Home - Travel Destinations - In Namaqualand with Rey Janse van Rensburg: The Ultimate Richtersveld Adventure
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Home - Travel Destinations - In Namaqualand with Rey Janse van Rensburg: The Ultimate Richtersveld Adventure
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
A UNESCO Treasure
With Rey Janse van Rensburg behind the wheel of his iconic cruiser, you’re guaranteed to venture onto trails that only a handful of people even know exist. This is his homeland — every ridge, every dry riverbed, every whisper of wind across the quartz fields feels like part of his own story. When it comes to Namaqualand and its UNESCO‑listed Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — that stark, beautiful stretch often considered part of “Little Namaqualand,” famed for its rare succulent kingdom — Rey’s knowledge runs deep. Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing he doesn’t know about this place.
The Richtersveld lies in Namaqualand‘s northern part in the far northwestern corner of South Africa, bordering the Orange River to the north and extending towards Steinkopf and Port Nolloth in the south. The rugged, mountainous desert region is known as a succulent steppe, characterized by extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and reliance on morning fog (or Ihuries).
There are plenty of sleep‑over camping tours in the Richtersveld, but none come close to the experience of travelling with the legendary Rey Janse van Rensburg. We’ve joined him on two of these journeys (yes… you will want to return), and each time we felt his deep, lifelong connection to the land where he grew up. I’m not a natural camper by any stretch, yet even I can say it’s absolutely worth it. I arrived as a reluctant camper and left as a happy one — and truth be told, I’d go again in a heartbeat.
Camping out in the open in the Richtersveld is unlike anything else. The silence, the stars, the raw beauty of the landscape — it all settles around you in a way that feels both grounding and otherworldly. And with Rey leading the way, the experience becomes even richer. He’s not only a master photographer; he’s a walking encyclopedia of Namaqualand, effortlessly weaving stories, history, and local knowledge into every stop along the trail.
These are just some of the moments you can look forward to when exploring the Richtersveld with Rey Janse van Rensburg:
The Richtersveld is about exploration and adventure. Rey skillfully and effortlessly guided us in the right direction on nature walks and off-road drives to discover unique geological formations, hidden canyons, and endemic plant species that thrive in this harsh environment.
While the world is in turmoil about currency fluctuations, controversial world leaders, war zones across multiple borders, and strikes, while white-collar leaders go into yet another business meeting, you can easily see why the Richtersveld and its people (the very few we saw in this sparsely populated region) are in Rey’s veins.
You get to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature. The quietude of the desert, interrupted only by natural sounds such as wind and wildlife, creates a serene atmosphere for relaxation and introspection.
Rey Janse Van Rensburg is a well-known and beloved figure who has made significant contributions to the local community.
Born and raised in Springbok (founded in 1862 and originally called Springbokfontein), South Africa, Rey has deep roots in the local community. His passion for his homeland and its people has driven him to work tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him.
One of Rey’s notable accomplishments is his commitment to environmental conservation. He has been actively involved in initiatives to preserve the unique and delicate ecosystems of Namaqualand. With its stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, Namaqualand is a region of great ecological importance. Rey has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the need to protect this natural heritage, advocating for sustainable practices, and responsible tourism.
Consequently, it comes as no surprise that South African National Parks also approached Rey as a stakeholder to participate in the 2018 – 2028 Park Management Plan process for the Richtersveld National Park.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Rey has received several accolades and honors throughout his career. However, he remains humble and focused on the work that still needs to be done. His vision and commitment continue to inspire others to make a positive difference in their communities, serving as a role model for aspiring changemakers.
My adventure in Namaqualand was filled with not one, but countless highlights. Yet one moment stands out so vividly that I can still feel the desert air on my skin when I think about it. It was Rey’s phenomenal memory—his ability to recall not only the common and scientific names of every little plant, but also exactly where to find them—that turned an already special trip into something unforgettable.
Many times we’d be cruising through the desert-like landscape when Rey would suddenly slow down, glance at the horizon, and casually say, “Let’s take a little walk.” He always reminded us to bring our cameras. And every time, I’d think, “What on earth are we going to film? Nothing is happening here.” But that’s exactly when Namaqualand reveals its magic.
One such moment happened even after we’d left the Richtersveld area. Rey indicated for us to pull off the road, and off we went again. By then I had learned: if Rey says take your camera, you take your camera. Still, when he suddenly stopped and told us we were standing on flowers, I couldn’t help thinking, “No, Rey… now you’re losing it. I see nothing.”
Then he knelt down, gently blew the sand aside, and there it was.
A cluster of tiny green plants, hidden beneath the surface—so small, so perfectly camouflaged, that an untrained eye would walk right past them. Rey explained how, in this low‑rainfall region in Namaqualand, these little survivors rely on the faintest moisture in the air to produce their delicate yellow‑white‑orange flowers. A single stem shoots up from what looks like barren ground, while the rest of the plant remains safely tucked beneath the quartz-rich coastal sand.
It was my first encounter with Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca—lovingly called venster blommetjies by locals. These remarkable plants live almost entirely under the sand, with only their translucent “windows” (fenestrae) peeking out. The leaves act like tiny solar panels, letting in just enough light for the plant to thrive underground. It’s a rare sight, and when you’re lucky enough to witness it, you understand why people return to this region again and again.
