/Ai/Ais-Richtersveld April 2015

[Bushveld Jock]

Wow beautiful photos

More scenery shots to start off with and at the end KTP with more animals.

[Bushveld Jock]

Eish...watershedding coming up all over....unless Lesotho helps more!

And Victoria Falls is running dry on Zambia side, which put more pressure on water resources to generate electricity. Does not effect us, but still quiet a concern.

[Bushveld Jock]

I was there too... and less water than you had
right must go to the end of the park, the second part, after the tunnel was much more crowded with animals
and the landscapes were astonishing

to awake some beautifull souvenirs from this part of SA

and glad you enjoy it. We missed out on that because day visitors cannot enter early. Wanted to see the scarce Hartman zebras.

[Bushveld Jock]

We were there in December and there wasn't much water, but it is nice to see the falls in any case

We got there late afternoon and incredible hot. Not sure how people survive there but seems like its possible to adapt.

Rain fall only starts in October and dams getting full around Jan /Feb and then only will you get more water, but this year we did not have a good rainy season in the Orange Vaal catchment areas.

[Bushveld Jock]

You certainly make the most of our lovely country. Great pics of the falls.

. We done this trip for the first time when Matthew was still in night diapers and again in 2006. As soon as I can go outside school holidays we will try to go in the flower season.

[Bushveld Jock]

Day 2 (29 March) En route to Richtersveld

The distance from Augrabies is ~ 632 km and taking about 7 hours or more depending on your stop times. We got to the park a few minutes before 16:00 just in time to fill up with fuel and to get some wood from the shop. Fuel is only available between 8:00 - 16:00 and therefore you need to be at Sendelingsdrift before 16:00 if you want to enter the park early.

On the way we enjoyed a detour to McDougal's Bay and after lunch at Port Nolloth headed north to Alexander bay followed by a 90 km of gravel road to the park.

Not every day that we get to the beach and the tradition to wet your feet could not be resisted even in cold Atlantic water. Not Natal coast and no swimming was done.



Home of a Diamond Diver right next to the beach. No worries here.





Diamond boats in Port Nolloth's harbour:

[Bushveld Jock]

Day 2 (29 March) Richtersveld Transfrontier Park:

After booking-in at Sendelingsdrift we received a very informative map to guide us through the park the next day. We were equipped with a Garmin GPS, but at least with the map we could figure out where we were going. It was not our first time, but first trip staying at Tatasberg and Gannakouriep.

Our first trip was in 2002 when there was no facilities at the camp sites and no other accommodation available besides camping. You had to take a porta potie or shovel along and your own shower. In 2006 ablution blocks were added to the camp sites at De Hoop, Pootjiespram, Richtersberg and Kokerboomkloof with a toilets, washbasin and shower. There after the wilderness camps were added (I am not sure about the year) and private ablution for each site at Kokerboomkloof.

So where must we go? (Map issued by SANParks)



Overlooking the Orange river at Sendelingsdrift: Sunset and Night Sky

[Pumbaa]

Caught up, Bushveld Jock,

amazing and breathtaking landscape shots - WoW

[puppy]

What an interesting route. Love Augrabies. Went to Richtersveld many years ago and would love to do it again.
Your photographs are stunning - specially the night ones
Looking forward to more.

[Flutterby]

Love the pics of the diamond diver's house and the boats.

Can't believe how tall Moshi is!