What You Need to Know Before Visiting Augrabies Falls National Park

Welcome to Augrabies Falls National Park! If you’re looking for an adventure surrounded by nature’s wonders, you’ve come to the right place. The park is most famous for its breathtaking waterfall, but there’s so much more to explore here. From hiking trails to unique rock formations, and even a diverse wildlife population adapted to the desert conditions, Augrabies Falls National Park has it all. Let me guide you through some of the highlights to ensure your visit is truly unforgettable.

1. Witness the Mighty Falls

As you step foot in the park, make sure to head straight for the falls. Whether you walk or take a shuttle, don’t miss the opportunity to see the extraordinary Augrabies Falls, also known as the “Place of the Great Noise.” To fully appreciate its magnificence, visit all the viewing decks, offering different perspectives of this natural wonder. One important note – check beforehand if the viewing decks are open, as they may occasionally close due to flood damage. Safety first!

2. Embark on a Memorable Hike

With an array of hiking trails to choose from, Augrabies Falls National Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Lace up your boots and explore the wonders of the park up close. Each trail offers its own unique scenery and challenges, so pick one that suits your level of expertise. As you venture through the rugged terrain, be prepared for surprises around every corner. Remember to bring water, snacks, and a sense of adventure!

There are several hiking routes in the park that will take you through different parts of it. One of these routes is the Ebony Trail, which starts outside Main Camp and is about 2.8km long. Alongside this trail, there are a few others to explore, such as the 2 km Gorge Trail, the 7 km Dassie Trail, and the longer 36 km Klipspringer Trail that can be done overnight.

Now, let’s talk about Moon Rock. It’s a fascinating sight in the park, almost like a moon in the middle of it all. You have a couple of ways to reach Moon Rock – you can choose to drive there and then walk to the summit to enjoy the breathtaking views of the park’s landscape. Alternatively, you can take the Dassie Trail, which will guide you to the rock.

Moving on, you don’t want to miss the chance to see the gorge in Augrabies Falls National Park. There are three viewpoints – Echo Corner, Oranjekom, and Ararat – that offer stunning views over the Orange River gorge. Although you’ll need to hop in your car to reach these viewpoints, the journey will be worthwhile.

And finally, one of the highlights of the park is the Augrabies flat lizard. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness when you come across one.

When I stroll along the boardwalks of the Augrabies Falls, I can’t help but be fascinated by the flat lizards. These vibrant creatures are a sight to behold. The males, with their colorful appearances, spend their days in an elaborate dance to woo the females. They bob their heads and dart around, creating a mesmerizing display.

6. Embark on a scenic drive to Hartmann’s Loop

If you prefer a leisurely and unhurried drive, then a trip to Hartmann’s Loop is perfect for you. Located west of the park, this scenic drive offers a chance to marvel at interesting rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and a variety of plant life. Along the way, you may even spot some of the park’s wildlife, such as elands, kudus, klipspringers, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, giraffes, springboks, and gemsboks.

7. Experience the great outdoors with a camping trip

There are a total of 40 stands available for campers to use in the park. One thing that sets camping apart is that day visitors have to leave by 6 p.m., which means you can take advantage of visiting the falls or going on a nighttime game drive with fewer people around.

If you’re not into camping, you can stay at the lovely Gorge Cottage located at Oranjekom. This cozy cottage offers breathtaking sunset views over the gorge.

The Northern Cape is home to the unique quiver tree, also known as kokerboom. These succulent trees bloom in the winter and can be found in the park. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of these beautiful trees while you’re there.

Bird-watching is another activity you can enjoy in the park. There are plenty of different bird species to spot, so grab your binoculars and enjoy the sights.

When I go to the national park, one of my favorite activities is spotting different types of birds. Twitchers like me spend their days trying to catch a glimpse of the Verreaux’s eagle, the African fish eagle, the Namaqua warbler, the dusky sunbird, and many other beautiful birds. It’s such a thrill when you spot one! The park is full of opportunities to see these amazing creatures up close. I always bring my camera with me to capture their beauty and share it with others. Here are some stunning photos taken by Robynne Baudin during her visit to the park. Enjoy!