The Richtersveld Northern Cape is the only true desert mountains in South Africa. This Transfrontier Park measures 5 920 km² of rugged, desolate and hauntingly most spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery in southern Africa.
The extremely rare succulents plants such as the curious quiver tree (“kokerboom”) and the even stranger “halfmens” grows here where water is a great scarcity.
We did a hike in the Richtersveld Northern Cape, in August 2015. The Hakkiesdoring hiking base camp were our home for several days, since we could not complete the hiking trail due to the fact that there was no water on the trail. But that did not dampened our enthusiasm, or stop us from doing day hikes and exploring the surrounding areas of this beautiful arid landscape.
From there, we went to the photogenic ”Kokerboom kloof” campsite for two days. This is a magical place and an excellent location for landscape photography, as well as for star trails and the Milky Way. Unfortunately, one cannot have it all, and clouds at night made it impossible for star trails or Milky Way photography. What a pity! That just means one thing: We’ll have to go back there one day to do some night photography. (Who is joining us? 🙂 )
The next overnight stay on the list was De Hoop camp site, where we stayed for one night, and then to Potjiespram camp site. Both these two camps are situated next to the Orange River.
Campsites have the basic ablution facilities, and are very remote. At Potjiespram we were lucky enough to have a cute little visitor, the local small-spotted Genet. It entertained us for the whole night and we took some beautiful pictures of it.
There are incredible rock formations all over, and colourful desert flowers were covering this dry earth, in little spots.
What an extraordinary and almost sacred place! This was our first time in the Richtersveld and definitely not the last. If you need a tranquil place and wants to get away from all the noise and hectic urban life, then this magical place is a must. Not even to talk about all the photographic opportunities in this desolate rugged place!
My Flickr Account My 500px Account 500px Portfolio on PhotoPixSA.com My Email Address
8 Comments
Awesome photos Fanie, they capture the true essence of the moment.
Thanks again, Lizl. Maybe we will be visiting that region again one day, hopefully we will able to do the hiking trail, and to have great weather for great pictures.
What a image!! The moment will be relived by yourself and fellow hikers for ever. I am sure that you will return to complete the hike and visit, Lots of photos waiting to be captured.
Yes Helena, It is an awesome and very photogenic place. Will definitely like to go back there.
Something about the arid parks just draws you… it gets under your skin, in your blood… Once you’ve experienced the vastness, the openness, you’ll always go back… The Richtersveld – great place to find yourself and experience God’s greatness.
True words Kobus. First time I visited it and I am already hooked. It is a magical place.
Weereens pragtige fotos Fanie
Baie dankie Cecilia