Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls

Home to the spectacular Augrabies Falls, where the Orange River plunges 56 metres into a dramatic gorge surrounded by desert landscapes and granite cliffs. The park offers world-class hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and exceptional stargazing opportunities in one of South Africa's most remote and pristine natural areas.

Things to do

• Augrabies Falls Viewpoint — Stand at the main viewpoint overlooking the 56-metre waterfall as the Orange River plunges dramatically into the granite gorge below.
• Dassie Trail Hike — A moderate 10 km circular hiking trail that descends into the gorge and offers close-up views of the falls and surrounding rock formations.
• Sunset Trail Walk — An evening guided walk along scenic paths that showcase the desert landscape's golden light and provide excellent photography opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing — Spot desert-adapted animals including klipspringer, duiker, leopard, and various raptor species throughout the park's arid terrain.
• Stargazing at Night — Experience exceptional stargazing in one of South Africa's darkest skies, where the Milky Way is clearly visible above the desert landscape.
• Oranje River Canoe Trip — Paddle along the Orange River through the park to experience the landscape from the water and observe riverside wildlife.

Food to try

• Boerewors with Pap — Traditional South African farmer's sausage served with maize porridge, a hearty meal commonly found at park lodges and restaurants.
• Karabokkewors — Grilled sausages made from game meat, reflecting the local hunting and desert farming traditions of the Northern Cape region.
• Rooibos Tea Experience — Sample the local red bush tea, a caffeine-free herbal beverage native to South Africa, often enjoyed with local biscuits or rusks.
• Springbok Stew — A slow-cooked game meat stew featuring locally-sourced springbok, vegetables, and traditional spices reflecting regional cuisine.
• Biltong and Droëwors — Dried cured meat snacks that are popular trail provisions and available at the park's rest camp, perfect for hiking excursions.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Activities in Advance — The park is remote and popular, so arrange guided hikes, canoe trips, and accommodation reservations well ahead of your visit.
• Respect Sunrise and Sunset Times — Plan your activities around natural light schedules as the park is isolated with limited artificial lighting, making early morning and late afternoon the safest times to explore.
• Bring Plenty of Water — The desert environment is extremely arid and hot, so carrying sufficient water during any hike or outdoor activity is essential for safety.
• Learn About San and Khoi Heritage — The region holds deep indigenous history; ask park guides about the San people and Khoi pastoralists who inhabited these lands for millennia.

Nearby

• Upington — 91 km
• Tswalu Kalahari — 236 km
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park — 243 km
• Springbok — 268 km