Augrabies Falls National Park
Northern Cape
Augrabies Falls National Park, located about 120 km west of Upington in South Africa's Northern Cape, spans 820 km² along the Orange River. The park's centerpiece is the majestic Augrabies Falls, a 60-meter high waterfall plunging into a gorge approximately 240 meters deep and stretching 18 kilometers, showcasing remarkable granite erosion. Established in 1966, the park preserves a dry, semi-desert environment characterized by iconic vegetation like the giant quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum), which is adapted to extreme temperatures and infertile soils. The park is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including springbok, gemsbok, the endangered south-central black rhinoceros, Cape clawless otters, black-backed jackals, caracals, bat-eared foxes, and African wildcats. Visitors can explore notable landmarks such as Moon Rock, a vast exfoliation dome, and enjoy activities like night drives and hiking on trails such as the 5 km Dassie Trail and the 14.4 km three-day Klipspringer Trail. The park's cultural heritage is enriched by the Khoekhoe people, who originally named the falls "Ankoerebis," meaning "place of great noise," and whose traditional mat houses reflect ingenious adaptation to the climate. The park offers a unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and cultural significance, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit Augrabies Falls National Park is during the rainy season from January to April when the falls are most spectacular due to river flooding. Booking accommodations and guided night drives in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Visitors can benefit from available discounts for South African residents and groups. Prepare for arid conditions by bringing sufficient water, sun protection, and suitable hiking gear for the park's trails.
Interesting facts
- •The Augrabies Falls drop approximately 60 meters into a gorge that averages 240 meters deep and stretches 18 kilometers.
- •The quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum), prominent in the park, was traditionally used by the San people to make arrow quivers.
- •Moon Rock is a large exfoliation dome measuring about 700 meters long, 100 meters wide, and 30 meters high within the park.
- •The park is home to the endangered south-central black rhinoceros and Africa's largest lizard, the Nile monitor.
- •Legend suggests the largest cache of diamonds in the world lies in a swirl-hole eroded into the granite at the foot of the waterfall.
History
The park was established in 1966 to protect the unique natural and cultural features of the Augrabies Falls area.
The original Khoekhoe inhabitants named the waterfall "Ankoerebis," meaning "place of great noise," reflecting its powerful presence.
Over time, the Trekboers settlers adapted the name to Augrabies.
The park's landscape has been shaped by millions of years of erosion into the granitic basement, forming the deep gorge below the falls.
The region also holds historical significance due to alluvial diamond deposits along the Orange River, with local legends about vast diamond caches at the waterfall's base.
Place Guide
Augrabies Falls
The park's main attraction, this 60-meter high waterfall is especially powerful during floods, plunging into a deep, 240-meter gorge carved into granite rock, offering spectacular views and photographic opportunities.
Moon Rock
A massive exfoliation dome within the park, approximately 700 meters by 100 meters in size and 30 meters high, notable for its geological formation and striking appearance.
Dassie Trail
A 5-kilometer self-guided hiking trail marked with waypoints, offering visitors an accessible way to explore the park's arid landscape and spot local wildlife.
Klipspringer Trail
A challenging 14.4-kilometer, three-day self-guided hiking trail that takes visitors deeper into the park's wilderness, showcasing diverse flora and fauna and rugged terrain.
Contact
Phone: 054 452 9205
