A Natural Spectacle
For one of the most spectacular natural sights in South Africa you simply have to visit the Augrabies Falls National Park. Centered on the awe-inspiring 56 meter Augrabies Waterfall and the 18 kilometers of the Orange River Gorge, this national park should simply not be missed. When the Orange River is in full flood, the thundering waters of the Augrabies Waterfall are a powerful sight. The Khoi called it ‘Aukoerebis’, which when translated means ‘place of great noise’. This appropriate name aptly describes the thunderous falls which can be heard from quite a distance away.
The Augrabies Falls National park is a very rocky region which is filled with a number of great attractions such as The Falls, Moon Rock, Ararat, Arrow Point and Echo Corner. The landscape is dominated by klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) which demonstrate how difficult it is to survive in such a harsh environment. However there are other parts of the park which are more densely inhabitated and here you will find birds, reptiles, springbok, gemsbok, a variety of trees and succulents as well as the aggressive and endangered black rhino. The Augrabies Falls National Park covers some 28 000 hectares of land on both the northern and southern sides of the murky Orange River. Despite the abundance in water, the surrounding terrain is generally dusty, hard and rocky. Those creatures and plants which have made this refuge their home have had to adapt to the harsh landscape.
There are a number of things to do at the Augrabies Falls National Park. Those who enjoy walking can take one of the short walking trails to The Gorge, Twin Falls, Arrow Point, Moon Rock and the Potholes or they can try one of the hikes on offer here. Otherwise you can spot a variety of game from the safety of your vehicle as you make your way around the park, or you can book yourself on a night drive if you are visiting during peak season. There is a variety of accommodation available and three swimming pools and a bar offer refreshment from the hot African sun. So come to Augrabies Falls National Park and be inspired by nature.
