|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

How to get there

Recommended routes to and from the park

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. (If you take this route please respect the interests of the Kotzehoop farmers whose crops are affected by the dust from speeding vehicles.)

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 LDV’s 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.

Gate Hours

1 October to 30 April: 07:00 – 19:00
1 May to 30 September: 07:00 – 18:00

Distances to the park (Sendelingsdrif)

From:

Cape Town - 875km
Upington - 720km
Johannesburg - 1 595km
Durban - 1 992km
Springbok - 320km
Port Nolloth - 180km
Alexander Bay - 90km

Distances in the park

Sendelingsdrif – Helskloof Entry Gate - 22km (25 min)
Helskloof Gate-Kokerboomkloof - 78.3km
Helskloof Gate-Richtersberg - 68.5km
Helskloof Gate- De Hoop - 53.7km
Richtersberg – De Hoop - 8.1km (Deep sand and sharp rocks)
Sendelingsdrif-Potjiespram - 9km
Sendelingsdrif-De Hoop - 38.2kmSendelingsdrif / Richtersberg / Kokerboomkloof / Helskloof / Sendelingsdrift - 203km (9 hrs)