A harsh rugged desert landscape bisected by the life giving Orange River. Camping under the stars and canoeing through miles of uninhabited terrain are highlights of his region.
Richtersveld National Park and the Orange River
The Richtersveld National Park is a mountainous desert landscape and the closest most of us will ever get to setting foot on Mars. A favourite haunt of 4x4 enthusiasts, this is a harsh and rugged land inhabited by only the hardiest of life-forms. Hot days end with incredibly vivid sunsets that paint the sky in a palette of colours before giving way to inky black nights where shooting stars regularly blaze through the dark sky.
The Orange River provides the only source of water in the Richtersveld and cuts a green swathe through this otherwise barren landscape. A four day canoe trip down the river with nights spent in the open, camping on its banks and eating hearty meals cooked over open fires is one of the most relaxing holidays you will ever have.
Salt-of-the-earth river guides take care of all your meals, lead you through exhilarating rapids and point out the varied birdlife along the way. Long days floating downstream are rewarded by ice cold beers, campfire stories and lasting dark tans. If you want to 'get away from it all', the Orange River is the place for you. Mobile phones don't work out here so leave yours at base camp. For four days, the only sign of man is in your canoes, and surrounding you is nothing but nature.