- Where to find: South Africa, Cape
The Richerssweld Valley is on the border of South Africa and Namibia, in the Northern Cape. Unique in its climatic and geographical characteristics, the area along the Orange River in 1991 received the status of the National Park and has since been a permanent object of tourist interest.
History
Historically, the mountain desert territory belonged to the Nama tribe. They are now compact communities living in the park, grazing livestock and are involved in the tourism industry.
The Richerssweld National Park was established in 1991. In 2003, an agreement was signed between the Namibian and South African reserves to establish a Transboundary Park, including the South African National Park Ritchersveld and the Ay-Ice hot springs, into which the Fish River flows. Thanks to this, tourists can see not only the famous "Martian landscapes" of Richerssweld, but also the second largest in Africa canyon of the Fish River, located on the territory of Namibia. Since 2007 the reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nature
The valley of Richerssweld attracts tourists from all over the world with its harsh and unique nature. Imagination strikes an unusual, sun-scorched mountain landscape, smoothly changing from the sandy, flat coastal plain to the sharp rocky mountains of volcanic rocks. The only source of water in this area is the Orange River, which envelops the valley from the north.
Daily temperature changes are very noticeable. In winter, frosts are possible, and in summer the temperature can reach 53 ° C, while the nights are cold at the same time. Rains are mainly in winter, from May to September, thunderstorms are possible in the mountains.
It would seem that in such an arid region, flora and fauna can be represented only by single specimens. But this is the second amazing property of this area - a variety of plants, animals and birds, many of which you will not find anywhere else. During and after the monsoon rains, the valley looks like a colored carpet. In the park there are more than 650 species of plants, including the most extensive collection of succulents and aloe. Some of them fancifully resemble the figure of a person, especially from afar. Enjoy the observation of different species of antelope, mountain zebra, baboons, desert caracals, spotted panthers.
In addition to examining the rows of colorful hills, you should pay attention to local attractions, for example, the stone "Hand of God" - a huge stone with a palm print, almost twice as large as a human. Local legends say that God at this time rested during the creation of the world.
How to get there?
From Johannesburg , flights to Apington - the nearest airport to Richtersveld. From Apington begins the path to the National Park, which has several cities (Port Nollot, Alexander Bay) with decent motels, where you can stop if necessary and replenish supplies of provisions.
From Cape Town you can get by rail or highway along the ocean.
The city of Port Nollot is also called the gateway to the Richtersveld National Park, although it will have to travel 160 km to the park itself.
There are several ways to visit the Richtersweld valley with an organized excursion (conducted from April 1 to September 30) or independently. In the second case, the success of your trip will be a good company, excellent off-road vehicles with high ground clearance and provisions and bottled water. It is necessary to take care of the warm clothes.
In addition to exploring the natural beauties, you can go hiking, ride a mountain bike, camels and horses, swim in a canoe on the Orange River or go rafting.
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