Augrabies Falls National Park

Pros & Cons

• Spectacular waterfall on the Orange River
• Stunning, rugged scenery and great photographic opportunities
• Excellent birding, especially raptors
• Off-the-beaten-track destination with great wilderness appeal
• Three-day Klipspringer hiking trail and short hikes available
• Self-guided mountain biking is permitted
• Half-day river rafting trips available
• Self-catering accommodation and restaurant
• Not much wildlife present
• Far away from South Africa's main tourist attractions
• Very hot conditions

Wildlife

Of the Big Five, only leopard is present but rarely seen. The park's most famous and interesting animal is a reptile: Broadley's flat lizard, also known as the Augrabies flat lizard. The lizard is only found within a 100km/62mi radius of the falls, and hundreds of them can be seen basking in the sun on the rocks. Other animals associated with the rocky habitat are klipspringer and rock hyrax.

• More about Augrabies Falls National Park's wildlife

Scenery

The diverse scenery of the park attracts many photographers to this remote region. The waterfall itself is an obvious highlight. Other landmarks are Moon Rock, a massive exfoliated dome or whaleback, which can be climbed to get an eagle’s view over the park. Deep gorges and cliffs add interest, and the otherworldly-looking kokerboom or quiver tree is dotted around the landscape.

Weather & Climate

Extremes of temperature are part of Augrabies Falls NP’s semi-arid nature. Winter (May to September) brings frosty mornings and dry conditions, with little rainfall. You’ll need to wear your warmest clothes if you venture outside in the early morning or evening. Summer (October to April), on the other hand, gets ridiculously hot, with average daytime temperatures of 36°C/97°F.

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Best Time to Visit

The Augrabies waterfall is at its most spectacular in the Wet season from February to April. But as it is extremely hot at this time of the year, you might want to consider visiting during the cooler Dry season (May to September). There’s still plenty of water going over the lip of the falls at that time to make a trip here worthwhile.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Augrabies Falls NP?

• Augrabies Falls safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Augrabies Falls