Location: South Africa » Northern Cape » Kalahari » Roaring Kalahari » Augrabies Falls

Augrabies Falls National Park, SANParks

Augrabies Falls National Park, SANParks

Augrabies Falls National Park, SANParksAugrabies Falls National Park, SANParksAugrabies Falls National Park, SANParks

Location

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Description

Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and giraffe.

 Accommodation

Camp sites

  • Caravan and camping sites in a shaded area.
  • A maximum of six persons, one caravan/tent and one vehicle or one autovilla permitted per site.
  • Communal camp kitchen with two-plated stoves, and sinks, communal ablution facilities, laundry and ironing room.
  • All sites have power points.
  • Please follow the link for more information on the unit, pictures and availability.

Chalets (CH2B)

  • Self catering chalets with 2 single beds, a double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults), lounge/bedroom/kitchenette, WC & Shower, AC, Microwave, kitchen equipped with crockery and cutlery, braai facilities, restaurant and shop on site.

Chalets (CH2Z)

  • Self catering chalets with 2 single beds, a double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults), lounge/bedroom/kitchenette, WC & Shower, AC, Microwave, kitchen equipped with crockery and cutlery, outside braai facilities, restaurant and shop on site. Units accessible for the mobility challenged.

Family Cottages (FA4S)

  • Cottages with 2 (two) bedrooms, each with 2 single beds, a double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults), open plan kitchen/lounge, WC & Shower, AC, kitchen equipped with crockery and cutlery, outside braai facilities, restaurant and shop on site.

Family Cottages (FA4D)

  • Cottages with 2 (two) bedrooms, (1) one en-suite with double bed and (1) one with 2 (two) single beds, a double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults), WC, Bath and Shower, AC, Microwave, kitchen equipped with crockery and cutlery, patio with braai facilities, restaurant and shop on site.

Chalets (CH2/4)

Chalets (CH2/4VD)

Chalets CH2/4V

Climate

Augrabies is situated in a semi-arid region, which implies low annual rainfall and extreme variations of temperatures.

In the peak summer months (January / February) the average daytime temperature is 41°C, but highs of 46°C have been recorded. During these months the high temperatures are further aggravated by the many rocks where temperatures can reach up to 70°C during the day. Summer nights are usually more pleasant but temperatures will remain high at around 25°C.

During winter months the average daytime temperature often hovers around 20°C but lower temperatures are a possibility. Winter nights average around 0°C although the temperature drops to -5° occasionally.

Autumn and spring are characterized by pleasant, moderate temperatures.

The average annual rainfall in the park is 107mm, with most rains occurring between November and April. Summer rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts, accompanied by spectacular thunderstorms and strong winds. Winter rains are gentle and last 1-3 days resulting in a flower paradise.

Vital Information

Day Visitors

Day visitors are welcome and there are facilities to cater for them.

Handy Hints

  • Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.
  • Hikers on day and overnight trails must always carry sufficient water.
  • Take cool or light clothing for summer and warm for winter – area prone to sudden weather changes.

For reservations and availability, please e-mail Central Reservations or phone them on +27 (0)12 428 9111

Office Hours

07:00 to 19:00

Take Note

  • Pets are not allowed in a National Park
  • Firearms must be declared and sealed on arrival. Seals will be broken at Reception upon departure.
  • Vehicle fuel is available in all parks (or is available on the park periphery) - South African legislation stipulates that fuel stations will accept legitimate petrol/fuel/garage/credit/debit cards or cash as a form of payment for any fuel purchase.
  • Malaria prophylactics and mosquito repellents are a good precaution. Malaria has been historically recorded in the area but is not very prevalent. Please consult your chemist/doctor to alleviate any concerns.
  • Vehicle repairs, medical services, post office and police: Kakamas (40 km).
  • Shoes must be worn on summer evenings to avoid scorpion stings.
  • Motorcycles, bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are not allowed.

Facilities

  • Picnic area for Day Visitors with ablution and barbecue facilities, and a swimming pool.
  • Shop, Shibula Restaurant.
  • Public telephones, fuel.
  • Three swimming pools for residents.
  • Information on birds, reptile and mammal species found in the park, is available at reception on request
  • Conference Facilities

Augrabies Falls National Park, SANParksAugrabies Falls National Park, SANParksAugrabies Falls National Park, SANParks

Directions

From Cape Town take the N7 north to Springbok. When you arrive in Springbok turn onto the N14 to Kakamas and Upington. About 10km 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. 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 turn left on the R359. From this point onwards you will reach the park after driving another 39km. The entrance to the park will be signposted.

Rates

Daily Conservation Fees for 1 September 2009 to 31 October 2010

 

South African Citizens and Residents (with ID)

R22 per person, per day

SADC Nationals (with passport)

R44 per person, per day
R22 per child, per day

Standard Conservation Fee

R88 per adult, per day
R44 per child, per day

 

Tariffs for 1 September 2009 to 31 October 2010

Unit type
No. of units
Rate
Base
Max. beds
Add. adult
Add. child

Campsite CK6P (with powerpoint)

40

R145

1-2

6 people per site

R48

R24

Chalet CH2/4

24

R600

1-2

2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

Chalet CH2/4V (with view)

6

R670

1-2

2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

Chalet CH2/4VD (with view)

10

R670

1-2

1 double bed and 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

Chalet CH2

8

R675

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

Chalet CH2Z (bathroom with shower)(units accessible to the mobility challenged)

2

R675

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

Family Cottage FA4D

6

R1 400

1-4

1 double and 2 single beds + 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

Family Cottage FA4S

3

R1 100

1-4

4 single beds + 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

Eco Adventures and Activities

Tariffs for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009

Park

Trail

People

Duration

Tariff per person

Augrabies

Klipspringer Hiking Trail (pdf)

2min/12max

2 overnight stops

R140 (adults and children)

 

Gariep 3 in 1 Eco-Adventure

2min/8max

4-5 hours

R180 adults/R90 children

 

Night Drives

4min/20max

1-2 hours

R100 adults/R50 children

 

Self Drive Game Drive

 

5-6 hours

free

 

Dassie Nature Trail (pdf)

 

2-3 hours

free

 

Please note: Rates serve as a guideline only and are subject to change without notice.