EXPLORE BOESMANLAND along the Orange River, and mostly the unknown section from Klein Pella to Vioolsdrif and Kotzehoop.

The Boesmanland and Richtersveld 4×4 Trip is an adrenaline-pumping experience through the breathtaking landscapes of the Boesmanland and Richtersveld areas. The Boesmanland and Richtersveld 4×4 Trip promises to be a unique experience for both adventurers and nature lovers.

From Noordoewer, across the Pont at Sendelings Drift, into the RICHTERSVELD – a geological masterpiece. We end our expedition at Port Nolloth/McDougals Bay on the West Coast.

Boesmanland is a semi-arid region. The epic landscape morphs into dwarf shrub and rocky plains balanced with Karoo Koppies, prehistoric flat-topped mountains of compacted lava, slowly thinning out into the Kalahari Desert, a large, semi-arid sandy savannah that takes you into Namibia.

The Richtersveld is a remote region with a certain esoteric beauty, but why should such a barren place be worthy of World Heritage status? The Richtersveld has both natural and cultural criteria that make it unique. In other words, there’s more to the Richtersveld than first meets the eye.

The Richtersveld National Park is a rugged mountain desert, desolate and in parts hauntingly set in a great loop of the Orange River. This is a place of deep canyons, jagged mountain ranges, landscapes made vivid by the unusual colours of the rocks and soils, of extremely rare succulents plants such as the curious Kokerboom or Quiver tree and the even stranger Halfmens, and in the north by the broad, languid stretches and white water rapids of the great Orange River.

Highlights:

‘Halfmens’,
Quiver Trees,
Rock Formations,
Unique Flora and Fauna
Sleeping under starry skies
Listen to the call of a Fish Eagle.

Day 1: Departure

Never been to POFADDER? This is this little town that we meet, at 15:00 on 5 September 2022. Ou pick up for passengers with us will be early morning in Durbanville in Cape Town.

After a visit to the Niemoller Museum in Pofadder and interesting storytelling by Luise, we leave for Pella and a visit to the Cathedral. We will enjoy sundowners before dinner on the banks of the Orange River.

Dinner at the Guest House (own account)

Accommodation: Klein Pella Guest Farm (B&B Rooms)

Day 2

Klein Pella to Kotzehoop along the Orange River (275km – 5 hours)

We start our journey further into Boesmanland and the Richtersveld. Overlooking the Namibian Plato, we drive in a western direction via Goodhouse and along the Orange River where we will enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Orange River.Be on the lookout for Quiver Trees and the beautiful landscapes of distant Mountains and Granite Koppies. We drive along true Boesmanland landscapes and jeep-tracks.

Look out for the first ‘Halfmense’ on this section.

We join the N7 Tar-road about 44km before Vioolsdrif Border Post for our last 50km of the day.

Accommodation and Dinner: Orange River luxury Tented en-suite chalets (DB&B)

Day 3

Kotzehoop to Sendelingsdrift Camp (200km – 4.5 hours)

We follow a scenic part of the Richtersveld not yet declared as a Park. Drive via Kubus to Sendelingsdrift Camp in the Richtersveld National Park, on the banks of the Orange River.

Late afternoon we will visit the Nursery and meet Pieter van Wyk. He will keep you spellboundand with his extraordinary knowledge of plant-life in the Richtersveld – truly a life-changing experience.

Accommodation and Dinner: Sendelingsdrift Chalets (DB&B)

Day 4

(85km – 5 hours)

From Sendelingsdrift we drive along the jeep track via Akkedis Pass for brunch at De Hoop Camp site on the banks of the Orange River. From there we leave to visit The Hand of God and on to Tatasberg Wilderness Camp on the banks of the Orange River.

Accommodation: En-Suite 2-bed Chalets with shower and flushing toilets.

Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)

Day5

(60km – 5 hours)

After breakfast we drive via the Springbokvlakte with vistas of ‘Tatas-berge’ and ‘As-berge’, along the ‘Rosyntjie-berge’ to Kokerboomkloof Camp Site. Stroll amongst Quiver Trees, looking for well-known rock formations like The Wish Bone, The Witches Family, The Toadstool and Queen Victoria. After a Picnic Lunch we drive via a Jeep Track along Tatasberg and into the Ganakouriep dry riverbed, passing Hakiesdoring Camp to overnight at Ganakouriep Wilderness Camp

Accommodation: Ganakouriep en suite 2-bed Chalets with shower and flushing toilet

Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)

Day 6

From Ganakouriep to Port Nolloth (240km – 6.5 hours)

We leave early via the well-known Helskloof Pass with magnificent views of Paradysberg.

We will stop to admire the rare Pearson’s Aloe and ‘Boompie-Alleen’. Sadly, we then have to leave the Park and will drive via Beesbank for a late Lunch (own account) at a Restaurant in Port Nolloth.+

Accommodation: McDougals Bay Beach House (Bed&Dinner)

Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai at Beach House

Day 7

Time for everybody to leave for home – drive safely!

Prior to departure we will forward you comprehensive information on what is needed to prepare for the adventure that lies ahead

Included in the Trip

ROUTE PLANNING and all bookings as well as comprehensive information to prepare for your adventure
ACCOMMODATION – Guest House and Chalet
MEALS – Our fully equipped BUSH kitchen will treat you with a hearty breakfast that varies from continental to bacon/boerewors and eggs. Delicious picnic lunches with interesting salads and cheeses. Dinner is always around a campfire – true South African Braai/Potjie experiences and homecooked meals like bobotie. Always accompanied by fresh salad and vegetables.
COFFEE Station –unlimited tea and coffee are yours to enjoy in camp – always with early morning homemade rusks
ICE Bucket filled up for Wine O’Clock for sundowners.
SUPPORT Vehicle with Guides
2-WAY radios for all vehicles