Heading to the other-worldly stark desert landscape of the /Ai/Ais- Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park? These are a few attractions not to be missed

*A 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle is essential for travel within the park.

1. Search for Halfmense at Halfmens Pass

Take a drive through Halfmens Pass to spot the peculiar-looking halfmens succulents, which are endemic to the area. Folklore has it that these are the frozen forms of the enemies of the Nama people, trapped for eternity in the desert landscape.

2. Visit the nursery

Sendelingsdrift’s nursery hosts a number of rare and special plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

3. Picnic along the Orange River

In this vast desert wilderness, the mighty Orange River will refresh the soul. There are many spots to choose from: sit on the grass at Sendelingsdrift, pop in at De Hoop, or enjoy the silence of the river at Richtersberg or Tatasberg. If you’re a fisherman, enquire at reception about a permit.

4. Visit the petroglyphs

Rock engravings on black dolomite rocks are littered around the park. But a few clear examples of these centuries-old San petroglyphs can be seen just outside Sendelingsdrift alongside the river.

5. Take in the beautiful sunsets

Head to the reception deck with a bottle of bubbly and enjoy the sunset over the mountains of Namibia on the other side of the river.

6. Visit the Hand of God

Locals believe that God pressed a hand down on the rock face of the Richtersveld, leaving a large handprint on the mountains. Just 14km from Sendelingsdrift you’ll find this peculiar sighting right next to the road.

7. Spend the night at Tatasberg

For a secluded and romantic experience, nothing comes close to Tatasberg Wilderness Camp. The sounds of silence are tangible at these rustic chalets perched above the Orange River. The Tatasberg makes for an eerie landscape where entire mountains seem to be made out of large granite boulders. Search for the genets that live on the surrounding hills, and watch as goats head along their grazing routes in the early mornings.

8. Ride the pont

Sendelingsdrift also serves as a border post for crossing into Namibia. From here, it is only a one-minute ride on the pontoon that ferries cars back and forth across the river border to Namibia. Gliding across the water with car on board in no-man’s land is an experience not to be missed.

9. Hike a trail

For the brave, the four-day Venstervalle trail that starts at Hakiesdoring Trail Camp explores vast quartzite gorges, masses of botterboom, the crags of the Tswaies Mountains and the fountains of Armanshoek.

10. Take a snap with a quiver tree

The towering quiver trees that jut out into the sky are captivating sights. Some in the park are up to 400 years old, and can even reach nine metres high. You’d be remiss to leave without a photo as a souvenir.