Augrabies Falls National Park is located in the Northern Cape, 120km (74 miles) west of Upington and 49km (30 miles) northwest of Kakamas. The mighty Orange River and waterfalls characterise this region where signs of habitation from the early Stone Age can be found.
Covering 55 383 hectares, Augrabies Falls National Park is a popular destination for visitors on the way to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This Northern Cape Nature Reserve is semi-arid and subject to low rainfall and extreme temperature variations. Autumn and spring offer the most moderate and pleasant temperatures. Summer rains fall between November and April. The hottest months are January and February.
Animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions include the Slender Mongoose, Yellow Mongoose and Rock Dassie. The most commonly seen antelope is the Klipspringer and the Giant Aloe or Kokerboom is the most distinctive plant in Augrabies. Bushmen or San people used the soft branches of this giant plant to make quivers for their arrows.
The Nama region is famous for its traditional domed huts called 'matjieshuise' (mat houses). These 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.
Black Stork and Black Eagle are both bred in Augrabies Falls National Park. The park is also home to the African Fish Eagle, Pygmy Falcon, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Karoo Chat, Fairy Flycatcher and Black-chested Prinia amongst many others. There is also an isolated western population of Double-banded Sandgrouse in addition to the more common Namaqua Sandgrouse.
Please note:
- Augrabies Falls National Park is situated in a malaria risk area
- A full range of services is provided at Kakamas, 49km / 30 miles away
Directions to Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape:
The closest airport is located in Upington where there are daily scheduled flights to / from other major centres in the country. Car rental agencies are available at the airport and in the city. There is a private landing strip close to the park (details supplied on request).
Driving instructions:
From Cape Town:
Take the N7 north to Springbok. When you arrive in Springbok turn onto the N14 to Kakamas and Upington. About 10km (6 miles) before Kakamas turn left into the R359, the park will be signposted. From this point onwards you will reach the park after driving another 39km (24 miles). The entrance to the park will be signposted.
From Johannesburg:
Take the N14 through the North-West Province to Kuruman and then onwards to Upington. From Upington keep on the N14 towards Kakamas and once you reach the centre of town the park will be signposted. Keep on the N14 when passing through Kakamas and after 10km (6 miles) turn left on the R359. From this point onwards you will reach the park after driving another 39km (24 miles). The entrance to the park will be signposted.
