Orange River levels drop: SANParks updates camp access in Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an operational update for the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park following recent flooding along the Orange River. While water levels have begun to recede, several facilities remain affected, and access restrictions are still in place in parts of the park.

According to SANParks, Orange River levels have dropped sufficiently to allow the reopening of Tatasberg Wilderness Camp, which is now fully operational with immediate effect. All other previously announced closures and restrictions remain unchanged until further notice.

Facilities affected by high water levels
The following camps and operations are currently impacted by flooding and are temporarily inaccessible:

• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon (border crossing): Closed until further notice
• De Hoop – Block C: Temporarily closed
• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp: Open and operational

Estimated closure periods
Based on historical flood patterns, SANParks has provided provisional timeframes for affected infrastructure. These dates are subject to review as river levels continue to be monitored:

• De Hoop – Block C
• Closed from 08 December 2025 to 31 December 2025
• Conditions will be reassessed once water levels drop further.
• Road R12 (between De Hoop Block C and Richtersberg)
• Closed from 08 December 2025 to 31 December 2025
• The road will remain inaccessible until it is safe to carry out repairs.
• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon
• Closed until further notice
• Operations will resume once water levels allow safe and reliable functioning.

Camps currently open and operational
Despite the flooding, the following camps within the park remain open to visitors:

• Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
• Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp
• De Hoop Blocks A & B
• Potjiespram
• Richtersberg
• Kokerboomkloof
• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp

Support options for affected travellers
To minimise disruption to travel plans, SANParks is offering flexible options at no additional cost for guests affected by closures:

• Alternative accommodation within the park (no modification or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (C.O.H.) to reschedule bookings for future dates
• Full refunds for reservations impacted by flooding

SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and prioritises visitor safety across the/Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Travellers with upcoming bookings are advised to contact SANParks directly to discuss alternative arrangements or booking adjustments as conditions evolve.

 

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Orange River Flooding Update: What travellers need to know about the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important update regarding rising water levels in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Heavy rainfall across the region has caused the Orange River to swell significantly through December 2025, and levels continue to increase. These conditions may affect travel plans and access to certain camps. Visitor safety remains the highest priority, and some areas of the Park currently cannot be accessed safely.

Camps & operations affected by flooding
The following facilities are directly impacted and temporarily inaccessible due to high water levels

• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon (Border Crossing)
• De Hoop – Block C
• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp

Estimated closure timeframes
Based on past flooding events, SANParks has provided the following provisional closure periods:

• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp
• 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• The area needs sufficient time to dry after river levels recede. Road reconstruction will begin once conditions are safe.
• De Hoop – Block C
• 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• Reassessments will be carried out as soon as water levels start dropping.
• Road R12 (De Hoop Block C – Richtersberg)
• 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• The road will remain closed until the surrounding terrain becomes stable enough for repairs.
• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon
• Closed until further notice
• Operations will resume once water levels allow safe crossings.

Open camps & safe areas
All other accommodation and wilderness camps remain fully operational, including:
Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp, Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp, De Hoop Blocks A & B, Potjiespram, Richtersberg, and Kokerboomkloof.

Options for affected travellers
To minimise the impact on your travel plans, SANParks is offering several flexible solutions at no extra cost:

• Alternative accommodation (no modification or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (C.O.H.) to move your booking to a future date
• Full refunds for affected reservations

SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and is committed to ensuring visitor safety and comfort throughout this period of flooding. Travellers are encouraged to get in touch with SANParks to make alternative arrangements or adjust existing bookings.

 

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/Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Fuel shortage at Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp! [update]

update (07 December 2025): Diesel is available again! 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important travel advisory for visitors to the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp fuel station is currently out of diesel until further notice, which may impact travellers relying on the facility for refuelling.

To avoid disruptions, SANParks strongly advises visitors to refuel their vehicles before entering the park and to carry extra diesel. Alternative fuel stations are available at:

• Port Nolloth, South Africa
• Alexander Bay, South Africa
• Rosh Pinah, Namibia

The /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a remote wilderness known for its rugged 4x4 routes, dramatic desert landscapes, and cross-border access between South Africa and Namibia. Due to its isolation, travellers should plan carefully, carry sufficient fuel, water, and supplies, and check SANParks updates before departure.

Important: The pontoon ferry at the Sendelingsdrift border post is currently closed due to high water levels in the Orange River, affecting cross-border travel.

 

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/Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Fuel shortage at Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp! [update]

update (24 August 2025): The diesel situation at Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp has been restored and guests can fill up again as normal at the rest camp's fuel station. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a travel advisory for visitors to the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. As of Saturday, 16 August 2025, the fuel station at Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp is experiencing low diesel levels, which may affect travellers relying on the facility for refuelling.

SANParks recommends that all visitors fill up their vehicles before entering the park to avoid disruptions to their journey. Until further notice, the closest alternative fuel stations can be found at:

• Port Nolloth, South Africa
• Alexander Bay, South Africa
• Rosh Pinah, Namibia

The remote wilderness of the Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is known for its rugged 4x4 routes, dramatic desert scenery, and cross-border access between South Africa and Namibia. Given the park’s remoteness, travellers are strongly advised to plan ahead, carry sufficient fuel, water, and supplies, and to check for the latest SANParks updates before embarking on their trip.

 n.b.: The pontoon ferry at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will be fully operational again from 20 August 2025. 

 

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