Augrabies Falls National Park

A superb venue for dramatic landscapes, scenic hikes, and superb birding.

My wife and I recently camped for two nights at Augrabies Falls National Park, whilst on a three week road trip in South Africa. The campsite has a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere with excellent facilities. Lots of Rock Dassies and birds made for some fun and easy photography. Apart from the Dassies, I got great close-up photographs, in the campsite, of the Village Weaver, Red-eyed Bulbul, ad Glossy Starling, but saw plenty more birds while out walking. A troupe of monkeys kept us entertained in the campsite - the youngster's antics often hilarious to watch. We did a very early morning walk to the falls, which was great - especially as no one else was around. That morning was a solar semi-eclipse - and I had great fun photographing the sun: a bright orange disc, but like a biscuit with a bite taken out. The light was superb and I got great photos of the gorge and waterfall. Another walk later that day took us to Moon rock. This spectacular granite whale-back hill rises out of a lunar landscape carved with jagged rocks - as far as the eye can see - and was one of the great highlights of the entire road-trip for me. The park has a lovely swimming pool and a wide range of accommodation options. There are also several long drives through the park, and some dedicated 4x4 trails as well. Take your camera and binoculars, and whether you walk or drive, you'll wish you had more time at Augrabies!

Augrabies Falls NP always worth a visit

Our six days stay in Augrabies Falls National Park was the fourth visit to that fantastic wilderness area. It was in winter 1990 when we explored the park the first time with our kids. We were overwhelmed by the beauty of this arid, moon like desert region. Only two years in 1992 later we returned once more with our kids. Our two sons travelling alone at this time paid the park a visit again in 1996. My wife's and my third visit was in October 2011. The many attractions of the park had not lost their appeal to us. So we decided to come back again in April 2015. When we had to leave we were as satisfied with our experiences as ever. The autumn weather was perfect, warm, but not too hot, at night cool, but not yet extremely chilly like in winter. Our chalet with a view (a little bit more expensive) and the outside fireplace for the braai were cleaned every day by the friendly staff. We were a bit disappointed at first that there was no shadow roof over our stoep, so we had to retreat into our air-conditioned chalet during the day at full sunlight. But in the end this did not annoy us very much because on most days we left the chalet after breakfast early in the morning and returned only in the late afternoon just in time to light the braai-fire. Apart from the torching sun there is another good reason to enjoy the meals inside the chalet. There are a lot of baboons wandering around the restcamp always in search of food and the opportunity to steal. They are not at all afraid of humans, are extremely fast to grab what they can find on a table and run away leaving the cursing victims helplessly behind. Especially people on the campsite are at risk as we have witnessed. The restaurant is good although we prefer self-catering, the store next to the restaurant is well equipped, prices of course a bit higher than in an ordinary supermarket. Access boardwalks to the various viewpoints along the Orange River Gorge and the waterfall are well kept and safe, even for smaller children. People who like hiking are recommended to explore the park on foot (with sturdy hiking boots !) on the 6 km long Dassie Trail, normally an easy path, but on quite a few sections one has to climb over rocks which can be tricky. At the age of 70 we did well but had to be very cautious not to do a false step. The trail on which we had hiked every stay since 1990 rewards you with awesome views into the gorge, the landscape and Moon Rock. Totally different but also fascinating is Ebony Trail, a 3 km circle trail along small creeks through dense forest where Vervet Monkeys will watch all your movements. To walk on top of Moon Rock is also a must.
The Park has an extensive net of gravel roads, suited for sedans especially when travelling to Moon Rock, the exceptional viewpoints Ararat and Oranjekom, Swartrante and Echo Corner above the shore of the Orange River. People who want to see more of the park are recommended to take the circle road westward from Swartrante to the most remote picnic site of the park Af en Toe. The whole additional trip is about 70 km. It can be done by Sedan but I would prefer a 4x4 or at least a vehicle with high clearance. You will see Giraffes, Gemsbok, Klipspringer, Eland, Zebra, Dassies, Baboons, Ostrich, Martial Eagles, Fish Eagles, weaver birds, the rare Nile Monitor (if you are very lucky), nice flowers not only in spring, but also in autumn. Wildlife of course cannot be compared with Parks like Kruger, but the lack of the really dangerous animals allows you to leave the vehicle without taking the risk of getting mauled to death by a hungry lion. I would like to add a remark on Giraffes and Quiver Trees:
Trees in the arid Kalahari are rather small. Giraffes obviously prefer larger ones. They have become a problem in Augrabies Falls NP because they used to browse a lot on the Quiver Trees which do not tolerate this and die. That's why the Park management has fenced in a large area in the remote western part of the Park to protect this beautiful succulent species. So the giraffes had to move to other places in the park where they can find only smaller trees. Some bigger trees grow near permanent water streams like the ones on the Ebony Hiking Trail in an area which is not suited for giraffes.
Conclusion:
Augrabies Falls NP offers far more than a quick look at the Waterfall. Take your time and stay a couple of days. You will not be disappointed.

Another world of outstanding beauty and richness.

a fantastic relaxed visit at one of the most magnificent falls in South Africa

In general we love the SA NP's for all being very well kept and everything is in order and clean, meaning all the abolution blocks and the sites as well. Also the amenities as shops and restaurant makes it very pleasent to come and relax.
In particular the Augrabies was very calm and distressing. We felt very comfortable and relaxed there. Also we liked the nice paths to hike along the canyon and having special views there. The wooden boarded paths to the falls are very nice and comfortable. The spectacular views to the enlighted falls in the night was the culmination of our 2 night stay!
We came there 2 of us,andwe found very nice people - on my birthday night we have been then 13 people celebrating - all"strangers" who joined us - also this contributed to a fantastic experience in the Augrabies National Park and we for sure will come again.

The Falls were full of water and exploding over the cliffs.

Augrabies is stunningly beautiful especially if the waterfall is in full flow.

Augrabies is my favourite campsite with stunning views of the falls and surroundings. There is not much wild life. A few ostriches and introduced rhinos but the bird life is very good especially in the campsite.