|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park update: Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry closed!

update 16 April 2026

As of mid-April 2026, there is no confirmed reopening yet of the Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.  

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed the pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park due to high water levels in the Orange River. Visitors planning to enter the park are advised to use the Alexander Bay gravel road as an alternative route to reach Sendelingsdrift. 

The Sendelingsdrift border post is a vital gateway to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote and rugged wilderness straddling the South Africa - Namibia border. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, unique flora, and panoramic scenery, the park attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The pontoon ferry at Sendelingsdrift offers an adventurous and scenic way to cross the Orange River, but its operation is water-level dependent. Currently, extreme conditions have necessitated its closure.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. For those seeking adventure in one of Southern Africa’s most striking desert landscapes, the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains accessible via alternative routes.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Sendelingsdrift pontoon reopens

Good news for cross-border travellers: South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Sendelingsdrift pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is set to reopen on 16 February 2026 after a temporary closure due to high Orange River levels. The pontoon, which connects South Africa and Namibia, has been closed since early December 2025 (November 2025?).

Following a steady drop in water levels, SANParks, together with Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), has completed thorough safety inspections and clearance at both landing sites. Conditions are now confirmed safe, restoring this vital link for visitors exploring the Transfrontier park.

Travellers planning to use the pontoon are reminded to carry valid park permits and cross-border documentation to ensure a smooth experience.

 

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/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park update: Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry closed!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed the pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park due to high water levels in the Orange River. Visitors planning to enter the park are advised to use the Alexander Bay gravel road as an alternative route to reach Sendelingsdrift.

The Sendelingsdrift border post is a vital gateway to the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote and rugged wilderness straddling the South Africa - Namibia border. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, unique flora, and panoramic scenery, the park attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The pontoon ferry at Sendelingsdrift offers an adventurous and scenic way to cross the Orange River, but its operation is water-level dependent. Currently, extreme conditions have necessitated its closure.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. For those seeking adventure in one of Southern Africa’s most striking desert landscapes, the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains accessible via alternative routes.

 

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/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry reopens!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the pontoon ferry at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will be fully operational again from 20 August 2025.

The Sendelingsdrift border post serves as a key entry point into the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which spans the border between South Africa and Namibia. Known for its rugged mountain desert landscapes, dramatic canyons, and rare succulent flora, the park is a dream destination for 4x4 adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers.
A unique highlight of this border post is the pontoon ferry across the Orange River, offering travellers a scenic and memorable way to enter or exit the park with their vehicles. The crossing is especially popular with overlanders travelling between South Africa's west coast and Namibia. However, the pontoon service is subject to river conditions and may close temporarily during extreme water levels.

With the reopening date set for 20 August 2025, travellers can once again enjoy this one-of-a-kind border experience while exploring one of Southern Africa’s most remote and beautiful conservation areas.

 

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