The Augrabies Falls National Park,
a unique experience

Many of those who visit Augrabies Falls National Park are content to admire the main falls and go on their way, but others find it worthwhile to drive through the park and explore its extraordinary scenery and vegetation.

If you arrive at the park before sundown, go for a walk along the boardwalk next to the waterfall, for a sunset that will take your breath away.

A lonely Giant Quiver Tree in the middle of nowhere
The impressive granite ravines and rock formations in the Augrabies Falls National Park make for excellent photography, particularly in the early morning and late evenings when the rustic colours of the rocks and plants are at their best. The waterfall can be viewed from viewpoints that are within walking distance from the restaurant complex. The Dassie nature trails are short self-guided 5km hiking trails, taking you on a circular route starting at the rest camp.

They will lead you along the gorge to Arrow Point, then heading out into the veld past the Potholes and Moon rock before heading back to the Rest Camp. Each trail covers a distance of approximately 5km and will take you about an hour to complete. Information brochures which include a map and information about various points along the trail are available at reception.

Viewing platform at the Augrabies Falls
Photograph by Damien du Toit
Of great appeal to hikers is the three-day 39,5 km Klipspringer Hiking Trail, which was designed to traverse all the major landmarks and viewpoints in the southern section of the park, including some amazing rock formations. Although regarded by some as a long hike, the schedule is, in fact, not too demanding.

The Klipspringer trail covers a particularly beautiful area of the stark but arresting landscape. It takes three days and two nights to complete the trail. Up to 12 persons per group. Advance booking is essential. The trail is closed from October to March on account of the high summer temperatures.

Canoeing on the Orange river
Photograph by Mark Auer
All of the Augrabies Falls National Park's top geographical attractions are located just a short distance (by car) from the rest camp area. The farthest, Echo Corner, is about 14km from the rest camp, with all the other sights (Moon Rock, Ararat and Oranjekom) in between. If you're really pressed for time the best thing to do is drive to Moon Rock and climb to the top of it for a stunning view.

The Garib 3-in-1 Adventure is not for the faint-hearted. This three-part adventure includes a 4km rowing trip down the Orange River, a 4km hike and a 12km mountain bike trip back to the rest camp. Enquiries and reservations for this adventure can be made at the park.