» Augrabies Falls National Park :: Africa

Augrabies Falls National Park

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National Parks South Africa

Kakamas, Northern Cape, South Africa

Augrabies Falls National Park is situated about 120 km west of Upington on the Orange River, units with picnic site and braai facilities, air-conditioning, a shop, a bar, restaurant, cafeteria, information centre, petrol and diesel pumps, laundry, public telephones, 3 swimming pools.

The Khoi people call it `Akoerabis’, the place of the Great Noise, referring to the Orange River thundering its way downwards for 60 metres in a spectacular waterfall. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region, characterised by the 18 kilometre abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating scrub-dotted plains.

Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African
sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to
adapt ultimately survive. The 28 000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest
succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and the endangered black rhino.

The most characteristic plant in the 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 Park are:

The Falls
Moon Rock
Ararat
Arrow Point
Echo Corner
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 includes Springbok, Klipspringer, Black Stork and Pygmy Falcon.

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.

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.

Facilities at the restcamp includes:
Shop, Shibula Restaurant and Gariep Ladies’ Bar.
Public telephones, fuel.
Information on birds, reptile and mammal species found in the park.

Activities
Waterfall view points walking distance from the restaurant complex.
Game viewing at leisure using own vehicle.
Klipspringer Hiking Trail – 3 days, 2 nights and 12 persons per group. Advance bookings essential. Closed October to March due to heat.
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.

How to get there
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.

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.

National Parks in South Africa:

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