The Richtersveld is a mountain desert, tucked in the far northwestern corner of the Northern Cape in South Africa. Within this wilderness lies the Richtersveld National Park.
The Richtersveld is full of varying scenery, with flat sandy plains in the south, to rocky jagged mountains in the northwest and the luxuriance of the Orange River.
The Nama people live and graze their livestock in the area.
This is a harsh and irregular land where water is scarce and life- nurturing moisture appears in the form of an early-morning fog called "Ihuries".
It starts from the Atlantic supporting a range of small reptiles, birds and mammals.
The Richtersveld has variety of fauna like the grey rhebok, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, kudu, Hartman's mountain zebra, baboon, velvet monkey, caracal and leopard.
Bird life is abundant here, and 650 plant species have been recorded. The Nama community use them for medicinal and cosmetic purposes
Richtersveld has the world's largest diversity of vascular plants, including the unusual Halfmens, a tall vascular plant.
The Gariep River is virtually the only standing water in this whole vast region and the rocks are bare - in some places resembling a barren lunar landscape.
Canoeing, angling and bathing in the Orange River are also awailable.
hiking trails offer opportunity to explore this deserted land.
The climate here is harsh and dry, with temperatures of up to 53°C having been recorded in mid-summer. Nights are cool and become chilly in winter. Heavy dew occurs in the park.
One stunning feature of the Wondergat, is a deep cave which holds religious significance for the local Nama people. The southern section comprises scrub veldt and speckled grassy plains.
In terms of the contract signed with the Richtersveld community, the park remains a contractual area, which allows for the continuation of existing activities, including stock farming. This is a unique area in South Africa in terms of its natural elements and the contribution of local inhabitants
South Africa Travel Hub offers online booking for Tours to Richstaerveld National Park. Please fill the form given below:
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