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Augrabies Falls National Park in South Africa

Augrabies Falls National Park is most famous for its spectacular Augrabies waterfall, which thunders down from the Orange River in a 60 meter drop. The mighty waterfall was referred to as Aukoerebis by the Khoi people, which means "place of great noise". See the mighty rapids crash together and plummet into the gorge with a deafening roar. This magnificent waterfall is known as one of the most amazing sights in South Africa and is definitely worth a visit!

  • Best Time to Go

    April - September

  • Average Safari Cost

    $150-$700 pp/day. Park fee: $50 (adult), $25 (child).

  • Highlights

    Augrabies waterfall, many observation points, hiking trails, game drives and night drives, Gariep 3-in-1 Adventure, Moon Rock and Echo Corner.

Why Visit Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park is well worth a visit as it offers many fun and memorable outdoor activities and game viewing opportunities, in addition to the spectacular sight of the Augrabies waterfall. There are many observation points and walkways which provide stunning views of the waterfall as is crashes down into the ravine. Watch the sun go down behind the majestic falls for a truly breathtaking experience.

The landscape of the park is filled with rocky outcrops and extraordinary natural wonders. See Moon Rock, a massive gneiss dome with a smooth surface that has resulted from its top layers peeling away over many years. Visit the natural marvel that is Echo Corner, a place where you can hear your own voice echoing around the beautiful scenery as you call out. Sound bounces off the high rocky cliffs, which results in this amazing echo chamber. The road to Echo Corner also offers some of the most beautiful scenery you will see in the park, so it should definitely be on your itinerary!

While Augrabies Falls National Park isn't a typical wildlife or Big Five destination, there are still plenty of mammals and small predators to see. Guided game drives and night drives provide the chance to see some rare and unforgettable sightings, as the guides know the best spots to find the animals that dwell within the park.

There are many other activities offered in the park which will provide awesome and unforgettable adventures. The Gariep 3-in-1 Adventure is ideal for those seeking a challenging outdoor venture. This activity includes canoeing, hiking and mountain biking through the park. If you're looking for something more casual, you can explore the Dassie Nature Trail. You could also book a 3 day hike, known as the Klipspringer Hiking Trail. Augrabies Falls National Park has a lot to offer and will provide you with exciting experiences and priceless memories!

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Spectacular waterfall
  • Many outdoor activities
  • Excellent photographic opportunities
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Excellent birdwatching destination
Cons
  • Lacks many typical safari animals
  • Harsh climate

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Augrabies Falls National Park is from April to September, when temperatures are cooler. This is during the dry season, where days are warm and pleasant and nights can get very cold. Day time temperatures range from about 72˚F(22˚C) to 81˚F(27˚C), while nights drop to about 41˚F (5˚C). The best time to see the waterfall is between March and May, when the runoff from the rainy season increases the volume of water in the river.

The wet season is from October to April and is also summer. Temperatures in the park can get very hot and uncomfortable during these months. Days are hot with occasional rain showers and storms. The average temperature during the day is about 95˚F(35˚), but can rise over 113˚F(45˚C). This is the best time for birding and to view the scenery of the park as flowers blossom.

For more information when to visit see our South African Safari - Complete Travel Guide.

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Wildlife and Birds

While many of the typical safari animals are absent from the park, there are plenty of antelope species and small carnivores to see. Giraffe are commonly found grazing on trees, along with various antelope species, including kudu, steenbok, eland and springbok. Look out for the small, cute klipspringers, which usually travel in pairs. Leopards are present but are very rarely seen. African wildcats, spotted genets, caracals and black-backed jackals can all be seen here. The endangered Hartmann's zebra is occasionally spotted roaming through the park.
List of Animals
  • Leopard
  • Giraffe
  • Kudu
  • Spingbok

Rare Animals

  • Leopard, caracal

Frequently Seen Animals

  • Giraffe, steenbok, eland, kudu, springbok, klipspringer, dassies
Birdwatching

There are over 280 recorded species of bird in Augrabies Falls National Park, which makes it a great birding destination. Verreaux's eagles can be seen nesting on cliffs, African fish eagles patrol the ravines and Kori bustards stalk the land. Travel along the park's hiking trails to see many different bird species in their natural habitats.

Endangered Birds

  • Ludwig's bustard, Egyptian vulture, black harrier

Endemic and Near Endemic Birds

  • Cinnamon-breasted warbler, Karoo long-billed lark, Namaqua warbler, Cape francolin, Cape weaver

Getting There and Safety

Most travellers visiting South Africa will fly to either Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town or Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport. The best way to get to Augrabies Falls National Park is to book a domestic flight to a smaller airport closer to the park, such as Upington Airport. You could also rent a car and drive, but it would take much longer.
Flights

For the flights to South Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you there and compare various ticket prices.

If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights to South Africa.

If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to South Africa.

Visas

All foreign visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their visit. Most nationalities may obtain a 90-day entry permit upon arriving in the country. You can find out whether you need to apply for a visa in advance or obtain one upon arrival on South Africa's Department of Home Affairs website.

For more information on visas see our South African Safari - Complete Country Guide.

Vaccinations and Malaria

Check with your local medical authority which vaccinations are necessary. The recommended vaccinations for South Africa are:

  • Diphtheria
  • Human papillomavirus
  • Meningococcal
  • Pertussis
  • Pneumococcal
  • Shingles
  • Tetanus

Depending on which areas you travel to in the country, the following may also be necessary:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Rabies

There is also risk for malaria within some regions of South Africa so check whether you will need to take anti-malarial medication.

See local travel authorities by country:

Travel Insurance

Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in South Africa. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

What to Pack

Pack clothes for both warm and cool weather as it can get very hot during the day and quite cold at night depending on what time of the year you go. Try to pack neutral, earthy toned clothes and avoid bright colours and white. Other essential items are a hat, sunglasses, sun screen, toiletries, closed shoes, torch, batteries, insect repellent, first aid kit, binoculars and camera.

For more details on what to pack see our Safari Packing List.

Safety
Visitors are advised to be cautious as walkways and viewpoints are sometimes damaged and can be very slippery. Keep an eye on your children and don't let them run or get too close to the edges.
Self-Driving
A 4x4 vehicle is not necessary to explore the park, however, the Wilderness Road is only accessible with a 4x4.