF CAMP
With dry toilets and no water available (the closest water point can be found 32km away in Richtersberg), this camp site offers 8 camping spots.
It is accessible through Sendelingsdrift and it is characterized by its rustic appeal. Guests will have no access to electricity or washing/bathing facilities.
TATASBERG GANAKOURIEP.
Wilderness Camps
Each of these camps have 4 self-catering units with showers and only 2 beds. The units are equipped with fridges, gas stoves and a 12 volt lighting system. There are also paraffin lanterns should there be an issue with the lights. There is a caretaker living on site and each unit will be swept out and the surrounding areas kept clean. It is up to the guests to wash up after themselves and generally keep their unit tidy while staying here.
The water available at Ganakoeripe and Tatasberg is not suitable for drinking. Guests should always pack enough water for themselves when visiting.
NOTE ABOUT THE RESERVATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARROUND THE PARK.
All accommodation is subject to availability.
All last minute reservations (less than 31 days prior to arrival date) are payable within 24 hours after receiving a confirmed provisional reservation via e-mail.
As accommodation availability changes from day to day, all inquiries about general availability are subject to change without notice.
Accommodation availability is only guaranteed once you receive a provisional reservation confirmation. In order to secure your reservation full pre-payment is required.