The 614-kilometre route, which starts at the mission station of Pella near Pofadder and ends at the diamond-rich coast at Alexander Bay, traverses a complex mix of communal and private land, as well as state-owned Richtersveld National Park.

The trail has been divided into two sections: section one covers a 328-kilometre section from Pella to Vioolsdrift and section two stretches a further 248 kilometres from Vioolsdrif to Alexander Bay.

The entire route can be covered in four full days, but the scenery is so absorbing it's advisable to set aside at least 6 days.

Secetion 1, running from Pofadder to Vioolsdrif, can be done in a leisurely 3 days. Most of the first part of the route runs parallel to the Gariep River. Communities along the first part of the route are Pella, Witbank, Goodhouse, and Henkries, with Pofadder as the starting point and Vioolsdrif as the end. There are no supplies available at any of these spots.

Section 2, running from Vioolsdrif to Alexander Bay, can be done in two days if you follow the badly corrugated public roads. Or it can be done in 3 to 4 days, exploring the unique mountain tracks of the Southern Richtersveld. The second leg of the route commences at Vioolsdrif and runs past Kotzeshoop, Eksteensfontein and Kuboes on its way to Alexander Bay. There are general dealer stores at all these settlements.

The Namaqua 4x4 Route gives you access to some of South Africa's most beautiful semi-desert regions. The entire route passes through an isolated desert landscape believed to be home to the richest diversity of succulent plants in the world. Rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes that sweep away inland from the Orange River divulge the fact that you are now in the vast mountain desert.

This is a harsh and unpredictable land where water is scarce and life-sustaining moisture comes in the form of early morning fog - called 'Malmokkies' by the local people - which rolls in from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sustaining a remarkable range of small reptiles, birds and mammals.

Although there are guest farms, serviced camping grounds and guest houses along the route, you will also have to camp.

Always travel in a convoy of two or more vehicles, otherwise you may find yourself stranded deep into unknown territory if an unexpected break-down occurs.

Organising Your Trail
Trail permits can be obtained from the Springbok Regional Tourism Office, Voortrekker Street, Springbok at Tel: 027 712 8000 and Fax: 027 712 8040. 

For accommodation options see Northern Cape Tourism and Ais-Ais / Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (+27 (0)27 831 1506).

Autumn and spring are the best times to do these trails. Avoid October to December as these are the hottest months with often unbearable temperatures. In winter the days are perfect and the nights a little chilly. Dust is severe in winter.

How To Get There
From the south take the N7 to Springbok and the N14 north-eastwards. Before Pofadder, a road to the left leads to Pella.
From the north and east, follow the N14 through Upington and Kakamas to Pofadder and then after Pofadder turn away to Pella.

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