|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Flood Update 2026: Camps closed, access restrictions & travel advice (May 2026)

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important operational update for travellers planning a visit to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park following significant flooding caused by a sharp rise in Orange River water levels during April 2026.

SANParks emphasises that guest safety remains the highest priority, and as a result, access to several remote camps, routes, and facilities is currently restricted or cannot be guaranteed.

Flood impact in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Recent heavy flows in the Orange River have caused flooding in parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, making some routes, river crossings, and remote camp access roads temporarily impassable. The most affected areas are the park’s more isolated desert wilderness sections, where access is always closely tied to seasonal river conditions and can change quickly depending on water levels.

Affected areas and camps (temporary closures / Restrictions)

• Pontoon Border Crossing
• Pooitjiespram Block C
• De Hoop Block B & C
• Richtersberg Camp
• Tatasberg Camp
• Estimated Closure Periods
• Tatasberg Camp – May to June 2026
• Richtersberg Camp – May 2026
• De Hoop Block B & C – May 2026
• De Hoop Block A – Remains open

Camps and areas remaining open

Despite the flooding impacts, several key visitor facilities remain fully operational, including:

• Sendelingsdrift Campsite & Chalets
• Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
• Kokerboomkloof Camp

Travellers can still experience parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park's dramatic desert landscapes, though itineraries may need adjustment depending on access conditions and river crossings.

Booking flexibility for affected travellers

For guests impacted by closures or access limitations, SANParks is offering flexible booking options:

• Rebooking into alternative accommodation (no amendment or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (COH) for future travel
• Full refund option

Travellers are encouraged to contact SANParks directly to adjust existing reservations or explore alternative arrangements.

Travel advisory summary

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains open in parts, but access is currently variable due to river-driven flooding. Remote desert camps are the most affected, while selected camps and sections continue to operate normally.

Visitors planning trips in May and June 2026 should closely monitor updates and remain flexible, especially when travelling through or near the Orange River corridor.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

|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.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

SANParks: Tatasberg Wilderness Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park reopens to visitors from 01 August 2025! [update]

update (02 August 2025): The road between De Hoop and Richtersberg is open and accessible for visitors. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Tatasberg Wilderness Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will be open and operational from today, 01 August 2025. However, the road between De Hoop and Richtersberg remains closed until further notice. The alternative route via Maerpoort pass can be used in the meantime. 

The Tatasberg Wilderness Camp, located within sight of the Orange River, was closed since May 2025 due to flooding. The Camp is eautifully constructed of natural materials that blend into the surrounds. The uniquely designed chalets have their own design, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom and are fully equipped with cooking utensils, cutlery, linen and fridge/freezer. Solar panels provide light and gas geysers provide hot water. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially confirmed that the Tatasberg Wilderness Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has reopened and is fully operational as of 01 August 2025.
This scenic and remote wilderness retreat had been closed since May 2025 due to severe flooding, but is now once again welcoming guests to experience its rugged beauty and tranquil riverside setting.
However, please note that the road between De Hoop and Richtersberg remains closed until further notice. Visitors are advised to use the alternative route via Maerpoort Pass to reach the area safely.

Tatasberg Wilderness Camp is perched above the Orange River, offering breathtaking views and a deep sense of solitude. Each chalet is uniquely designed and constructed from natural materials that harmonize with the surrounding desert landscape.

The camp offers:

• Fully equipped kitchens with gas stoves, fridge/freezers, and all cooking utensils
• Comfortable bedrooms with linen provided
• En-suite bathrooms with hot water supplied by gas geysers
• Solar-powered lighting for a low-impact eco-friendly stay
• Private patios with braai facilities, ideal for relaxing under the stars

This self-catering wilderness camp is perfect for 4×4 travellers seeking an off-grid experience in one of South Africa’s most striking and untouched environments.

Please keep in mind that a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is essential for reaching Tatasberg Wilderness Camp due to the rugged terrain and current route diversions. 

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.  

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Unleaded fuel (95) available again at Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that unleaded fuel (95) is once again available at the Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The fuel pump had been out of order since 06 February 2025, but the issue has now been resolved, restoring full service at the station.

The Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp is built in the style of an old mining camp and offers its guests ten chalets as well as camping facilities. Sendelingsdrif is the entry point to the South African (Richtersveld) side of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park as well as a border post that leads to the Namibian side of the Transfrontier Park.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Diesel currently not available at Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp! [update]

update (06 September 2024): SANParks has announced that Diesel is available again at Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that there is currently no Diesel available at Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. SANParks requests that travellers fill up at the nearest town before entering the Park and bring extra Diesel with until the situation has been resolved. The closest town with a larger, more reliable petrol station is Alexander Bay in South Africa, which is approximately 60 km from Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp. The closest petrol station in Namibia to Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp is the one at the town of Rosh Pinah, which is about 90 km north of the Rest Camp.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: South Africa's first-ever desert botanical garden has opened its doors!

South Africa’s first-ever desert botanical garden has opened its doors at the Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp in the Richtersveld side of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The Richtersveld Desert Botanical Garden has been transformed from an indigenous nursery into an botanical garden by Pieter van Wyk, South African National Parks' (SANParks) resident botanist and the visionary behind this unique project. The botanical garden consists of 24 beds, each with a unique theme, which represent the indigenous flora of South Africa’s Desert Biome. The Richtersveld Desert Botanical Gardens is an initiative between South African National Parks (SANParks) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)..

The Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp is built in the style of an old mining camp and offers its guests ten chalets as well as camping facilities. Sendelingsdrif is the entry point to the South African (Richtersveld) side of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park as well as a border post that leads to the Namibian side of the Transfrontier Park.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Upgrading and maintenance is currently taking place at two camps!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that much needed upgrading and maintenance is currently taking place at the the chalets at the Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp and Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The upgrading will be during the whole month of July 2024. SANParks apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and can assure guests that it will not have an impact on booked accommodation.

The Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp is built in the style of an old mining camp and offers its guests ten chalets as well as camping facilities. Sendelingsdrif is the entry point to the South African (Richtersveld) side of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park as well as a border post that leads to the Namibian side of the Transfrontier Park.
The Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp is nestled deep within the Richtersveld section of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The camp is accessible by high-clearance 4x4 vehicles only. It comprises of four chalets.

Namibia: Sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season!

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), have announced that there is sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season (01 May 2024 - 15 September 2024 (?)). Like in the previous year, in which the water levels in the canyon were lower than expected due to the low rainfall season in the south of Namibia, water marshals will be stationed at strategic points along the hiking routes, including King Palace and Bushy Corner, to ensure the safety and well-being of all hikers.
The Fish River Canyon forms part of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Cayon in the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a 4-5 day guided or unguided hike with a total length of 86 km.

/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Boplaas campsite (Namibia) temporarily closed!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, has announced that the Boplaas campsite in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is temporarily closed since 14 September 2023. The campsite, which is located in the /Ai-/Ais (Namibian) side of the Transfrontier Park, is closed due to security and infrastructure upgrades and will reopen again on 01 November 2023. We'll keep you posted!

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Sendelingsdrift border post (and pontoon) reopens!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Sendelingsdrift border post (and pontoon) between South Africa and Namibia officially reopened today, 01 September 2023. The border post, which was closed for three years since the Covid-19 pandemic, is located in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and serves as an entry point to the Richtersveld (South African) side of the Transfrontier Park. A restored pontoon offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the Orange (Gariep) River that separates South Africa and Namibia. The pont can carry a maximum of 6 metric tones and, weather permitting, runs daily from 08:00 to 16:15.

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.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Special 4x4 flower route now open in the arid Richtersveld region!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that a once in a lifetime 4x4 flower route as well as hiking trail has been opened at |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The new circular route is located in the Armanshoek area of the National Park. It has a length of 32km and takes visitors approximately three to four hours to experience it.. The Armanshoek 4x4 and hiking trail route is not a normal tourist route but has been specially opened for three weeks to the public to share in the joy of a normal mountainous semi-desert transformed into a flower paradise.

"The Richtersveld is not usually known as the flower paradise but with the recent over 200mm of rain we have received, it is only fair to open up this section of the Park to the public", said Mr Lucius Moolman, the Regional General Manager from the Arid Region

The Armanshoek 4x4 and hiking trail route is open and accessible since 24 July 2023 and will close on 13 August 2023.

