TOUR
8
Richtersveld and Flowering Namaqualand
The Richtersveld National Park is the last
inviolate nature reserve in South Africa, maybe because of its extreme
isolated location in the far northwest of the country. The park
borders on the Orange River, which is also the natural border between
South Africa and Namibia.
This park is known for its unique landscape and flora. The volcanic
mountains bring about the scenic charm, which is further explored
in the valleys and plateaus. The flora is represented by an incredible
variety of succulents. Some of them do not occur in any other place
of the world, for example the "Halfmensboom". Curiosity
might draw you towards this last, almost untouched part of South
Africa. However, this is not easy as this area can only be reached
by 4x4 vehicles with appropriate equipment. You are far away from
any civilization. Luckily this is not a problem, because we have
the necessary equipment and knowledge to offer you an unforgettable
adventure.
This tour proposal has a few tourist highlights which we will visit:
• The Augrabies Falls National Park,
with the biggest waterfalls in South
Africa.
• Namaqualand with its beautiful wild
flowers in spring.
• The diamond area along the coast at Port
Nolloth and Alexander Bay.
• The Richtersveld on its own. This
program can be booked as a Camping
or Chalet tour.
TOUR
PROGRAM
Day 1:
We pick you up at Upington airport fully equipped and drive via
Kakamas and Pofadder to Springbok, the capital of Namaqualand. During
the flowering season a carpet of colourful wild flowers covers Namaqualand.
Overnight stay: Springbok
Meals: NO Meals included.
Many good restaurants available in town.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we drive via Steinkopf to Port Nolloth, which lies
along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. In early days, this little
village became known for its diamond smuggling. We continue our
journey further north up to Alexander Bay, the diamond capital of
this area, where we'll visit the interesting Diamond Museum. (Only
possible during the week). From here we take a short drive along
the estuary of the Orange River to Brandkaros Camp, where we’ll
overnight on the banks of the scenic river.
Overnight stay: Brandkaros
Camp
Meals:
Full board
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Day
3: The gravel road leads
us further to Sendelingsdrift. Only a big copper mine exists in
this little village and the Park Management Head Office of the Richtersveld
National Park is also situated here. After booking formalities,
we drive with our 4x4 vehicles over passes and plateaus through
the unique and beautiful landscape of the Richtersveld down to the
Orange River, up to Camp Richtersberg where we’ll set up camp for
the next 2 nights (Camping version) or only 8 km. further downstream,
lies camp “Tatasberg” where we will overnight in lovely chalets
(if Chalet version is chosen) on the banks of the river. During
our welcomed bath in the river, we may be fortunate enough to witness
a fish-eagle hunting, or you can always go for an interesting stroll
afterwards. Overnight
stay: Richtersveld
Chalet Version Camp Tatasberg
Camping Version Richtersberg Camp
Meals: Full board
Day 4
: While enjoying our breakfast peacefully,
we will have a good view of the river that attracts plenty of
different water birds. Today our drive leads us into the inner
section of the park, with high plateaus and a wonderful view over
the Richtersveld landscape. We have enough time to stop for some
beautiful photos or go on a relaxing walk.
Overnight stay: Richtersveld
Chalet Version Camp Tatasberg
Camping Version Richtersberg Camp
Meals: Full board
Day
5:
After breakfast the trip leads us further through the wild Richtersveld
Park up to the Helskloof Pass. To drive down the steep pass, we
need low range gears to master the extreme decline. We exit the
Richtersveld Park at the Helskloof gate, from where a short drive
will take us to the settlement of Kuboes where we'll overnight
in traditional 'matjies' huts of the local Nama people. This promises
to be a joyful experience!
Overnight stay: Traditional
Matjies huts
(if available)
Meals: Full board
Day 6: After breakfast your adventure continues
as we drive via Eksteenfontein to Vioolsdrif to the "Aquacade"
camp along the banks of the Orange River. Here we overnight in
chalets for the next 2 nights.
Overnight stay:
Camp Aquacade
Meals: Full board
Day
7: After breakfast we’ll paddle peacefully
downstream on the tranquil Orange River for about 20 km in twin
canoes. Most probably we will see plenty of water birds. We will
enjoy lunch on a beautiful spot somewhere along the river and
then be picked up and transported back to Camp Aquacade, where
we will stay overnight.
Overnight stay: Camp
Aquacade
Meals: Full board
Day 8:
After breakfast our drive takes us back via Springbok and Pofadder
to the Augrabies Falls National Park, the world's sixth largest
waterfall when South Africa's largest river, the Orange River,
is in flood. Sightseeing and a game drive to awesome viewpoints
like Ararat and Oranjekom on the Orange River Gorge, adds to the
adventure. Giraffe, springbok, eland and klipspringer can be seen,
while fish eagles and black eagles are common as well.
Overnight stay: Augrabies
Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast
included.
Dinner facultative: Restaurant available at the camp.
Day 9:
After breakfast facultative the journey leads us back to Upington
where we arrive in time for your flight back.
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