Richtersveld National Park
Conjure up a desolate and forbidding landscape, seemingly devoid of life, except for some people dotting along the horizon. Make a startling discovery upon closer inspection when the mirage dissolves into the human-like half-mens (half person) and the harsh environment prove to be a treasure-chest containing the world’s richest desert flora. If you want to catch flowering season and experience the springtime floral splendour of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld area book between June and October-depending on good rains.
The park is a bird watchers paradise with almost 200 species on offer! Accommodation is available in the park with a range of options from chalets to campsites.
CYCLING IN THE RICHTERSVELD
Known for its stark landscape of massive granite boulders, rugged mountains and open plains, the Richtersveld is challenging place to cycle with sandy gravel roads, rocky mountain passes and soaring daytime temperatures. But the beautiful vistas, open space and peaceful environment make cycling here a truly unforgettable experience. The park is best explored during spring and autumn when the temperatures are more moderate.
Because of its remoteness and the harsh semidesert environment, cyclists need to carry water and food with them or travel with a backup vehicle. For more information on cycling in the Park, check out this account by local cyclists who cycled the Richtersveld trails, covering 220km in only five days!
