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Augrabies Falls National Park
Augrabies, Northern Cape,
South Africa
| 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. |
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Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood.
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.
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.
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.
Conservation fees:
A daily conservation is payable at all National Parks.
Activities
* Waterfall view points walking distance from the restaurant complex.
* Game viewing at leisure using own vehicle.
* 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.
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 must always carry sufficient water.
Health & Climate
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.
Click here for Rates/Bookings |
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Location: Augrabies,
Northern Cape |
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