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Augrabies

The Nama people lived in the area for centuries and managed to adapt to its harsh conditions. 'Aukoerebies' is a Khoi name for 'the place of the Great Noise', referring to the Orange River, which thunders its way downwards for 60 metres in a spectacular waterfall.

The region is famous for its traditional domed huts called 'matjieshuise' (mat houses). The huts are perfect for summer and winter season. In summer, the stems and culms from which the mats are made shrink allowing gaps to appear, thus cooling the huts and in winter the stems expand to prevent cold winds and rain.

Such names as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner describe this picturesque and rocky region, characterised by the 18 kilometre deep abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating the scrub-dotted plains.

The 28 000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide a sanctuary to a diverse species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to Springbok, Gemsbok and the endangered Black Rhino.

Information

Handy Hints:

Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sunblock,camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.
Hikers must always carry sufficient water.
Bring light clothing for summer and warm for winter, the area prone to sudden weather changes.

Note:
Pets are not allowed in a national park.
No firearms allowed in a natioal park
Situated in a malaria risk area. Take precautions

A full range of services provided at Kakamas, 40km away.
Shoes must be worn on summer evenings to avoid scorpion stings.
Motorcycles, bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards are not allowed at the park.

About Augrabies

Augrabies boasts the thundering 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood.

The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise.

Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region.

The 28 000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species including the endangered black rhino.

The Orange River drops 191 metres at the Augrabies Falls. The thundering cascade of water led the original Hottentot residents to believe that evil spirits were active here, and so they named the waterfall Aukoerebis, "place of big noises", from which the Trek Boers, who settled here later on, derived the name Augrabies.

The gorge at the Augrabies Falls is 240 m deep and 18 km long. It is a most impressive example of granite erosion.

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.

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.

How To Get There:

Augrabies Falls National Park lies 120 km (74.5 miles) west of Upington and 40 km (24.8 miles) northwest of Kakamas on a tarred access route. National air links to Upington and a private airfield is 5 km (3.1 miles) from the park. Internal roads are gravelled.

Gate Hours:

April to September: 06:30 – 22:00
October to March: 06:00 – 22:00

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