Experience one of the driest but most picturesque regions in the North Cape – visit Richtersveld.

With an annual rainfall of less than 70mm and temperatures of up to 50 ° C, Richtersveld is one of the driest regions in South Africa, but it also has the greatest variety of plants compared to any other desert in the world. Life-sustaining moisture comes in the form of morning mist, called ‘Ihuries’ or ‘Malmokkies’ by local people.

In some places, there are more than 350 species per square kilometer. Of the 2,700 plant species counted here, 560 are indigenous to Richtersveld alone. The region includes Steinkopf, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing, and Koeboes, and is home to the Richtersveld National Park. Richtersveld can be reached from Vioolsdrif via Aninauspas to Eksteenfontein, or from Cape Town via the N7 to Steinkopf and then to Port Nolloth via the R382.

The community of 5000 is a mix of ancestral Khoi and Nama peoples, Bosluisbasters – descendants of white unions and Cape Koi, missionaries, seekers and adventure seekers. About 15 km from Koeboes is Wondergat, a sinkhole that, for the local population, is surrounded by mysteries and myths. Said to be the home of a giant snake with a diamond on its forehead and sometimes also a vengeful ghost of Nama, the place is said to cause a terrible and inexplicable disease. Wondergat is also a popular dive site for the technical diving community, as it is one of the deepest inland dive sites in South Africa; Divers like Nuno Gomes use Wondergat to prepare for other deep dives.

Mandatory activities in Richtersveld include doing a 4×4 route and driving the Springbok plains, while keeping an eye out for Rock Hyrax, Ground Squirrel, Jackal Buzzard, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, “halfmens” or half-human (Pachypodium namaquanum), among the Since reddish-brown aloe (Aloe pearsonii) and different species of quiver trees are succulent, make sure you have a camera within reach.

Camp at Kokerboomkloof amidst an Aloe dichotoma forest or for those in need of a little more luxury, stay in a chalet on the banks of the Orange River at Sendelingsdrift, Tatasberg or Ganakourie Wilderness Camps.

The park can only be accessed by a 4×4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances, such as combi and LDV, do travel in the park. Sedan vehicles are not allowed. There is no specific route that can be booked in advance.

Experience desolation and life combined in this unique setting.