Richtersveld Kokerboom to Tatasberg — Orange River Volcanic Plateau High Crossing
Mars with quiver trees. Bring everything.
The Richtersveld is not a place that welcomes the unprepared. This crossing links the Kokerboom area near Eksteenfontein with the Tatasberg massif along the Orange River plateau — a landscape of fractured quartzite, ancient volcanic intrusions, and quiver tree-studded gorges that looks like Mars got rained on once and gave up. The track climbs through the Hellskloof Pass system, drops into shadeless river valleys, and grinds over loose rock shelves that demand constant throttle management. Named waypoints like Keimoeshoek and the Numees gorge rim are navigational anchors in country where GPS tracks drift and paper maps tell a slightly different story than reality.
Expect locked diffs, skid plates earning their keep, and at least two moments where you genuinely question the line. High-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tyres, a full recovery kit, and a minimum two-vehicle convoy are non-negotiable — SANParks enforces the convoy rule at Sendelingsdrift. Carry minimum five days of water and food; the nearest fuel is Springbok, over 150 km south. The park is open year-round, but May through August is the sweet spot — cool, clear, and dry. Permits are mandatory through SANParks. This is one of the last truly wild overlanding destinations left in southern Africa.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3740 ft |
| Best season | May-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with lockers, skid plates, AT tyres |
| Nearest town | Eksteenfontein, Northern Cape |
| Land manager | SANParks — Richtersveld National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | SANParks Richtersveld National Park 4x4 trails and activities |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Hilux or Defender with AT tyres handle this, or do I actually need lockers?
Lockers are not optional here — the volcanic rock sections and loose quartzite ridges on the Tatasberg climb will defeat open diffs. Skid plates are equally non-negotiable given the exposed underbelly exposure on shelf roads. A stock Hilux with a locker delete or Defender 110 without rear locker has been recovered here more than once.
Is this route passable outside the May–August window?
September through April brings extreme heat — daytime temps regularly exceed 45°C on the plateau — which is genuinely dangerous at this remoteness level with zero cell service. The Orange River can also rise unpredictably after inland rain events, cutting access. Stick to the cool-season window unless you have a specific reason and a solid plan.
What permits do I need and where do I get them before entering?
You need a SANParks entry permit for Richtersveld National Park, which must be arranged in advance through SANParks — do not show up at the gate expecting to sort it on the spot. The 4x4 trail itself requires a separate booking through the park's activities system. Check sanparks.org well ahead of your trip; capacity is limited and admin response can be slow.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it dangerous?
The ascent onto the Tatasberg plateau is the crux — loose, sharp quartzite over steep shelf tracks with exposure on the downside and no room to turn around if you lose confidence. The volcanic lava fields below are relentless on tyres and take longer than the distance suggests. Budget for at least one tyre repair event across the full 109km.
There's no cell service for 3-5 days — what's the realistic emergency plan out here?
A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or SPOT) is mandatory, not a nice-to-have — SANParks and any rescue service will need GPS coordinates to find you on this plateau. Eksteenfontein is the nearest settlement but it's small and not a trauma centre. Self-recovery gear, a full first aid kit, and a second vehicle are the actual safety net on this route.
Trail track
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