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Augrabies Falls

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Augrabies Falls (South Africa)

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Augrabies Falls is located on the Orange River in the Northern Cape province and forms the centerpiece of the Augrabies Falls National Park, established in 1966. With a drop of 56 meters, the river plunges through a narrow granite gorge, creating an impressive natural spectacle, especially during high-flow periods. The name originates from the Khoi word 'Aukoerebis', meaning 'place of great noise', referring to the powerful acoustics of the falling water. The gorge below the falls extends for 18 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 240 meters, bearing witness to thousands of years of river erosion. In the arid environment of the park, specialized species like the klipspringer and the rare Augrabies flat lizard have adapted to the heat. Botanically, the region is famous for the quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma), which thrives on the rocky slopes. Visitors can view the falls from several observation points, including 'Moon Rock', which has a panoramic view of the stark desert landscape. The park is a significant refuge for the endangered black rhinoceros and features various hiking trails through the rugged granite terrain.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C292826211712121418222527
Rain mm2927302010422371115

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Augrabies Falls are part of the Augrabies Falls National Park and can be visited during daytime. The waterfall is visible from several viewpoints reachable via short hiking trails.
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Typical hours
The national park is typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. Exact gate hours may vary seasonally; check locally.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, especially at viewpoints for remarkable waterfall shots. A telephoto lens is recommended to capture details of the falls.
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Time needed
Allow about two to three hours for the main viewpoints and a walk along the river. If you want to explore the longer hiking trails, plan for half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby town of Augrabies and the Orange River course. The Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is an option for nature lovers, though further away.
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Getting there
The Augrabies Falls are about 120 kilometers west of Upington and accessible by car via the N14. On-site parking is available at the visitor center.
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Insider tip
Visit the falls early in the morning when the light is soft and crowds are still absent. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the area can get very hot.

Geography

Coordinates
-28.59000, 20.34000

Facts

  • The main waterfall has a height of 56 meters.
  • The name 'Aukoerebis' comes from the Khoi language.
  • The National Park was officially established in 1966.
  • The granite gorge extends for about 18 kilometers.
  • Home to the endemic Augrabies flat lizard.
  • Moon Rock is a massive granite dome within the park.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Augrabies Falls (6)

Melkbosrant Lookout🌿 nature

The Melkbosrant Lookout provides expansive, elevated views over the rugged, rocky terrain of the Augrabies region.

Oranjekom Viewpoint🌿 nature

The Oranjekom Viewpoint looks deep into the gorge carved into the hard granite by the Orange River.

Echo Corner🌿 nature

At this viewpoint in the rocky gorge, visitors' voices echo impressively against the steep granite cliffs.

Dassie Koppie📍 landmark

This rocky outcrop in the Augrabies region is a popular habitat for the local rock hyrax (dassie) population to sunbathe.

Augrabies Monster📍 landmark

The Augrabies Monster is a striking rock formation that illustrates the harsh erosional forces in the Orange River gorge.

Pot Hole📍 landmark

This deep, cylindrical hole in the granite is a classic example of fluvial erosion caused by rushing water and gravel.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special?
A spectacular waterfall on the Oranje River with massive rock formations.
When is water level best?
During the rainy season (summer), the waterfall carries the most volume.
Is it a long drive?
The national park is quite remote, so plan for a longer drive.
Are there hikes?
Yes, there are various viewpoints that are easy to hike to.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, safely fenced trails make it attractive for families.
Augrabies Falls: where is it located?
Augrabies Falls is located in South Africa.
Augrabies Falls: what is there to see?
Highlights include Melkbosrant Lookout, Oranjekom Viewpoint, Echo Corner.
Augrabies Falls: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Augrabies Falls: why is it worth visiting?
Augrabies Falls is located on the Orange River in the Northern Cape province and forms the centerpiece of the Augrabies Falls National Park, established in 1966.
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Nearby cities

Kimberley — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Kimberley
Known as the diamond city, it emerged in the late 19th century around massive diamond mines.
Upington — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Upington
An important city on the Orange River, surrounded by desert but known for its fertile vineyards and orchards.
De Aar — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
De Aar
One of the most important railway junctions in South Africa, centrally located in the arid Karoo region.
Colesberg — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Colesberg
A sheep-farming town that is a very popular overnight stop for travelers moving between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Springbok — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Springbok
The largest town in the Namakwa region is the area's commercial center, especially during the wildflower season.
Kathu — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Kathu
The mining town is highly dependent on the Sishen iron ore mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.
Kuruman — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Kuruman
Known as the 'Oasis of the Kalahari' due to a permanent water source called The Eye of Kuruman.

History & landmarks

Kgalagadi — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Kgalagadi
A vast transfrontier park known for its red dunes and the majestic black-maned Kalahari lions.

Nature

Orange River — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Orange River
The longest river in South Africa, originating in the Drakensberg mountains.
Orange River Mouth — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Orange River Mouth
The delta of the Orange River at the Atlantic.

More places

Kharras Mountains — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Kharras Mountains
An arid mountain region in the Northern Cape province.
Rooge Hills — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Rooge Hills
Hilly landscape at the edge of the Great Escarpment.
Sishen Iron Ore Mine — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Sishen Iron Ore Mine
One of the largest open-pit iron ore mines in the world, producing high-grade iron ore.
Namib fringe area — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Namib fringe area
The arid fringe zone of the Namib Desert in South Africa.
Finsch Diamond Mine — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Finsch Diamond Mine
One of South Africa's most significant underground diamond mines, known for modern block cave mining techniques.
Kalahari National Park — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Kalahari National Park
Vast red sand dunes and home to desert animals.
Karoo — Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
Karoo
A vast, semi-desert region.
🗺️
Wonderwerk Cave
The Wonderwerk Cave is an archaeological site in the Kuruman Hills with evidence of human occupation dating back 2 million years.