 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
The Richtersveld is an extremely arid region bordering the Orange River and Namibia. The Richtersveld National Park is situated in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Twisted and faulted, seared by a blistering sun, the 160 000ha or crenelated lava mountains and sandy plains of the north-western crook of the Orange River form southern Africa’s largest mountain desert park. The Richtersveld has become a tourist destination for those people looking for a tourist destination with a difference.
Much needed moisture reaches this area from the coast in the form of fog. Small reptiles and birds are the only living creatures that inhabit this arid desert landscape. Though surrealistically harsh and as dry as a bleached skull, the rugged Richtersveld is a botanist’s living laboratory, nurturing some 30% of all South Africa’s succulent plant species.
The Richtersveld does not receive a great deal of precipitation, but an astonishing number of wild flowers emerges when a little rain has fallen in spring. The terrain becomes treacherous from Alexander Bay onwards, even for 4x4 vehicles, but the beauty of the landscape makes the effort worthwhile. |
|
 |
|
| the Richtersveld |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
