Cape Town based photographer John Maarschalk, aka
Just John
, is passionate about the Richstersveld and goes there as often as life will allow.
John shares some of his thoughts on this special region, as well as some stunning images from his latest trip there, with Portfolio Travel Blog readers today.
My Richtersveld - John Maarschalk
I have been to The Richtersveld on 4 different occasions over the last 5 years.
When I first went with some of my friends, I was very apprehensive about going on holiday into the desert…. I am now totally hooked on the place.
The most impressive thing about it is the TOTAL silence that one experiences there. You can actually ‘hear’ and ‘feel’ the silence.
It is a place that I use to ‘chill out’, un-wind and recharge.
It has some of the most amazing land forms in the world as well, which sometimes differ from one side of the track, or road, to the other.
It is definitely not a place for everyone, but if you can handle the ‘desolation’, and the heat, you will fall in love with the area like I have.
I will keep on going back and I know I that will always enjoy something different each time.
About the Richtersveld
The Richtersveld is a mountainous desert landscape characterised by rugged kloofs and high mountains, situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. It is full of changing scenery from flat sandy plains, to craggy sharp mountains of volcanic rock and the lushness of the Orange River, which forms the border with neighbouring Namibia.
Located in South Africa's northern Namaqualand, this arid area represents a harsh landscape where water is a great scarcity and only the hardiest of lifeforms survive.
Despite this, the Richtersveld is regarded as the only Arid Biodiversity Hotspot on Earth, with an astonishing variety of plant, bird and animal life (much of which is endemic).
A favourite amongst nature travellers to South Africa, the landscape is sometimes described as "martian". Though barren and desolate at first glance, closer examination reveals the area to be rich in desert lifeforms, with an array or unique species specially adapted for survival.
Portfolio offers wonderful Northern Cape Accommodation in a range of guest houses, B&Bs and boutique hotels.
Contact Portfolio Collection for information and bookings.
About the Photographer
John Maarschalk, also known as Just John, is a talented Freelance Photographer who enjoys capturing the interesting and beautiful happenings around him as he journeys through life.
The majority of John's work revolves around Landscape and Seascape imagery as this is where he lives, but anything to do with Wildlife is an absolute passion of his.
Check out more of John's beautiful photography at http://www.justjohnimages.com/
