/Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Travel Guide: Top Sights in

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/Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Namibia; 8 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 72 hours

Spanning the border between South Africa and Namibia, the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park emerges as a monumental collaboration between two nations, conceived to preserve the region's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This dynamic peace park, established in 2003 through the union of the Namibian ǀAi-ǀAis Hot Springs Game Park with the South African Richtersveld National Park, is a vivid mosaic of biodiversity and geological marvels. Notably, a significant portion of the South African side contributes to the buffer zone of the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, a prestigious World Heritage Site, spanning a vast 5,920 square kilometers. The park is the custodian of the Fish River Canyon, Africa's most extensive canyon, presenting a spectacle of natural architecture unparalleled on the continent. The foundation of this transboundary conservation area was cemented by a memorandum of understanding signed by the presidents of South Africa and Namibia, symbolizing a shared commitment towards environmental preservation and cross-cultural exchange. Named after the hot springs that dot its landscape, |Ai-|Ais translates to 'burning water', a beacon to both biodiversity and the threat of human encroachment. In 2007, the Sendelingsdrift tourist facilities were inaugurated, serving as gateways for visitors to experience this unique terrain, with immigration offices facilitating movement across the breathtaking expanse of the park along the banks of the Orange River. The park is also a sanctuary for the Nama people, whose nomadic pastoralist lifestyle is a living testament to human resilience and adaptation to the arid environment. Their enduring presence and cultural practices, including the Nama language, offer an intimate window into the soul of the Namaqualand region.

Operators offering tours in Namibia

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Reviews of /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Johann Rawlinson

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-20

Many years ago, I hiked the Fishriver Canyon with family and friends, a grueling 7 days. AiAis camp was the endpoint of our hike. We stayed over for 2 days to "recover"where we we left our cars before tackling the hike and returned home. This was when Namibia was still South West which was under UN resolution, administered by South Africa
Johann Rawlinson

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-20

Many years ago, I hiked the Fishriver Canyon with family and friends, a grueling 7 days. AiAis camp was the endpoint of our hike. We stayed over for 2 days to "recover"where we we left our cars before tackling the hike and returned home. This was when Namibia was still South West which was under UN resolution, administered by South Africa
Lilani Radley

5
Reviewed: 2022-04-04

Went camping at De Hoop - what an experiece! Watch out for the monkeys though. Bathrooms were clean, hot water late afternoon. Campsite were clean and safe.
Lilani Radley

5
Reviewed: 2022-04-04

Went camping at De Hoop - what an experiece! Watch out for the monkeys though. Bathrooms were clean, hot water late afternoon. Campsite were clean and safe.
Tanya Nel

4
Reviewed: 2019-09-14

Absolutely beautiful park but no hides on the day drive meaning no bathroom stops. The day drive takes 3-4 hours and is very scenic but a 4x4 or at least a bakkie is highly recommended. You drive up the mountains and some places the terrain is very rough.
Tanya Nel

4
Reviewed: 2019-09-14

Absolutely beautiful park but no hides on the day drive meaning no bathroom stops. The day drive takes 3-4 hours and is very scenic but a 4x4 or at least a bakkie is highly recommended. You drive up the mountains and some places the terrain is very rough.
abdul ebrahim

2
Reviewed: 2018-01-15

It's not worth the drive. The hot spring is nothing to write home about, in fact it's the least interesting thing there. The place has 2 swimming pools and a nice bar & restaurant area, but you can get this in many closer or more interesting places. The staff were friendly and helpful. There is a petrol station and tyre repair facility. I would not recommend making a special trip here, rather a pass by on the way elsewhere.
abdul ebrahim

2
Reviewed: 2018-01-15

It's not worth the drive. The hot spring is nothing to write home about, in fact it's the least interesting thing there. The place has 2 swimming pools and a nice bar & restaurant area, but you can get this in many closer or more interesting places. The staff were friendly and helpful. There is a petrol station and tyre repair facility. I would not recommend making a special trip here, rather a pass by on the way elsewhere.