Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Early morning Atlantic fog rolls over the desert mountain range of the Richtersveld, bringing life-sustaining moisture to a myriad of succulent species in this inhospitable environment. This, the largest mountain desert park in southern Africa, consists of rugged mountains, rolling hills, undulating plains, and the adjacent floodplains of the Orange River.

Formed in August 2003 by the signing of an international treaty between South Africa and Namibia, the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park straddles the Orange River border between these two nations. From the South, visitors are able to cross the Orange, with their vehicles, via a point at Senglesdrift into the Namibian side of the park. Likewise, visitors have access to the South African side of the park from Namibia.

Though surrealistically harsh (this is the driest area in Northern Cape), the Richtersveld nurtures some 30% of all South Africa’s succulent plant. Despite receiving less than 50mm of rain each year, it is also home to a variety of mammals that have adapted to this harsh climate. These include the black-backed jackal, leopard, Hartmann’s zebra, duiker, klipspringer, and rock hyrax (dassies) – which are a favorite prey of Verreaux’s eagle that can be seen hovering against the backdrop of the vast blue African sky. There are many other birds, including raptors that make this arid wilderness their home.

Dramatic and beautiful, the Richtersveld is no pampered paradise, but rather a wilderness retreat for the self-sufficient explorer. Roam the park in your 4×4, by foot or paddle down the river taking in the awe-inspiring, seldom-seen purity of this unspoiled wilderness.

The park has five camping sites that all have full ablution facilities. The wilderness camps of Tatasberg and Gannakouriebare fully equipped, self-catering camps (although you need to bring your own drinking water at Gannakourib) and at Sendelingsdrift there are 10 self-catering units and a swimming pool. The four surrounding Richtersveld community towns also offer unique new accommodation establishments.

The park is only accessible by means of a 4×4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances such as combi’s and LDV’s are able to travel within the park. Sedan vehicles are not permitted. Entrance and overnight permits must be obtained at Sendelingsdrift before entering the park.

Size of Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a united park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia, It was formed in 2003 by combining the Namibian Ai-AIs Hot Springs Game Park and the South African Richtersveld National Park. Most of the South African part of the park forms part of the buffer zone of the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape World Heritage Site, which measures 5,920 square kilometers (2,290 sq mi). The Fish River Canyon is located in the park, the largest canyon in Africa.

Location of Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It was formed in 2003 by combining the Namibian Ai-Ais Hot Springs Game Park and the South African Richtersveld National Park.

How to get to Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park spans two countries: South Africa and Namibia. The Sendelingsdrift pontoon takes cars across the border, crossing the Gariep (Orange) River from the Richtersveld in South Africa to the Fish River Canyon and Ai-Ais hot springs on the Namibia side. It acts as a proper border crossing, so you’ll get your passport stamped.

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld is primarily a self-drive destination (especially on the South African side) although organized tours are available. The park is not accessible with an ordinary 2WD car. A 4WD vehicle is preferred, but high clearance pick-ups or 2WD SUVs can also enter the park. Driving in convoy is recommended. On the Namibia side, fly-around-tours with chartered planes are common, and the Fish River Canyon can be part of the itinerary.

Things to do in Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Eroded over many millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second-largest natural canyon in the world. Set in a harsh, stony plain, dotted with drought-resistant succulents such as the distinctive quiver tree or kokerboom, Aloe dichotoma, and Euphorbia gregaria, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon that took hundreds of millions of years to evolve. While its full length is 160 km – the width is up to 27 km and depth up to 550 meters – its most spectacular section is the 56-km stretch between the northernmost and southernmost viewpoints.

Because the river flows intermittently, there is always water in some of the pools, except in very dry years. Containing small- and largemouth yellowfish, sharp tooth catfish, tilapia, and common carp, the pools are also frequented by the water monitor or leguan.

Baboon, rock hyrax, ground squirrel, and klipspringer are often seen in the canyon, while the presence of leopard and mountain zebra is indicated by tracks left at waterholes. Kudu inhabits the densely vegetated lower reaches north of /Ai-/Ais. An interesting variety of birds, such as the olive thrush, Cape robin-chat, and African black duck, are found in the canyon.

When to visit Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Avoid the hottest months of the year (October to April). The cooler period (May to September) is a much better time to visit. This is also when wildflowers color in the landscape. There’s little wildlife viewing in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld, so this isn’t really a factor in the timing of your visit, but birding is best in the hot summer months.