Richtersveld Lekkersing to Kuboes — Numees Desert Canyon Traverse via Numees Mine Road
Shale canyons, diamond ghosts, the Orange River below.
The Numees route connects the dusty mission village of Lekkersing to Kuboes along the escarpment edge of the Richtersveld — South Africa’s only true desert mountain wilderness. The track drops into the Numees Canyon past the ruins of the old Numees diamond mine, where the road deteriorates into loose shale and embedded quartzite boulders that demand careful line selection and a low-range crawl for the descent. The Orange River flickers in and out of view a thousand feet below. This is the same ancient seabed geology that defines the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and the Nama communities in Kuboes still live in the portable reed mat houses — matjieshuise — that their ancestors used for centuries. Allow time to stop and ask permission before photographing anything.
Expect Expert-level difficulty on the canyon descent — the shale shelf sections have a hard 35-degree fall-away on the driver’s side that has rolled unprepared vehicles. A snatch block, rated recovery points, and at minimum two-vehicle travel are non-negotiable. Best season is April through September; summer temperatures in the canyon exceed 45°C and the rock radiates heat long after sundown. Permits required through the Richtersveld Community Conservancy in Port Nolloth or at the Sendelingsdrift gate. Fuel in Springbok; carry 60-plus litres and all your water. This one is earned.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3281 ft |
| Best season | April-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Springbok, Northern Cape |
| Land manager | Richtersveld Community Conservancy / SANParks |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | SANParks Richtersveld |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lightly lifted 4Runner or Defender handle this trail, or does it need serious mods?
Stock or lightly modified rigs will struggle here. You need a capable 4WD with high clearance, a locking diff (rear at minimum, front preferred), and all recovery gear — snatch block, hi-lift, sand tracks. Shale shelves and loose canyon rock will punish anything underprepared.
When is this trail actually passable, and what kills access outside the best season?
April through September is the window — cooler temps and dry conditions make the canyon rock manageable. Summer (October–March) brings extreme heat routinely exceeding 45°C and occasional flash floods in the canyon drainage; both can be deadly in this level of remoteness.
What permits do you need and where do you actually get them before driving in?
You need a permit from SANParks to enter Richtersveld National Park, and community conservancy fees apply separately through the Richtersveld Community Conservancy. Sort both in advance through SANParks (sanparks.org) — Springbok is your last realistic admin stop before the trail.
What's the gnarliest section and what specifically makes it hard?
The canyon descent near Numees Mine is the crux — shale ledges stacked at steep angles with no margin for error, tight lines, and serious exposure on one side. One wrong wheel placement and you're recovering in a place where help is hours away at best; there's no turning a long-wheelbase rig around in the tightest sections.
How much fuel do you need, and is there any water source on trail?
Springbok is your last fuel stop — top off completely, and carry at minimum 20–30L extra given the slow, technical pace eating into your range. Do not rely on the Orange River or any on-trail source for drinking water; carry all your water for the full 1–2 day run.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.