Alexander Bay — Orange River Mouth and Diamond Coast Gateway

Alexander Bay sits at the mouth of the Orange River where it empties into the cold South Atlantic, marking the end of the Richtersveld canyon traverse. The town is a De Beers / Alexkor diamond mining settlement, which means access is controlled — you’ll pass through a checkpoint on entry. The river mouth itself is dramatic: wide, brown, wind-scoured, with flamingos and pelicans working the shallows. This is the last real fuel and resupply point before you’re deep in the Richtersveld, and the first cold drink you’ll earn after running it westbound.

Coming from Sendelingsdrift, the road tracks the Orange River canyon rim through raw, untouched quartz desert — some of the most technically demanding and visually arresting overland terrain in southern Africa. Alexander Bay has a basic fuel station and a small shop. Do not attempt to wander south of town toward the Sperrgebiet — it is a restricted diamond zone and trespassers are prosecuted. Verify fuel availability before departing Springbok; supply gaps happen here.

Orange River meets the Atlantic — end of the line.