A people’s land
The harsh environment of the Richtersveld has through the years witnessed a story of determined peoples with a strong attachment to the land. Initially belonging to a ‘Coloured Rural Reserve’, the land’’s ownership has moved in 2002 to the peoples of the Richtersveld. In this pristine land, devoid of mining scars and in harmony with transhumant pastoralists, an area of more than 160 000 ha has been put aside to create the Richtersveld Community Conservancy. But the story does not end here’
The Richtersvelders claimed their right to the coastal lands from where they had been removed in 1847 to make way for diamond mining. In a court case without precedents, they are entitled to claim the restitution of an area of 85 000 ha along the coast between Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay, compensation for the reduction in land value as a result of mining, and rehabilitation of the land. After the six years it took to reach this legal decision, the Sida !Hub Community Property Association in the Richtersveld is moving faster into a brighter and fairer future as laid out in their evolving land use plan for the coastal area.
Useful contacts
- Richtersveld National Park - Information Office
Contact this office to arrange activities in the National Park, including hiking, 4x4 and water sports.
- World Heritage Site administrative office
The administrative office for the Richtersveld World Heritage Site no longer directly arrange hiking, 4x4 driving, cycling and accommodation. Contact the Eksteenfontein tourism information centre - they can aso advise on the best route to take depending on your specific interests.
- Eksteenfontein Information Centre
The information centre takes bookings for Rooiberg, Kom Rus 'n Bietjie and the World Heritage Site. Can arrange a range of activities from hiking to cultural tours.
- Kuboes Cultural Groups
Johanna can arrange a variety of cultural events in the heartland of Nama culture
- Jakob Diergaardt
Local tour guide
- See the Nama Stap
Lena can arrange for visitors to see and parttake in a traditional Nama stap dance
- Horse riding or donkey cart trips
- Lekkersing Stone Mine
Visit a very unusual sandstone quarry.
- Lekkersing Municipal Office
A good first contact for the Lekkersing area, incl stone mine, the Nama stap, horse riding and camping.
- Sanddrift Information
Story telling, see the Nama stap or listen to the Basotho Stars sing. Guides to see the Petroglyphs.