Especially in late summer, when the river carries a lot of water, the
roaring waters fully justify that name. New waterfalls then form at the
sidewalls, and the air is filled with dense spraying fog. The gorge at
the Augrabies Falls is 240 m deep and 18 km long. It is a most
impressive example of granite erosion. When the whole landmass of the
area lifted about 500 million years ago, the Orange River slowly started
to dig its bed into the ground.
The Augrabies Falls National Park, an hour from Upington,
comprises an area of 820 sq km and stretches along the Orange
River. The vegetation is suited to the arid desert climate. The Kokerboom,
or Quiver Tree grow here. They are succulents and can store huge
amounts of water in their stems and so survive long periods of drought.
The park contains a game reserve with rhinos as the main attraction.
The most characteristic plant in the Augrabies
Falls National Park is the giant aloe called quiver tree (kokerboom),
Aloe dichotoma. The tree gets its name from the fact that the Bushmen
(San) used the soft branches to make quivers for their arrows. The eye-catching
silhouette of the quiver tree is typical of the Northern
Cape landscape.
Of
special interest in the Augrabies Falls National Park are:
- The Augrabies Falls
- Ararat
- Echo Corner
- Nature trails (no
bookings necessary)
- Arrow Point (one hour)
- Potholes (one hour)
-
Moon Rock (one hour).
-
Night drives during peak holiday periods.
- Three swimming pools for residents.
- Gariep 3-in-1 Adventure: This is a three-part adventure comprising rowing
for 4 km down the mighty Orange River, walking for 4 km and returning to
camp by mountain bike (12 km). Enquiries and reservations at the park.
Ramblers with limited time can take the very easy 2,5 km path to view the
gorge, Twin Falls and Arrow Point. To reach Moon Rock takes about an hour
and to the potholes about 1,5 hours.
Noteable wildlife in the Augrabies Falls National
Park includes Springbok,
Klipspringer, Black Stork and Pygmy Falcon.
The summers are hot and nights cold during winter. January to April is the
rainy season. March to October are the most pleasant months in the park.
Take cool or light clothing for summer and warm for winter - area prone to
sudden weather changes.
Augrabies Falls National Park Accommodation
The Augrabies Restcamp offers:
-
Four-bed family cottages with two bedrooms, bathroom (bath),
air-conditioning and equipped kitchen.
-
Bungalows (3 or 4 persons) with bathroom (shower), air-conditioning and equipped kitchen.
-
Two three-bedded bungalows have been adapted for handicapped
persons.
-
Shop, Shibula Restaurant and Gariep Ladies' Bar.
- Public telephones, fuel.
- Information on birds, reptile and mammal species found in the park.
Accommodation
near Augrabies Falls
This website has by far the most comprehensive accommodation in South Africa
available online.
Augrabies Falls National Park lies 120 km west of
Upington and
40 km northwest of Kakamas
on a tarred access route. National air links to Upington and a private
airfield 5 km from the park. Internal roads are gravelled.
Augrabies Falls National Park Gate Hours
- April to September: 06:30 – 22:00
- October to March: 06:00 – 22:00
Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and
wildlife reference books. Hikers on day and overnight trails must always carry sufficient water.
Make
an enquiry about the Augrabies Falls National Park
