The early San inhabitants
Early archaeological evidence tells us that the San inhabited the Richtersveld area thousands of years ago. They hunted game (mountain zebra and klipspringer) and gathered berries and herbs. Arrowheads made of stone and plant resin have been found around Eksteenfontein. Then the first Khoekhoen or pastoral people moved to these regions from Botswana some 2 000 years ago. Like the San, they were hunter-gatherers, and only slaughtered animals on rare ceremonial occasions. The Nama speaking herders in the Richtersveld, therefore, are said to be descendents from these first pastoralists and the San.
Large scatterings of tools, pottery and ostrich eggshells with ornate designs and shell beads have been found in the area. Recently pots with ears and pointy bottoms have been unearthed here in Eksteenfontein, some in excellent condition. We are told that they are 1 000 years old and it is thought that the inhabitants brewed herb beer and kept milk in these vessels, propping them up in the rich red desert sands.
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.