Richtersveld Akkedisberge Desert Pass — Port Nolloth to Eksteenfontein via the Knersvlakte Divide
Lizard Mountains and the edge of nowhere.
The Akkedisberge — Afrikaans for Lizard Mountains — cut through the northern Namaqualand like a broken jaw, and the track that climbs them from the coastal flats at Port Nolloth toward Eksteenfontein is exactly as harsh as the name promises. You’ll run across deep orange sand, corrugated gravel, and sharp quartzite scree as the road gains elevation past scattered kokerboom trees and sun-bleached quartz fields of the Knersvlakte. The Richtersveld Transfrontier Park entry looms ahead, and the landscape gets lonelier with every kilometre. This is Mountain Zebra country — keep your eyes open along the rocky ridgelines. The track is poorly signed, and navigation by GPS or 1:50,000 topo maps is non-negotiable.
Minimum requirement is a high-clearance 4WD with low-range — soft sand and embedded rock sections will punish anything less. Carry a minimum 40 litres of water per person, a full-size spare, and recovery gear including a sand track and hi-lift jack. No fuel between Port Nolloth and Eksteenfontein. Best season is April through September when temperatures are survivable and the wildflowers can be extraordinary. The Richtersveld park section requires a South African National Parks entry permit. Cell service is non-existent once you leave the coast. What you get: a corner of Africa that feels genuinely unvisited.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Gravel, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3445 ft |
| Best season | April-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Port Nolloth, Northern Cape |
| Land manager | South African National Parks (SANParks) |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | SANParks Richtersveld page |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Hilux or stock Land Cruiser 76 handle this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with low-range and decent all-terrain tyres will manage, but the rocky pass sections and corrugated desert tracks will punish anything with soft sidewalls or low ground clearance. A Hilux or 76 Series is about right — a standard SUV or 2WD is not an option here.
When is this route actually passable, and what happens if you try it in summer?
April through September is the window — desert heat in the Northern Cape summer (October–March) regularly exceeds 45°C, which is dangerous for both occupants and vehicles on a trail with zero shade and no rescue access. Flash flooding from rare but violent summer storms can also cut the Knersvlakte sections without warning.
Do I need a permit, and can I sort it at the gate or does it have to be booked in advance?
Yes, a permit is required through SANParks for the Richtersveld section of this route. Book in advance at sanparks.org — do not assume walk-in availability, especially over South African school holidays, and carry your permit documentation in the vehicle because there is no one to track you down if you're in violation.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it gnarly?
The Akkedisberge pass itself is the crux — loose shale over steep rocky switchbacks with significant exposure on the descent toward Eksteenfontein, combined with deep corrugations that shake bolts loose over distance. At 87 miles across two to three days on terrain this rough, fatigue and mechanical attrition are real threats, not just trail difficulty.
How much water and fuel do I need to carry, and are there any resupply points between Port Nolloth and Eksteenfontein?
There are no fuel stops and no guaranteed water sources between Port Nolloth and Eksteenfontein — carry a minimum 50 litres of drinking water per person and a full spare fuel load for the entire 140km. Eksteenfontein is a small Nama community with basic facilities, but treat it as an endpoint, not a resupply.
Trail track
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