Safari to Richtersveld

the only true desert in South Africa

The Richtersveld is a very remote part of the northwest region of South Africa.

This is the ultimate desert location in the country, similar in character to the wilder parts of Namibia.

The coast around Port Nolloth is diamond-mining territory, drawing a wild mix of tough people, including fishermen, diamond divers and their associates. It has a rough frontier atmosphere, with much talk of illicit smuggling and unlicensed firearms.

Up on the border Alexander Bay is much more of a diamond company town, with orderly housing and even a golf course of sorts.

Inland lies the Richtersveld, an extremely wild and tough landscape, the country’s only true desert, with place names like Hellskloof and Skeleton Gorge. The area can become covered with flowers in August and September (similar to the more famous blooms in Namaqualand to the south) should the light seasonal rains materialise.

At the northern end of the Richtersveld, the Orange River marks the boundary with Namibia and is the source of the gems found on the infamous Diamond Coast.

There is no recommended accommodation in the Richtersveld area.

We are very rarely asked to include the Richtersveld in trips, largely because guests wanting to explore these remarkable coastal deserts tend to head into the even wilder areas of Namibia Northwest, which is wilder, more scenic, has better wildlife and a good range of lodges.

usually better to head to Namibia