Augrabies Falls National Park

Overview

Augrabies Falls National Park is a national park located in the province of the Northern Cape. It was established in 1966 as an effort to protect the surrounding environment of Augrabies Falls itself. Augrabies Falls consists of thunderous rushing water supplied by the Orange River, the longest river in South Africa which stretches on for 2,200 km. The waterfall is strongest in the months of February-April as the powerful river contains most water at this time from the flooding season.

Augrabies Falls National Park is known for its notably ancient granite rock and the giant aloe or “quiver trees” which scatter across its landscape. Roughly 46 mammal species and just over 100 bird species inhabit the park including springbok, zebras, giraffe and kudu amongst others, it is also known for its uniquely high population of lizards. The animals in Augrabies are very well adapted to the environmental conditions and extreme weather temperatures of both highs and lows, some have even evolved to exhibit these adaptions as physical traits, including the giraffes that occupy the park who are notably lighter than giraffes in other areas of South Africa so as to protect themselves from the intense heat of the glaring sun.

The park is an ideal location for activities such as scenic walks, hiking and mountain biking as the reserve boasts stunning landscapes and multiple panoramic viewpoints.