Riemvasmaak Conservation Area

Description

To the north of the mighty Augrabies Falls, between the Orange and dry Molopo Rivers, lies 75 000 hectares of sheer mountain desert wilderness. A wilderness born from violent volcanic activity millions of years ago but with a beauty that takes on spiritual proportions, amplified by its friendly inhabitants - the Riemvasmaak people.

Here you can set your soul free to join the floating sounds of calling black eagles, owls, rock pigeons and thousands of pale-wing starlings while dipping in the hot springs bath. You will also be dwarfed by eighty metre high granite cliff walls and awesome lunar landscape-like scenery.

The history of the people of Riemvasmaak is a rich but sad one. In terms of the apartheid policies of the previous government the people of Riemvasmaak were forcefully removed in 1973/74 to Namibia and the Eastern Cape. The peaceful existence of the various groups – Xhosa, Nama and Coloured – under the leadership of a Nama chief and representatives of the various groups.

Between 1973 and the landmark date in 1994 when the transition to a democratic government in South Africa came about, the South African Defense Force utilized Riemvasmaak as a training ground. The section known as Melkbosrand was incorporated into the Augrabies National Park. The South African National Park ran a breeding program for the Namibian black rhino on the 4000ha.

Efforts to bring the people of Riemvasmaak back to their land got momentum in 1993. The decision to give the whole 74 000ha back to the people was taken in February 1994.As one of the first land restitution projects in the New South Africa, Riemvasmaak was registered as a Presidential Launch Project. As a result it had a very high political profile.

Most of the original residents were back on their land at the end of 1995. About two thirds of the people of Riemvasmaak belong to the Nama culture and live at the mission station. The Xhosa grouping live at the Vredesvallei settlement on the banks of the Orange River. In 2002 the people of Riemvasmaak get the deeds to the plots they live on – a milestone for those who were landless for so long.

Riemvasmaak offers the tourist a variety of activities as well as breathtaking, rugged beauty. Accommodation is available in comfortable chalets.

Features

• 3 4x4 routes
• 3 hiking trails
• Mountain biking
• Bird watching
• Photography
• Hot spring