South Africa's Only True Desert
With an annual rainfall of less than 70 mm and temperatures up to 50°C, the Richtersveld is one of the most dry regions in South Africa, but also has the greatest variety of plants when compared to any other desert in the world. Life-sustaining moisture comes in the form of early morning fog - called 'Ihuries' or 'Malmokkies' by the local people.
At places, there are more than 350 species per square kilometre. From the 2 700 plant species counted here, 560 are indigenous only to the Richtersveld. The region includes Steinkopf, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing and Koeboes, and is home to the Richtersveld National Park. One can reach the Richtersveld either from Vioolsdrif over the Aninauspas to Eksteenfontein, or from Cape Town on the N7 to Steinkopf and on to Port Nolloth on the R382.
The community of 5000 is a mix of ancestral Khoi and Nama people, Bosluisbasters - descendants from white and Koi unions from the Cape, missionaries, prospectors and adventure seekers. About 15km outside Koeboes is Wondergat, a sink hole which is, to the local people, surrounded by eeriness and myth. Said to be the home of a giant snake with a diamond on his forehead and sometimes also of a vengeful Nama ghost, the place is said to cause unexplainable and terrible illness. Wondergat is also a popular dive site for the techniucal diving community as it is one of the deepest inland dive sites in South Africa - divers such as Nuno Gomes use Wondergat to prepare for other deep dives.
Must do's in the Richtersveld includes doing a 4x4 route and driving the Springbok flats, whilst keeping on the lookout for Rock Hyrax, Ground Squirrel, Jackal Buzzard, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, "halfmens" or half-human (Pachypodium namaquanum), succulent amongst which the rust-red brown aloe (Aloe pearsonii) and the different species of quiver trees, be sure to keep a camera within reach.
Camp at Kokerboomkloof amidst a forest of Aloe dichotoma or for those in need of a bit more luxury, stay in a chalet on the banks of the Orange River at Sendelingsdrift, Tatasberg or Ganakourie Wilderness Camps.
The park is only accessible by means of a 4x4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances such as combi's and LDV's do travel in the park. Sedan vehicles are not permitted. There is no specific route that can be booked in advance.
Experience desolation and life combined in this unique environment.
Related Tags: south africa, desert
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
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