This world heritage site is located in an isolated, hot and dry region. Every corner of the park boasts natural beauty and a unique, rugged mountain desert. It is filled with deep canyons, breath taking views and a variety of rare vegetation including the kokerboom (quiver tree). This is South Africa’s first contractual park, meaning: co-management by SANparks and the community.

Activities to enjoy here include hiking, 4 x 4 trails, bird watching, mountain biking and donkey cart rides. You can also enjoy the many flowers during season, which is from June to October each year.

There are many guided trails to choose from, including the Ventersval Trail (4 days, 3 nights), Lelieshoek Oemsberg Trail (3 days, 2 nights), and Kodas Piek Trail (2 days, 1 night).

San Rock engravings can be found in a few places around the park, some dating back 2000 years. Wildlife found here include springbok, klipspringer, grey rheebok, steenbok, baboon, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, brown hyena, bat-eared fox and meerkat.

There is no shop within the park. Fuel and cold drinks should be purchased from the small store in Sandelingsdrift.

Gate hours: 8.00 – 16.15 daily, throughout the year. For more info, go to www.richtersveldnationalpark.com or call +27 (0) 831 1506.