Planning a self-drive into the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park via Sendelingsdrift? South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that, due to unforeseen circumstances, diesel there is currently capped at 40 litres per vehicle until further notice.
That's not much in one of South Africa's most remote parks. Distances between waypoints are long, the terrain is demanding, and cellphone signal is scarce, so a low tank is a real problem, not just an inconvenience. Treat Sendelingsdrift as a top-up point for now, not your main fuel stop.
How to plan around it
- Fill up fully before you leave tar – Springbok on the N7 is your last guaranteed stop.
- Carry extra diesel in jerry cans. SANParks itself is encouraging visitors to bring additional fuel to cover their stay.
- Plan your route and distances in advance, rather than improvising once inside.
- Check with SANParks shortly before you travel, as restrictions like this tend to change.
Nearest fuel stops outside the park
- Alexander Bay – ~90km away, but pumps here often run dry. Don't rely on it.
- Port Nolloth – ~180km away, and the safer bet: fuel, shops and accommodation.
- Springbok – ~300km away on the N7, the most reliable stop in the region.
- Rosh Pinah, Namibia – handy if approaching via the Sendelingsdrift pontoon.
Bottom line
Fill up before you need to, carry more diesel than you think you'll use, and treat any fuel point in a remote park as a bonus, not a guarantee. Do that, and this shortage is a minor planning hiccup rather than a trip-ending one.
We'll update this post if SANParks lifts the restriction.
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