Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp

• 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.

A new campsite designed to service the transfrontier route with six sites is open. Ablutions with showers (cold water only).

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

• Flowering season - experience the springtime floral splendour of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld area (between June and October, depending on good rains).
• Bird watching - almost 200 species in the park.

Guided Trails

• Vensterval Trail (4 days, 3 nights)
• Lelieshoek-Oemsberg Trail (3 days, 2 nights)
• Kodaspiek Trail (2 days, 1 night)
• The above mentioned are only available from 1 April to 30 September
• Guided walking trails will be conducted from a base camp called Hakiesdoring hiking camp soon.

Facilities

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.

Pontoon at Sendelingsdrif

The old pont, that was last in service in 1988, when South West Africa (now Namibia) was still governed by South Africa, has been restored and offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the Garib (Orange) River that separates the two countries. Before the opening of this border a very inconvenient 485km detour and about 4 hours drive had to be undertaken to cross from one side of the Park to the other.

Pont Regulations:

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

Hours:

Summer and winter: 8:00 - 16:15 (weather permitting)

Fuel hours

• Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 18:00
• Saturday : 08:00 - 16:00
• Sunday: 08:30 - 13:00

Vital Information

Climate

Please note that heavy dew sometimes occur at night.

The Ai- Ais / Richtersveld climate is harsh and dry, with extreme temperatures of up to 53 degrees Celsius having been recorded in mid-summer. Activities should be restricted to early mornings and late afternoons. Nights are cool, but may become chilly during winter. Heavy night-time dew occurs in the park.

Day Visitors

Because of the great distance involved in getting to the park, day visitation is not recommended unless some form of accommodation is secured in the area.

Petrol and diesel

Diesel and 97 Octane Petrol is available at Sendelings drif. Note that Lead Free Petrol is not available. The nearest supply of Unleaded Petrol is at Alexander Bay - 80 km

Telephones

A Public Phone (Coin Operated) is available at Sendelings drif. Cellular communication is not available in the Park. If you have international roaming you can call from a few spots around Sendelings drif on MTN Namibia (beware the bill).

• The scenic route via Kuboes, Lekkersing and Eksteenfontein provides an additional dimension of what the region has to offer.

• Another spectacular route, recommended for 4x4 vehicles only, is over the mountain pass via Helskloof Reserve between Eksteenfontein and Vioolsdrift.

• 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.

• Internal roads are farm tracks mainly suited to 4x4 vehicles, but vehicles with high clearances such as kombis and LDVs do travel in the park. Sedan vehicles are not permitted.

• Due to deep-sanded riverbeds and rough mountain passes, driving in convoy is recommended.

• Single vehicles must sign an agreement to report back to park headquarters on departure.

• The old pont, that was last in service in 1988, when South West Africa (now Namibia) was still governed by South Africa, has been restored and offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the Garib (Orange) River that separates the two countries. Before the opening of this border a very inconvenient 485km detour and about 4 hours drive had to be undertaken to cross from one side of the Park to the other.

• Driving in the park at night is not permitted.