Roads to & from Richtersveld

[David&Heather]

We are due to travel to the Richtersveld National Park in April. Our planned route was Steinkopf, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay & an overnight stop at Brandkaros. After a 5 day stay in the Park we had planned to leave De Hoop & go into Namibia at Sendelingsdrif & then north to Aus where we are meeting friends. At the moment the borders at Alexander Bay & Sendelingsdrif are still closed & the Sendelingsdrif pont will not operate for some months due to the high & fast flow of the Orange River. It seems we have only 2 options to enter Namibia.
1) Returning to Alexander Bay, Steinkopf & then on to Vioolsdrif
2) Driving via Sendelingsdrif, Eksteenfontein, Helskloof Pass to Vioolsdrif
We do not know this area, have no idea of the road conditions or travelling times & will be travelling alone. To add to the problem is the fact that we have to obtain PCR Covid tests to enter Namibia & have no idea where this can be done. It seems that time is against us & we will have to cancel our Richtersveld bookings. I would appreciate any info. on the routes, road conditions, travelling times & border crossing regulations with regards Covid.

[bostoe]

The quickest route would be over Alexander Bay.

The route via Eksteensfontein is scenic but rough at spots and you have time constraints.

Cannot advise you on Covid testing facilities.

Why not do the Richtersveld at the end of the trip, eliminating the Covid-test issue?


Bostoe

[Paul Dold]

I hear testing is available at the State hospital in Upington also Upington Mediclinic (Pathcare) if you wish to enter Namibia. Ariamsvlei border post is open. May be worth checking this option.

[David&Heather]

Thank you for the feedback. We are re-planning our route.
For anyone who may be interested I have discovered that there is a Pathcare in Springbok. The PCR Covid test, which is required by Namibia, can be done there. It is necessary to book in advance as they have limited hours - Monday to Friday - when they do the test. Also the results will take 48 hours before one can cross the border.