Augrabies Falls National Park in Southern Africa
Augrabies Falls National Park
Just a short hours drive from Upington, you'll find yourself in the Augrabies Falls National Park. The park stretched over an area of 820 sq km and is characterised by the 18 kilometer abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating scrub-dotted plains. The vegetation is suited to the desiccated desert climate. The Kokerboom (Quiver Tree) thrives in this areaand are succulents. The Kokerboom use their stems as a storage facility for huge amounts of water and so survive long periods of drought.
The game reserve in the park houses rhinos, which is also its main attraction.Located in the Northern Cape Province approximately 120kms west of Upington, the park features the Augrabies Falls, where the Orange River drops into a solid granite ravine. Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The astonishing main falls drop 56 metres and is quite impressive, particularly during the rainy season. The Khoi people called it 'Aukoerebis', or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.
A diversity of species callthe 28 000 hectares of landscape home. The small mammals taking refuge in the park include klipspringer antelope, squirrel, rock dassie, springbok, gemsbok and although recently introduced to the park, on the north bank of the river, are black rhino, eland, springbok and kudu.
Places of interest in the park:
- The Falls (waterfall view points walking distance from the restaurant complex): As the Orange River approaches Augrabies Falls it divides itself into numerous channels before cascading down the 56 meter high waterfall. The river then continues its path through an 18 kilometer gorge. The sight and sound of the power of the water will not be easily forgotten.
- Moon Rock
- Ararat
- Arrow Point
- Echo Corner: The road to the Echo Camp (furthest view point from the Rest Camp), takes you through some of the park's most stunning scenery. This is also the starting point for the Gariep 3-In-1 Adventure
Accommodation
The Augrabies Restcamp caters for everyone's preferred needs. The family cottages consist of four-beds, two bedrooms, bathroom (bath), air-conditioning and an equipped kitchen.
The Bungalows are the prefect option for a group of 3 or 4 persons, with a bathroom (shower), air-conditioning and equipped kitchen.Two three-bedded bungalows have been adapted for persons with mobility impairments.
And for those who like to take their home with them wherever they go, the caravan and camping sites will be a supreme location. A maximum of six persons, one caravan/tent and one vehicle or one autovilla are permitted per sight. A communal camp kitchen with two-plate stoves, sinks, communal ablution facilities, laundry and ironing room are available on the site. Not planning on spending thenight? A picnic area for Day Visitors with ablution and barbeque facilities, and a swimming pool is also available.
Facilities
- Three swimming pools for residents.
- Shop, Shibula Restaurant.
- Public telephones, fuel.
- Information on birds, reptile and mammal species found in the park, is available at reception on
request
- Conference Facilities
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
Contact Information
For reservations and availability, call Central Reservations +27 (0)12 428 9111
Other enquiries: +27 (0)54 452 9200
Notable wildlife includes:
Springbok
Eland
Gemsbok
Kudu
Klipspringer
Black Stork
Pygmy Falcon
Squirrel
Rock dassie
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