Richtersveld National Park — Orange River Canyon Rim Dispersed Camp

This is hard-country camping at its most honest. Inside the Richtersveld National Park boundary, overlanders self-select a site along the rough tracks that thread above the Orange River gorge between Sendelingsdrift and Helskloof Pass. The landscape is brutalist — fractured Precambrian quartzite, succulents clinging to rubble slopes, and zero shade. Nights are cold and starfields are savage. SANParks requires you to be self-sufficient: carry all water, all fuel, and all food. No facilities, no signage, no other rigs unless you bump into another permit holder. The park sees low visitor numbers — you may go two days without seeing anyone.

Access the park via the Sendelingsdrift pontoon crossing from Noordoewer or via Vioolsdrif. A valid SANParks park permit is required for overnight stays. 4WD with high clearance is non-negotiable — tracks are rocky, sandy in places, and unmarked. Best April to September; summer heat in this canyon country is dangerous. Verify current pontoon operating hours with SANParks Springbok before departure.

Canyon rim solitude in Richtersveld desert.