South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that there is a good chance that the upcoming flower season in the arid Richtersveld region of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will be one of the best in decades. This is due to exceptional rainfall the region experienced during the month of May and June 2023. The low mountains in the central parts of the National Park from Akkedispas to Helskloof received between 20-80mm of rain during these months whilst the high mountains, Vandersterrberg and the Ploegberg to Stinkfontein mountains in the Richtersveld World Heritage Site received between 100-120mm of rain.
Since the 26 May 2023 unusually cold temperatures persisted, accompanied by almost windless days. These conditions have been the most ideal conditions in almost two decades as little evaporation happened in between rainfall episodes, and the close proximity of the rain intervals has led to rare conditions to cause mass germination of annual seeds.
If the good current weather conditions persist, annual flower displays might start from mid July, during which times exceptional flower displays can be seen. The flower season is usually between mid-July through to the end of August but can even extend to September 2023 this year.
The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park spans some of the most spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery in southern Africa – and includes the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa. The Peace Park straddles two countries, earning it two different names: It is |Ai-|Ais in Namibia and Richtersveld in South Africa. The quickest way to get to the National Park from the N7 (South Africa) and the B1 (Namibia) is to turn off at Steinkopf and approach via Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay with only the last 80km being on dirt.
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