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A cross-border desert experience
/Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Richtersveld landscape - an ancient world
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
There are more than 6 350 vascular plant species in the Richtersveld and nearly 2 440 of them are endemic.
The /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a cross-border conservation initiative between South Africa and Namibia. It brings together the Richtersveld National Park, managed jointly by the local Nama people and the South African National Parks Board, with Ai-Ais Hot Springs Game Park, the Namibian side of this initiative.
Known sometimes as the Ai-Ais Transfrontier National Park or the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park, the area is renowned as a biodiversity hotspot and boasts some of the richest succulent flora in the world.
The best-known endemic plants are the stem succulents, known as the "halfmens", and the giant tree aloe. These, and thousands of other species, live off the early morning fog - called ‘Ihuries' or ‘Malmokkies' by the local people - that rolls in off the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The wildlife found in the area is adapted to withstand the arid climate. Many species are concentrated in the denser vegetation around the Orange River, including over 50 species of mammals and almost 200 bird species.
Bones uncovered at Kokerboomkloof reveal that some of the animal species currently present in the region, such as springbok, zebra and klipspringer, were also present over 4 000 years ago. The area also boasts a large variety of lizards and snakes.
The Richtersveld Transfrontier Park also features the world's second largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon, which meanders between the spectacular cliffs characteristic of the desert landscape. The park geography features many distinct periods of geological history dating back 2 000 million years and the Orange River mouth is a Ramsar site, which means that it is a wetland of international importance.
But it is the uniquely adapted vegetation of this region that makes this the world's only arid area biodiversity hotspot.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
- Ai-Ais Transfrontier Park
- Tel: +27 (0)27 831 1506 (Reception)
Fax: +27 (0)27 831 1175
email: louisa.links@sanparks.org or carmen.carstens@sanparks.org - Park Manager
email: nick.degoede@sanparks.org
Cell: + 27 (0)72 621 1514
How to get here
The quickest way to get to the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park is on the N7 highway, turning off at Steinkopf and approaching the park via Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay.
Tours to do
Flower season in the desert is spectacular and depending on the rains, occurs between June and October. You can also enjoy bird watching and guided trails between April and September.
Get around
You will need a 4x4 vehicle to explore the park, although high-clearance vehicles may also enter the park. Sedan cars will not be allowed to enter the park.
What will it cost
There are a range of accommodation options to suit any budget. 4x4 car hire can be expensive, so be sure to plan for it.
Length of stay
You will need at least a week to explore the park.
What to pack
You need to be sure that you have enough water and fuel at all times. Diesel and 97 octane petrol is available at Sendelingsdrif, but the nearest supply of unleaded petrol is at Alexander Bay, 80km away. Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed from the park when you leave. Insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat are a must.
Where to stay
The park has a number of accommodation options on offer, from rustic campsites to a fully equipped rest camp at Sendelingsdrif.
What to eat
You will need to cater for yourself and bring along sufficient drinking water, unless you are part of an organised tour group. There is a small general store at Sendelingsdrif, but it is only open weekdays.
What's happening
From Sendelingsdrif you can take the pontoon across the Orange River to the very popular Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort in Namibia.