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| Home / Articles / Culture and Heritage / World Heritage Site - The Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape |
| World Heritage Site - The Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape |
The newest South African member to World Heritage Sites, this outstanding mountainous desert in the north-west is owned and managed by Khoi-Khoi descendants, the Nama community. Water is scarce in the arid, unforgiving land of extreme climate (over 50C in summer), and only obtainable via Gariep River. One could imagine being on the moon in this stark landscape with its blinding white quartz earth.
The extraordinary aspect of the Richtersveld is that the Nama have dedicated it primarly to conservation. After being pushed out of their land, the Richtersveld was placed under their ownership as part of the land restitution programme.
After initially two decades of negotiation, Richtersveld National Park (160 000ha) is managed jointly by the National Park Board and the Nama.
The seasonal migration of the Nama, practiced for two millennia, protects 650 mainly succulent plant species, which they use in daily living.
The Richtersveld is home to a variety of game and wildlife, including zebra, rhebok, steenbok, kudu, duiker, leopard and caracal. The Nama live and graze livestock in the area, a remarkable testimony of a working relationship between man and nature.
Accessible by means of a 4x4. Driving at night is not permitted.
AREA CAMPSITES:
De Hoop – A big riverside site. If traveling inland, be careful negotiating a narrow gorge en-route.
De Kooi- Not exceptional, but the distinctive flora is worth a visit.
Kokerboom Kloof- Shaded by the big climable rock formation, Die Toon, this inland site is peppered with Kokerbome.
Pootjiespram- Sandy and windy, with mountain walks along the Orange River.
Richtersberg- A grassier camp with fun to be had in the river.
Side-order/dessert:
‘Peace of paradise’ is a shocking green oasis. A shady, restful camping and caravan resort, it nestles on the banks of the Orange River, each site has its own kitchen.
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| Safari information that may interest you: |
List of World Heritage Sites in SA
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