Richtersveld, World Heritage cultural landscape in Northern Cape, South Africa

Richtersveld is a desert landscape in South Africa's Northern Cape, covering 1,624.45 square kilometres between the Orange River and the Atlantic coast. It runs from coastal plains up to Cornellberg at 1,377 m, with kloofs and volcanic rock mountains. The Nama community conservancy forms the core of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 2007.

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 halfmens (Pachypodium namaquanum) grows up to 5 m tall and leans northward, its spiny stem topped with a tuft of leaves; the Nama regard it as the embodiment of ancestors mourning their ancient Namibian home. The world's smallest tortoise, the Namaqua padloper, reaches only 10 cm and lives here.