The Richtersveld is a unique mountain desert wilderness of great beauty, tucked in the far northwestern corner of the Northern Cape in South Africa. It is full of changing scenery, with flat sandy plains in the south, to craggy sharp mountains in the northwest and the lushness of the Orange River.

In this wilderness lies the 162 445 ha Richtersveld National Park, proclaimed in 1991 after 18 years of negotiation between the National Park Board and the local Nama people. The park is now managed jointly by the local community and the South African Parks. The Nama people, who lease the land to the board, continue to live and graze their livestock in the area.

This is a harsh and unpredictable land where water is scarce and life-sustaining moisture appears in the form of an early-morning fog called "Ihuries" or "Malmokkies" by the locals. It rolls in from the Atlantic sustaining a remarkable range of small reptiles, birds and mammals.

The Richtersveld is home to grey rhebok, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, kudu, Hartman’s mountain zebra, baboon, velvet monkey, caracal and leopard. Birdlife is prolific, and 650 plant species have been recorded (the Nama community have specific uses for some 150 of these species, ranging from medicinal and cosmetic to nutritional).

Also peculiar to the Richtersveld is the world’s largest diversity of succulents, including the unusual halfmens, a tall succulent plant that bears an uncanny resemblance to the human from when seen outlined against the sky.

The Gariep River which forms the northern border of the Park is virtually the only standing water in this whole vast region and the rocks are stark and bare - in some places resembling a barren lunar landscape. The palate of colours that meets your eyes travels through the full range of golds and yellows to pinks and purples and then stuns you with streaks of pure white quartz which is sometimes scattered on the ground like snow.

Canoeing, angling and bathing in the Orange River are allowed (although rather perilous).

Three hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore this deserted wonderland. Kodaspiek Trail, the easiest, covers 24 km in two days; the Lelieshoek-Oemsberg Trail is a three-day/ 23 km hike; and Venstersvalle Trail, the most arduous, is a 42 km trek that takes 4 days to complete.

The Richtersveld climate is harsh and dry, with temperatures of up to 53°C having been recorded in mid-summer. Nights are cool and may become chilly in winter. Heavy nighttime dew occurs in the park.

To get to the park, follow the N7 leading north from Springbok to Steinkopf, then turn west to Port Nolloth and take the coast road to Alexander Bay. From there, it’s some 90 km to the park’s headquarters at Sendingsdrift. Alternatively, 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.

The park is only accessible by means of a 4x4 vehicle, but vehicles with high clearances such as combi's and LDV's do travel in the park. Sedan vehicles are not permitted. Driving in the park at night is also not permitted..