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.

Also read: |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: The upcoming flower season in the arid Richtersveld region might be one of the best in decades! >>

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: The upcoming flower season in the arid Richtersveld region might be one of the best in decades!

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.

Namibia: Water levels in the Fish River Canyon lower than expected!

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has recenetly conducted an assessment of the Fish River Canyon. According to the findings of the assessment, the water levels in the canyon are currently lower than expected due to the low rainfall season in the south of Namibia. In light of this, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, has annouced that water marshalls will be deployed in the Fish River Canyon to assist hikers during the hiking season (01 May 2023 - 15 September 2023?). The water marshalls will make sure that hikers have access to safe drinking water and will monitor water usage in the canyon.
NWR is further advising hikers to carry water purifying tablets during their hike to ensure that they have access to clean water all the times.

The Fish River Canyon forms part of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Cayon in the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a 4-5 day guided or unguided hike with a total length of 86 km

Namibia: NWR expects more than 4000 tourists to descend into the Fish River Canyon in 2022!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, and the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) will inspect the famous Fish River Canyon hiking trail between 12 - 17 April 2022. As part of the inspection, the two institutions will make sure that the Fish River Canyon is fit for hiking and also mark the safest hiking routes. The hiking season runs from 01 May - 15 September every year and for this year alone, the hiking list is already full. The NWR expects more than 4000 tourists to descend into the Fish River Canyon in 2022.
The Fish River Canyon forms part of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Cayon in the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a 4-5 day guided or unguided hike with a total length of 86 km.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape. Formed in 2003 by combining the |Ai-|Ais Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa, the Peace Park spans some of the most spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery in southern Africa. Most of the South African part of the Transfrontier Park forms part of the buffer zone of the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape World Heritage Site, which measures 5,920 km². |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is made up of rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes. With less than 50mm of rain each year, it is home to leopards, lizards, rock hyrax, ground squirrel, jackal buzzard, Hartmans Mountain Zebra as well as to about one-third of the world’s 10 000 succulent species.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is located in South Africa's Northern Cape, off of the N7, about 326 km from Springbok. The quickest way to get to the Transfrontier Park from South Africa (N7) and Namibia (B1)is to turn off at Steinkopf and approach via Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay with only the last 80 km being on dirt.

Namibia: Hobas Camp in the /Ai-/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has been reopened!

Hobas Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has been reopened by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) after a extensive refurbishment. The camp, which was previously just a campsite, now also offers 6 rooms (chalets), a restaurant (Quiver Restaurant), a swimming pool and, of course, 14 camping sites. The spacious chalets offer two single beds, a sleeper couch, toilet and bathroom. The total costs for the faceflift are about N$6.5 million.
Hobas Camp is situated at the northern end of the Fish River Canyon in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and is widely known as the main starting point of the Fish River Canyon hiking trail. 



The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a Peace Park located on the border between South Africa and Namibia. The park was formed in 2003 by combining the |Ai-|Ais/ Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Tatasberg Wilderness Camp has been closed indefinitely!

The Tatasberg Wilderness Camp, one of just two wilderness camps in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, has been closed indefinitely due to a fire which broke out on 8 April 2017. The water supply and solar power system were largely affected by the fire, so that the Tatasberg Wilderness Camp had to be closed. Fortunately the rest of the camp's facilities have not been affected by the fire. We'll keep you posted!



The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a Peace Park located on the border between South Africa and Namibia. The park was formed in 2003 by combining the |Ai-|Ais/ Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa.

Richtersveld National Park: Camps closed due to flood damage

Both the Tatasberg Wilderness Camp and Richtersveld Camp Site at the Richtersveld National Park have been closed for reservations up to 10 June 2011 due to flood damage.


View Larger Map

The Richtersveld National Park is a rugged, desolate "mountain desert" set in a great loop of the Orange River. The Park is situated in South Africa's Nothern Province, bordering the country of Namiba. Together with the Namibian |Ai-|Ais Hot Springs Game Park and the Richtersveld National Park forms the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.