Augrabies Falls National Park

This is where the mighty Orange River is at its most impressive as it thunders its way through a ravine and into a pool walled by sheer granite, creating the world’s sixth largest waterfall. Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The Falls derived their name from the Khoi word ‘Aukoerebis’ meaning ‘place of great noise’.

The Park is essentially a scenic park where 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. Do not plan on just nipping in to see the main falls as there is much more to experience and be done in this arid piece of moonscape-like land, awesome and strikingly beautiful it offers the visitor over 15 000ha of unique riverine eco-systems to explore.

Attractions & Activities

Obviously the top attraction is the 56 metre high main falls that cascades into the granite abyss of the Orange River Gorge. The Falls are very easily accessed through an extensive network of boardwalks which are wheelchair friendly. This, however, is not the beginning or end of the attractions of the Park by a long shot and visitors should allow enough time to explore further. Drives take you to scenic viewpoints with descriptive names of this rocky region like Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner.

Giraffe, klipspringer and other game are frequently seen while game driving in the Park. For the hikers there is the 5km self-guided circular route Dassie Hiking Trail and for those wanting more of a challenge there is the Klipspringer Hike (closed 15 Oct - 31 March) which takes hikers right down into the gorge and back out again and takes 3 days. For a real adrenaline rush go on the !Garib 3-in-one Adventure which includes canoeing in the gorge, hiking out of it and a mountain bike ride back to the rest camp.

Augrabies Falls rest camp

Augrabies Falls National Park has only the one camp, but it is also the largest camp of all the Arid Parks. Its 136 beds (excluding the campsite) are in constant demand so make sure you book well ahead.

All 59 chalets are fully equipped with self-catering facilities, electrified and air-conditioned. The shaded camping site is equally well equipped with forty of the sites electrified and 30 without. Besides the usual ablution facilities there is also a communal kitchen, laundry and ironing room. For those wanting a break from the traditional camp braai there is a fully licensed restaurant and if supplies run low you’ll find a well stocked shop. Their are three swimming pools for residents’ use only, and one for day-visitors.

Both the chalets and the camping site are within walking distance of the main falls and access to them have been made wheelchair friendly with an extensive network of boardwalks.

Official Augrabies Falls Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide of the Augrabies Falls National Park is available at the Park Reception. This A4 full colour publication covers the history of the Park, climate, geology, and resource management. To help you get around it includes a detailed map with times, distances and attractions.