12 TOURISM RICHTERSVELD
12 TOURISM RICHTERSVELD ROUTE The Richtersveld is a mountainous desert situated in the north-west corner of South Africa. It has the highest diversity of succulent plants in the world (4 849 species, of which 1 940 are endemic), as well as eerie coastal mists, alluvial diamonds and truly indigenous cultures. To its west is the cold and rough Atlantic Ocean, while the remarkable Orange River, the largest river in South Africa, winds along its northern border. Two of the most fascinating plants found in the Richtersveld are the kokerboom, or quiver tree, and the halfmens boom, or “half human tree”. Green succulent “leaves” sprout from the top of many root-like branches on the kokerboom, which are hollow. The San people used them as quivers for their arrows, thereby naming the tree. The main centres on the route are Port Nolloth, Steinkopf, Eksteensfontein and Sendelingsdrift. Activities on the Richtersveld Route include hiking, 4×4 trails, birdwatching, mountain biking and donkey-cart rides. Artists, seafood lovers, geologists, photographers and those interested in indigenous culture, diamond mining and desert living will all find the Richtersveld enchanting. WORLD HERITAGE SITE Drive inland towards Eksteensfontein and Sendelingsdrift, and you will reach one of South Africa’s foremost World Heritage Sites, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape World Heritage Site, bordering the |Ai/ Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The Richtersveld Route not only traverses the unique and diverse park, but also a number of traditional Nama settlements dotted along its edge. Here, time seems to have stood still for a thousand years. If you explore on foot, keep an eye out for the small plants growing in the many quartzite crystal patches, and take some time to admire the 10m-high giant quiver trees, and oddly shaped botterboom (Tylecodon paniculatus). Engage low range along the 600km Namaqua 4×4 eco-trail route as you approach Vioolsdrift on the edge of the Richtersveld. Driving a 4×4 trail is a given when you travel through the Richtersveld.Making your way up Domrog Pass and down Akkedis Pass past the Hand of God rock formation will provide enough adrenaline for the day. Criss-crossing the Helskloof area will test any 4×4 driver’s mettle. The Orange River offers excellent opportunities for river rafting and the best wilderness fly- fishing in South Africa. Plus, all of the Richtersveld is a mountain-biker’s dream. Spend a day following a traditional goat herder while taking unique photographs of the life of nomads. In the villages the locals will entertain guests with storytelling and traditional Nama step dancing for a small fee. Buy a traditional Nama waistcoat or a kappie to take home. Early-morning and late-afternoon hikes are recommended to soak up the ambience of the desert. And don’t forget to look for the many petroglyphs in the park.
TOURISM CAPE TO NAMIBIA ROUTE During spring, this route takes visitors into the heart of the floral kaleidoscope that is the Namaqua flower season. Main centres: Garies, Kamieskroon, Springbok, Okiep, Nababeep, Carolusberg, Steinkopf and Vioolsdrift. The Cape to Namibia Route stretches along the N7 through the Northern Cape province before meandering away from the national road to include various small towns, each with its own local flavour and a story to tell. The N7 highway stretches from Cape Town through the Northern Cape to Namibia in the north. Marvel at the floral splendour of the wildflower bloom in the Namaqua region every spring. The wildflowers of the Cape West Coast and Namaqualand are regarded as a botanical wonderland. Tourists, photographers and botanists are attracted to this spring spectacle. A drive along the 4×4 Caracal Eco Trail in the Namaqua National Park includes wild and rugged roads through mountain passes and coastal drives. The park boasts an estimated 3 500 plant species, including many endemic species. This route stretches over 1 478km to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Once travellers journeying along this route manage to conquer the Western Cape on the first part of this long journey, a stopover somewhere in the Northern Cape will deliver a treat. Northern Cape towns along this route offer a variety of activities and experiences and cater for adrenaline lovers and adventure seekers. The Skilpad Rest Camp, located inside the Namaqua National Park, provides self-catering units. Tourists and locals who visit this area can explore the abundance of life forms in the park by enjoying hikes, walks and nature trails. For those who prefer to be at the sea, various camping facilities are available in the park and surrounding areas of Namaqualand. Activities to look forward to when staying at the hotel include fly-fishing on the Orange River and trips with De Beers Diamond Coast 4×4 Tours that allow visitors the opportunity to access parts of the Diamond Coast that were previously restricted. The Goegap Nature Reserve is about 15km south-east of Springbok and consists of typical Namaqualand vegetation. Here you will also find the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden. Diamond Coast Shipwreck Eco-Trail – If the dramatic shipwrecks along the Northern Cape coastline are your thing, there are organised tours such as hikes or a 4×4 trips through the coastal dunes forming part of the historic shipwreck trail. Fly-fish on the Orange River – These tours provide the perfect spots to test your skills with a rod and some line and get some quality fly-fishing in on the majestic river.
