Augrabies Falls National Park

Description

The Khoi people called it “Aukoerebis" (Place of Great Noise), and there are few sights and sounds as awesome as the thunderous rage of water plummeting down the Augrabies Falls when the Orange River is in full flood. The falls are situated in the hostile crags of the Augrabies Falls National Park, a 55,383 hectare reserve in Northern Cape.

The dramatic landscape is characterised by rocky outcrops, bristly savannah grasses, and scraggly quiver trees that stand in stark silhouette against the bright sky. Despite the harsh, arid climate, the park provides sanctuary to diverse fauna and flora that are able to adapt and survive; from the smallest succulents, birds, and reptiles to Hartmann's mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok, and giraffe.

The highlight of the park is the 56m high waterfall. The Orange River is a vital life source to the reserve, dividing into several channels before it cascades down Augrabies Falls and continues its path through an 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Visitors can see the waterfall from viewpoints that are within walking distance of the restaurant complex.

Despite its remote location, many tourists visit the park every year due to its central location along the N14 highway, which connects the north-eastern provinces with the west coast region. The park is also a favoured stop-over for travellers en route to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Activities

• self-drive game viewing
• guided night drives (to be booked through the reserve)
• mountain biking
• 4x4 expeditions along the 94km Wilderness Road (with a scenic picnic and braai spot half way).
• 3-day Klipspringer Hiking Trail (closed October to March due to heat).
• 5km self-guided Dassie Nature Trail that leads you on a circular route from the Rest Camp.
• Several panoramic viewpoints such as Moon Rock, Oranjekom, Ararat, Swart Rante, and Echo Point, all of which give stunning vistas of the park, gorge, and Orange River.