|Ai|Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The |Ai|Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park measures 5 920 km², protecting some of the Earth’s most enchanting succulents. Officially recognised in 2003, this desert area is part of the Succulent Karoo biome - one of Earth’s 35 biodiversity hotspots.

This Transfrontier Park combines the |Ai-|Ais Hotspring Game Park in Namibia (4 420 km²) and the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa (1 625 km²). The Richtersveld National Park in South Africa is owned by the Richtersveld community and managed on a contractual basis with South African National Parks (SANParks).

Key attractions include Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest canyon and the Orange River mouth, which is a registered Ramsar site

Plants and animals here have adapted to withstand the harsh, arid climate. There are 56 species of mammals, 35 lizard species and 16 snake species.

The park is only accessible by means of a 4x4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances such as combi’s and LDV’s do travel in the park.

 

Five things to see and do

• See the flowers – from June to October, depending on the amount of rain received, carpets of exquisite indigenous wild flowers adorn the plains of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld.
• Follow a 4 x 4 trail – check the SANParks Website for details of the routes that are on offer. They are extremely rugged!
• Pontoon across the Garieb (Orange) River – cross between South Africa and Namibia at Sendelingsdrift. The pontoon can carry a 32 seater buss or two fully loaded double cab 4 x 4 vehicles!
• Take a guided trail – these include Vensterval Trail (4 days, 3 nights), Lelieshoek-Oemsberg Trail (3 days, 2 nights) and the Kodaspiek Trail (2 days, 1 night).
• Meet the ‘halfmens’ – one of the Parks most intriguing residents is the Pachypodium namaquanum – from a distance, these plants, listed as Red Data species, look almost human!

 

Accommodation

Stay at the Sendlingsdrift and Potjiespram rest camps, or book a campsite. This is a rugged park, so plan your trip well in advance! CLICK HERE to view accommodation options.

Information from the SANparks, Department of Environmental Affairs and PeaceParks websites.

Eco-Logical Sponsors

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