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The Richtersveld is a mountainous area between Vioolsdrift and the Orange
River mouth. It is generally regarded as one of the most impressive mountain deserts
in the world, due mainly to the stunning mountain scenery which is cleaved by the passage
of the Orange River.
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The geology of the area consists of various meta-sediments and
meta-volcanics including gneisses and pegmatites. The rocks are between 600 million
and 1 500 million years old and are particularly impressive because there is no vegetation
to hide the metamorphic actions that have occurred. Huge folds and faults are
clearly evident throughout the whole area as are the pegmatites which often show up
as white outcrops in an otherwise brown landscape (as can be seen in the pictures below).
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The Richtersveld is rapidly growing in popularity for visitors who want
something different from the normal crowded beach. Numerous river rafting companies
organise trips through the area which provides an opportunity for the visitors to see
areas which cannot be accessed by road. One main advantage of the area is the fact
that it is malaria free and virtually uninhabited. It therefore provides a safe
environment for visitors to experience the true splendour of South Africa and is regarded
as a haven for photographers of all levels.
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