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RICHTERSVELD NATIONAL PARK
A narrative and photographs are simply not enough to convey the absolute magnitude of the Richtersveld National Park. Surprisingly,
this vast and seemingly barren "rock desert"
Endemic
to the Richtersveld and south-west Namibia is the Halfmens also
known as the
This must truly be paradise for the outdoor and wildlife enthusiast.
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Vast,
daunting, harsh - absolutely awesome.
is
home to the richest assortment of succulents in the world! There
are some 185 bird species recorded in the park. Fresh water fish
such as yellowfish, the Orange River Mud Fish and sharptooth catfish
amongst others are also prevalent in the Richtersveld National
Park. Angling is permitted subject to the acquisition of permits,
once again in an attempt to preserve the delicate ecosystem of
this unique land. 
Richtersveld
National Park is also home to a host of mammals including the
following buck; springbok, klipspringer, grey rheebok and steenbok
amongst others. Also to be found are baboon and a small population
of Hartmann's Mountain Zebra (a protected species). Including
several other mammalian species, there exists a plethora of reptile
and snake species.
Noordpool (Northpole), as the strange rosette of deciduous leaves
at the crown of this extraordinary plant always faces north.
This stem succulent is found in clustered growth areas throughout
the Richtersveld and reaches an approximate 2 to 3m in height.
Peppering the vast desert landscape are Quiver trees, from which
the San people made their arrows.
The
Richtersveld is definitely not for the fainthearted. Unless
you are travelling in style in the latest 4x4 innovation, be
prepared to "rough it". For the adventurous visitor,
a paddle down stretches of the Orange River should provide the
thrill of a lifetime bringing you even closer to the natural
wonders of this beautiful "rock desert" with it's
contrasting backdrops and landscapes.