Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park

The Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park is a sprawling and diverse natural wonder situated in the remote northwestern corner of the Northern Cape, extending into Namibia. This park is renowned for its strikingly colorful landscapes, which include rugged mountains, sweeping deserts, and dramatic river valleys. The region is marked by its arid beauty and unique geological formations, offering a vivid palette of ochre, red, and purple hues that change with the shifting light of the desert.

Spanning across international borders, the park is a collaboration between South Africa and Namibia, reflecting a commitment to conserving this extraordinary environment and its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors to the park can explore a range of ecosystems, from the stark beauty of the Richtersveld’s mountain ranges to the lush oases found along the Gariep River. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert-adapted species such as gemsbok and springbok, as well as endemic plant species adapted to the harsh conditions. With its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity, the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park offers a unique and memorable experience for those seeking to connect with one of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Southern Africa.

The Nama-Khoi and semi-nomadic San are the indigenous people of this region. When the national park was created in the early 90's, rather than attempting to evict the local population, the South African National Parks Board realised that this community has shown it is more than capable of living in harmony with it's natural surroundings. And so the Board negotiated with it's rightful owners to lease the land for a nominal annual amount.

At first glance the region appears lifeless and barren. But a closer inspection reveals a rich and diverse biosphere of succulents, including the curious halfmens. The parks wildlife inhabitants include baboon, mountain zebra, caracal, vervet monkey, and leopard.

The Orange River, which forms the northern border of the park is a popular destination for canoeing and fishing. The park can also be explored on foot along various hiking trails ranging up to 4 days in length.

Attractions and activities at the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park:
- Flower season (June - October, depending on rains)
- Bird watching
- Guided Trails:
- Vensterval Trail (4 days, 3 nights)
- Lelieshoek-Oemsberg Trail (3 days, 2 nights)
- Kodaspiek Trail (2 days, 1 night)

Summary of wildlife and flora:
Vegetation: succulents, Half-men (Half Human) , quiver trees
Mammals: Hartmann's Mountain Zebra , baboon, vervet monkey rock hyrax, ground squirrel, leopard, caracal
Birdlife: nearly 200 recorded species including jackal buzzard

Directions to the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park:
From Springbok, continue northward on the N7 for 50 km.
At Steinkopf head west along the R382 for another 35 km.
Then head north towards Eksteenfontein for 50 km.