Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is made up of rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes that sweep away inland from the Orange River divulge the fact that you are now in the vast mountain desert.
An international treaty, signed in 2003, incorporated the AiAis Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park in South Africa, resulting in the establishment of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park.
This is a harsh and unpredictable land where water is scarce and life-sustaining moisture comes in the form of early morning fog called Ihuries or Malmokkies by the local people which rolls in from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sustaining a remarkable range of small reptiles, birds and mammals.
A staggering assortment of plant life, some species occurring nowhere else, is to be found here, with gnarled quiver trees, tall aloes and quaint half-mens keeping vigil over this inscrutable landscape.
One of the main features of the combined park is the worlds second largest canyon the Fish River Canyon.
At Sendelingsdrift, on the South African side, a pontoon has been established to ferry people and vehicles across the Orange River. The maximum carrying capacity is 6 Metric Tones or:
2 standard 4x4 vehicles without trailers
1 standard 4x4 vehicle with trailer
2 standard light motor vehicles with trailers
1 bus with a seating capacity of less than 20
Summer and winter: 8:00 16:00 (weather permitting)
The park is only accessible by means of a 4x4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances such as combis and LDVs do travel in the park. Sedan vehicles are not permitted. There is no specific route that can be booked in advance.
Admission and overnight permits must be obtained at the park office at Sendelingsdrift before entering the park. Overnight visitors must arrive before 16:00 to reach camping sites before dark.
Single vehicles must sign an agreement to report back to park headquarters before departure.
Driving in the park at night is not permitted.
Diesel and 97 Octane Petrol is available at Sendelingsdrift. Note that Lead Free Petrol is not available. The nearest supply of Unleaded Petrol is at Alexander Bay - 80 km
Cellular reception is only available at the park’s Reception area or in Sendelingsdrift. Currently Cell C, MTN and Vodacom networks are available in Sendelingsdrift. A Public Phone (Coin Operated) is available at Sendelingsdrif. A satellite phones (if you have available) is also recommended.
Sendelingsdrift (Reuning Mine)
A new rest camp has been built which consists of ten chalets (4 x 4 bed units and 6 x 2 bed units).
All chalets are equipped with air conditioning, fridge and two plate electric stoves. All units have showers, front porches with views over the Gariep (Orange River) and there is a swimming pool in the camp.
Tatasberg and Ganakouriep Wilderness Camps
Each camp consists of: 4 x 2-bed self catering units with showers, 12 volt lighting system, fridges and gas stoves (hot and cold water).
Please note that the water is not suitable for drinking and it is recommended that guests should provide their own drinking water.
Potjiespram
New ablutions have been built and showers (cold water only) are available. There are 18 campsites and an Environmental Education Centre where school groups can stay over in traditional Nama huts.
De Hoop
This remains one of the most popular spots in the park and ablutions (cold showers) have been built to service 12 Campsites.
Richtersburg
As for De Hoop, this camp, which lies on the banks of the river, has been upgraded with ablutions (cold showers) to service 6 Campsites.
Kokerboomkloof
The 8 Campsites are serviced by Dry Toilets. No water is available on site and the nearest water point is at Richtersberg (32 km) away.
No shops in the park, but fuel and cold drinks can be purchased at a small general store at Sendelingsdrift.
The shop is open on weekdays only.
Important Notice
1. Accommodation rates do not include Conservation Fees which are payable at the entrance gates.
2. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Rules & Regulations of National Parks before making a booking.
Please note the pont does not operate in adverse weather conditions or if the river is in flood.
The quickest way to get to the Park from N7 (RSA) and B1 (Namibia) is to turn off at Steinkopf and approach via Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay with only the last 80km being on dirt.
- For those wishing to vary their route and get a broader picture of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld the road from Vioolsdrift, via Kotzehoop, through spectacular scenery to Eksteenfontein and then on to Sendelingsdrift is one well worth traveling.
- The scenic route via Kuboes, Lekkersing and Eksteenfontein provides an additional dimension of what the region has to offer.
- Admission and overnight permits must be obtained at the park office at Sendelingsdrift before entering the park. Overnight visitors must arrive before 16:00 to reach camping sites before dark.
- The old pont at Sendelingsdrift has been restored and offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the Garib (Orange) River that separates South Africa and Namibia. This way visitors can enter either Ais-Ais or the Richtersveld National Parks without doing the inconvenient 485km detour to cross from one side of the Park to the other at Vioolsdrift.
Camp Site (CK6): 2 Vehicles allowed per site (No Charge), Ablutions, Access through Sendelingsdrif, COLD water shower, Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night, No power, Very rustic.
Camp Site (CK6): 2 Vehicles allowed per site (No Charge), Ablutions, Access through Sendelingsdrif, COLD water shower, Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night, No power, Very rustic.
Camp Site (CK6): 2 Vehicles allowed per site (No Charge), Ablutions, Access through Sendelingsdrif, COLD water shower, Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night, No power, Very rustic.
Camp Site (CK6 ): 1 bathroom with wc and bath, 2 Vehicles allowed per site (No Charge), Access through Sendelingsdrif, Emergency camp, Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night, Late Arrival campsite, No power point, NOTE: Construction in progress at Sendelingsdrif, Stayover for Border crossing.
Chalet (CH2): 2 single beds, Access through Sendelingsdrif, Air-conditioned, Ceiling Fan, Kitchenette, No smoking, Some units with TV’s, Units overlook the Orange River, WC and shower.
Chalet (CH4): 2 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds, Access through Sendelingsdrif, Air-conditioned, Ceiling Fan, Helskloof closed. Access through Sendelingsdrif. Kitchenette, No smoking, Some units with TV’s, Units overlook the Orange River, WC and shower.
Reed Cabin (RC2): 2 single beds, Access through Sendelingsdrif, Braai facility on deck, Gas stove (no oven), Guests to provide own drinking water and fire wood, No smoking, Solar power, no plug points, Solar powered fridge and geyser, Utensils, WC and shower.
Reed Cabin (RC2Z): 2 single beds, Access through Sendelingsdrif, Braai facility on deck, Gas stove (no oven), Guests to provide own drinking water and fire wood, No smoking, Ramp, Solar power, no plug points, Solar powered fridge and geyser, Universal accessible shower, Utensils, Wc.
