Where to stay in Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
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Overview
The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park covers about 6,222 km² on both sides of the Orange River, which forms the border between Namibia and South Africa. It was created by a treaty between the two countries in 2003.
On the Namibian side is the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, and the hot springs at Ai-Ais. On the South African side is the Richtersveld, a mountain desert that is part of the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape World Heritage Site.
The park is remote and rugged, and it’s best explored in a 4×4. Visitors come for the five-day Fish River Canyon hike, canoeing on the Orange River, camping and the strange desert plants.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Plants
The Richtersveld has the world’s richest variety of succulent plants, including the halfmens, a tall succulent tree.
Animals
Hartmann’s mountain zebra, klipspringer, steenbok and leopard live in the mountains, and the river is good for birds.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: April to September, during the cooler months.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Apr – May | Autumn | Mild days. The canyon hike opens. |
| Jun – Aug | Winter | Cold nights. Flowers after any rain. |
| Sep | Spring | Warming up. The hike season ends mid-September. |
| Oct – Mar | Summer | Extremely hot. The canyon hike is closed. |
Carry plenty of water and fuel. Distances between services are long.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town International (CPT) | Most visitors | About 9 to 10 hours by road to Sendelingsdrift. |
| Hosea Kutako International (WDH), Windhoek | All international arrivals | About 8 hours by road to Ai-Ais. |
By road
In South Africa, drive via Springbok and Port Nolloth to Alexander Bay and Sendelingsdrift. In Namibia, take the C10 and C37 to Hobas and Ai-Ais. A pontoon at Sendelingsdrift links the two sides when the river allows. In October 2026 it was closed because of high water, so check before you travel.
Entrance & Fees
Each country charges its own park fee. On the South African side, SANParks charges a daily conservation fee per person. The rates below apply from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
| Area | International adult / child | SADC adult / child | South African adult / child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richtersveld | R420 / R210 | R185 / R93 | R91 / R45 |
On the Namibian side, the Ai-Ais and Fish River Canyon area charges N$280 per adult for foreign visitors, N$180 for SADC nationals and N$60 for Namibians per day (from 1 April 2026). Wild Card holders enter the South African side free.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the SANParks conservation fees schedule (2026/27) and the Namibian Government Gazette.