Everyone in our group said they’d repeat the trip in a heartbeat, because we experienced things that very few people on earth ever get to see. And that’s largely thanks to Rey’s deep-rooted knowledge—something he inherited from his late father, another legendary figure of Springbok. Many people grow up in Namaqualand, but not many carry Rey’s passion.
Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know, Namaqualand taught me another lesson. As we left the Richtersveld, Rey reminded us of something locals instinctively understand: if you see people avoiding “empty” patches of sand, follow their lead. Those bare-looking spaces are often living carpets of venster blommetjies hiding just below the surface.
It’s moments like these that make traveling in Namaqualand so profoundly humbling. The land looks quiet, even harsh—but life is everywhere, waiting for the right eyes to notice.
💡 Travel Tip: The Richtersveld doesn’t do anything in half measures. Expect blistering heat by day and a surprising chill once the sun dips behind the mountains. Pack light, breathable layers for the daytime, something warm for the evenings, and don’t skimp on sun protection. And truly—carry more water than you think you’ll need. This rugged, arid landscape is breathtaking, but it requires respect and plenty of hydration.
Rey is also known as the rugged bad boy of 4×4 destinations in the Richtersveld, which we experienced for ourselves. Who else do you know that drove the Richtersveld in reverse to get out? Whether you own a 4 x 4 vehicle or not (he provides vehicles that he personally checks and approves), you too can experience this extraordinary bucket list experience.
From the first shared meal to the last dusty sunset, everything simply worked. The gear was reliable, the food delicious, and the team’s attention to safety gave the whole trip an easy, confident flow. It didn’t take long before the group settled into a rhythm — laughter around the table, stories traded on the road — and those who arrived as strangers slowly became the familiar faces you look for each morning.
Rey’s name has become woven into the very fabric of Namaqualand — a quiet shorthand for passion, resilience, and a love so deep it feels rooted in the land itself. His commitment to protecting the environment, uplifting local communities, and honouring the region’s cultural heartbeat has left a mark you can feel as much as see. Spend even a little time here, and you’ll notice the ripple of his influence in the stories people tell, the landscapes cared for, and the pride that runs through the region. His life is a reminder that one person, guided by purpose, can shape a place’s future — and inspire others to do the same.
If you’ve ever followed the South African Voetspore series, you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about. Rey is the one with the easy smile and the unmistakable socks — one red, one blue — a tiny splash of rebellion that somehow suits him perfectly. You can spot him in any group without even trying. And if the socks don’t give him away, his cruiser certainly will… the one proudly flying that famous Marilyn Monroe flag.
Ah, the Marilyn Monroe flag — now that is a story on its own. By the time we travelled with Rey last, the poor flag had weathered just about every sunbeam and sandstorm Namaqualand could throw at it. I hear he’s been searching high and low for a worthy replacement ever since.
Rey’s skill set truly came alive on screen. In the Voetspore seasons (an Afrikaans television series), he showcased not only his instinctive feel for 4×4 adventure but also his sharp photographic eye, capturing moments most of us would have driven straight past. You’ll spot his handiwork in series such as:
Rey also featured prominently in two of the cookbooks born from the Voetspore series — a natural fit for someone who can turn even the simplest ingredients into a memorable moment.
One of the unexpected joys of travelling through the Richtersveld with Rey Janse van Rensburg is dinner time out in the open. By then, you already know you’re in the company of one of the region’s finest storytellers — the kind who has graced more than a few chat shows — and somehow the stories feel even richer when shared under a wide, star‑washed sky. After a day filled with surprises tucked behind every rock and ridge, those evenings became the quiet highlight, the soft landing after the rugged beauty of the landscape.
And then… the potato chips. Rey’s famous, slightly mischievous cooking method gives them a flavour all their own — crisp, smoky, and impossibly moreish. They taste even better than you imagine, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean the moment you join him on a tour. Stories, laughter, and those unforgettable chips — honestly, what more could you ask for?
Traveling in Namaqualand with Rey taught me something I’ll carry with me forever: this landscape doesn’t reveal its treasures to just anyone. It opens up slowly, quietly, and only to those who know how to look. Rey has that rare gift — not just knowledge, but intuition. He reads the land the way others read a book, noticing the smallest shift in sand, the faintest change in colour, the subtle clues that life is waiting just beneath the surface.
It’s one thing to visit Namaqualand. It’s another to experience it through someone who grew up here, who inherited a deep love for its hidden wonders, and who shares that passion with such generosity. Rey didn’t just show us flowers; he showed us how to see — how to pause, pay attention, and appreciate the quiet miracles that make this region unlike anywhere else on earth.
And that, more than anything, is why this journey stays with me. Because when you explore in Namaqualand with someone who truly understands it, every step becomes a discovery, every moment a lesson, and every patch of “empty” sand a reminder that beauty often lives just below the surface.
Author: Arina JVR – 30+ countries, countless stories.
🕮 Suggested Read: Ready to wander a little further? Explore more stories, hidden gems, and travel inspiration from the Northern Cape Province right here.
🛒 Planning to go to South Africa? Make sure you experience all that South Africa has to offer with DK Eyewitness‘s pocket-sized travel guide, or these awesome audiobooks.
