Frequently Asked Questions
The Trail
Q.
How does one book for the Namakwa 4x4 Eco-Trail?
A.
Go to our booking page. You can also phone 081 8739043 or email info@namakwa4by4.co.za
A reservation form will be provided to be completed, after confirming availability, and paying on invoice, your permit as well as route descriptions and maps, will be sent to you.
Q.
I see that there is a Namakwa Package and a Richtersveld Package - must I book both of them?
A.
You may book both Packages together or either the Namakwa Package or the Richtersveld Package separately.
Q.
What is the distance of the total trail? And the two separate packages?
A.
The complete trail is approximately 620km, for both packages. The Namakwa Package is 330km and the Richtersveld Package 290km.
Q.
How many days does the trail take to complete?
A.
The Namakwa Package - 2 to 3 days. The Richtersveld Package - 2 to 3 days.
5-6 days for the entire trail, however you may take longer.
Q.
Do we need to show our permits, and if so where?
A.
Please show your stamped permit at Pella Tourism Information Office,Witbank Tourism Information Office, Eksteenfontein Tourism Information Office or Alexander Bay 4x4 Satellite Office. Please keep your stamped permit, paper or digital version, at hand as our local guides do regular spot checks.
Q.
What is the best time of the year to do the trail?
A.
It’s great throughout the year. To avoid the extensive summer heat, travel from March to July. From November to February temperatures can be very high. If you wish to experience the flower season book from August to October.
Q.
Does one need a modified 4x4 vehicle?
Your Vehicle
A.
A standard 4X4 vehicle with good tyresis preferable. see driving tips
However if your experienced enough driving off-road, a high clearance vehicle with difflock will suffice.
Q.
What tyres are required, and what pressure should they be?
A.
All terrain, off-road, tyres are preferable although if you are careful standard ‘bakkie’ tyres should be fine. Deflate your tyres to assist with sand and rock driving. You shouldn’t need to go below 1.2 bar.
Q.
Will I need to carry extra fuel?
A.
Fuel is only available at Pofadder, about 15km from the start, and near the end at Alexander Bay. Allow for extra fuel usage due to traveling slowly in sand and for extra exploration.
Q.
What do we need to bring in our Vehicle?
A.
You need to be totally self-sufficient - Enough fuel, drinking water, wood, and all your food and camping gear. If you want to keep your meat and drinks cold a camping fridge (and second battery) would be preferable, although a good coolerbox and dry ice will also work.
Q.
How difficult is the terrain, what grading is the trail, and can I bring a trailer?
A.
The trail is between 2 and 3 grade, with a mixture of gravel roads, sand and rocky riverbeds. You may bring rugged
off-road trailers & caravans however you need to be cautious when negotiating around and over rocks.
Q.
Can you do the trail with a single vehicle?
A.
It is advisable to do the trail with 2 or more vehicles in case of a breakdown, getting stuck or an emergency.
Q.
Can one camp at any place on the trail? What about private camps?
The Camps
A.
It is advisable to either camp at one of our designated campsites or at one of the private accommodation facilities.
If private they will need to be pre-booked. Click here
Q.
Is there electrical power at the camps?
A.
There is no power at all in the trail camps so if you are running a fridge it’s advisable to have a solar charging system. Some of the private camps have power.
Q.
Are there ablution facilities at the campsites?
A.
Unfortunately not. You need to be totally self-sufficient. Kindly click here for toilet etiquettes
Q.
Do you need your own drinking water?
A.
It is advisable to bring your own drinking water as the water of the Orange River is not drinkable unless boiled.
Q.
Any cellphone reception?
A.
Reception is very limited, with none at the camps. There is however cellphone signal in Pella, Vioolsdrift, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing, Kuboes, Sanddrift and Alexander Bay.
Q.
Is wood available at any of the camps or on the trail?
A.
You can purchase wood in Vioolsdrift, Pella and Alexander Bay. NB: Please do not pick up wood or cut down trees.
Hartbeesmond campsite
Modern rock art
