[2] A memorandum of understanding was signed on 17 August 2003 by the presidents of South Africa and Namibia, which formalised the establishment of the park.

The land is harsh, while water is generally scarce, the air is kept moist by early morning fog.

In a one square kilometre area more than 360 different plant species can be found in a place that experiences an average rainfall of only 68 mm per year.

[4] The vegetation in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park consists of unique plant life, such as the giant quiver tree, ‘half-mens’ (Afrikaans: half human), and tall aloes.

The local Nama community hold the half-mens tree in high regard, believing that the human-like figure it assumes is their ancestors longing for the Namibian home.