Richtersveld, Natural reserve in Northern Cape, South Africa
Richtersveld is a conservation area in the Northern Cape featuring rugged mountains, deep valleys, and expansive sandy plains across roughly 160,000 hectares. The terrain is dry and barren in most places, though it supports specialized plants adapted to extreme conditions.
The Nama people arrived in this region during the 18th century as colonial expansion pushed them from their original territories. This forced migration shaped how they settled the land and adapted their pastoral way of life to these conditions.
The Nama communities have lived here as herders for centuries, and their way of life shapes how the land is used today. You can observe how they move their animals seasonally and build simple shelters adapted to the harsh environment.
Access requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle due to rough terrain and unpaved roads throughout the area. Accommodation ranges from basic camping spots to traditional dwellings, and visitors should expect minimal amenities and bring adequate supplies.
The region supports an exceptional variety of succulent plants found nowhere else in such concentration worldwide. These species have evolved remarkable survival strategies to endure both freezing temperatures and extreme heat.
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