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Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park spans both South Africa and Namibia and has some of the most spectacular desert mountain scenery in Africa. The park is mainly a scenic wilderness destination. Although it’s the world's only area classified as an arid biodiversity hotspot, densities of large animals are low. In Namibia, it features the extraordinary Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon.
Best Time to Visit
Ai- Ais Richtersveld is not a prime wildlife destination. Since it can get extremely hot during the summer months of October to April, the milder winter months of May to September are a much more preferable time to visit. If there is enough rain, the spring flowers will be in bloom from August to September.
May to September –Winter
October to April –Summer
Scenery
The mountain desert landscape is rugged and spectacular. The Fish River Canyon is the most dramatic feature in the park and meanders between steep cliffs that bisect the flat Namib plateau. The Richtersveld lies in one of the most diverse parts of the species-rich Succulent Karoo biome (large community of flora and fauna), renowned for its massive display of flowers in spring.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: August to September (Spring flowers)
From: July to November (The park is rarely crowded)
From: 6,045km² / 2,334mi²
Ai- Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a wilderness destination home to a big variety of species, but very few large mammals. Several antelope species can be spotted, including klipspringer, grey rhebok, steenbok and common duiker. Vervet monkey and chacma baboon are present as well. Leopard are rare to see, but their tracks are proof of their presence.
Wildlife Highlights
The Hartmann's mountain zebra is the star species that can be encountered in the park. They live in small groups of seven to 12 individuals, and they are agile climbers. Suricate are also well-adapted to the arid environment and groups of them can be seen scanning the environment while standing on their hind legs, before scurrying off into their burrows. The elusive caracal is quite common but rarely seen.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Ai- Ais Richtersveld is hit-and-miss throughout the year. Since the heat can get intolerable during the summer months of October to April, the best time to visit the park is in the cooler winter months from May to September. August to September is a particularly good time since there is a chance of spring flowers.
Ai- Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has summer and winter at opposite times to the seasons in Europe and North America. The climate is harsh and dry, and although the average daytime temperatures are pretty mild, it often gets extremely hot. Temperatures of up to 53°C/127°F having been recorded in midsummer.
Winter –May to September
It is dry throughout the year. Days are moderate in winter, but nights can be very cold. It is important to take warm clothes. Days are rarely cloudy, with sunshine and bright skies being typical.
Summer –October to April
Although the average daytime temperatures are relatively mild, it often gets brutally hot during summer. Temperatures may rise to 45°C/113°F and higher in the afternoon, making the heat difficult to cope with. Nights cool off and are pleasant. Rainfall is rare.
Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park spans two countries: South Africa and Namibia. The Sendelingsdrift pontoon takes cars across the border, crossing the Gariep (Orange) River from the Richtersveld in South Africa to the Fish River Canyon and Ai-Ais Hot Springs on the Namibia side. It acts as a proper border crossing, so you'll get your passport stamped.
Ai- Ais Richtersveld is primarily a self-drive destination (especially on the South African side) although organized tours are available. The park is not accessible with an ordinary 2WD car. A 4WD vehicle is preferred, but high-clearance pickups or 2WD SUVs can also enter the park. Driving in convoy is recommended. On the Namibia side, fly-around tours with chartered planes are common, and the Fish River Canyon can be part of the itinerary.
South Africa Side
There are two options available to those visiting Ai- Ais Richtersveld on the South Africa side. Upon flying into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you can hire a car and drive to the park. You can also take a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Upington Airport (UTN) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and rent a car there. The park is 1,600km/994mi from Johannesburg, 885km/549mi from Cape Town and 720km/447mi from Upington.
Namibia Side
Generally, visitors to Ai- Ais Richtersveld in Namibia fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located 40km/25mi east of Windhoek, where you can rent a car. The park is located approximately 650km/403mi away. You can visit the canyon as a day trip, or you can go deeper into the park to Ai-Ais Hot Springs. A 4WD vehicle is only necessary when venturing deeper into the park (including the hot springs).
Your tour operator can organize a charter flight to the Fish River Canyon. The flight time is about 1½ hours from Windhoek.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Sky scanner to see which airlines can take you to Namibia or South Africa, and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Tour operators will generally book domestic flights (chartered and regular) on your behalf as part of your package. You can also book scheduled flights directly with the following carriers:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – South Africa and Namibia pages to learn more about passport, visa, COVID-19 and other entry requirements.
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