Augrabies Falls National Park
Wildlife & Animals
South Africa Parks
Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.
Augrabies Falls is not a prime wildlife destination. It’s appeal lies mostly in the waterfall and stunning views. When driving around the park, you’ll have a good chance of spotting giraffes, greater kudus, gemsbok and springbok. Also keep your eyes peeled for pairs of klipspringers, usually standing motionless like statues on top of a rock.
Wildlife Highlights
One of the most fascinating sights here is the Broadley's flat lizard, which is highly localized around the waterfall, hence its nickname: ‘Augrabies flat lizard’. It’s worth observing them for a while as they perform their acrobatic leaps to catch flies. Also of special interest is the near-endemic Hartmann's Mountain Zebra. More compactly built than the widespread plains zebra, they are well adapted to the rocky environment they live in.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Augrabies Falls National Park is comparable throughout the year, but the most comfortable time for being out and about is in the cooler months, between April and September. This is also the only time the Klipspringer Trail is open. The waterfall is particularly impressive when in flood, usually from February to April. The summer months (October to April) can be stiflingly hot.
