Potjiespram Campsite — Richtersveld National Park

Potjiespram is one of SANParks’ designated bush camps inside Richtersveld National Park — a proper established site with basic pit toilets and a fire ring, but no running water, no electricity, and no hand-holding. You’re in the heart of the Succulent Karoo, surrounded by quartzite ridges and quiver trees, with the Orange River not far off. It’s a small-capacity site that fills on long weekends and school holidays — book ahead through SANParks or you’ll find it taken. Day temps in summer will cook you; April through September is the sweet spot.

Access requires a 4WD — the internal park tracks are corrugated dirt and rocky, and some sections require serious clearance. Self-sufficient is not a suggestion here, it’s a requirement. Water must be carried in. The nearest resupply is Springbok, roughly 70km southwest on the R382. Confirm gate entry requirements with SANParks Sendelingsdrift ahead of travel — permits and park fees are non-negotiable.

Raw desert bush camp on the Orange River rim.