Augrabies Falls National Park: Experience the 'Place of Great Noise' in South Africa

Known as 'Aukoerebis' or 'Place of Great Noise' by the Khoi people, the Augrabies Waterfall in the Augrabies Falls National Park is a sight to behold when the Orange River is in full flood. The waterfall thunders 56 m down into the Orange River Gorge, an 18 km ravine that drops around 240 m to the river below, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Proclaimed a national park in 1966 and now spanning 55,383 hectares on both sides of the Orange River, the park is a sanctuary for a wide range of species. From tiny succulents, birds, and reptiles to larger animals like springbok, gemsbok, giraffe, and the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the park is a biodiversity hotspot. A small population of black rhino is also present, though sightings are rare.

The park’s animals are well suited to this harsh, arid environment. Giraffe roam here, although they were introduced, as this dry Nama Karoo landscape lies outside their natural range. Sure-footed klipspringer pick their way across the rocky slopes, while predators include leopards, black-backed jackals, caracals, bat-eared foxes, and the African wildcat.

The park’s most characteristic plant is the quiver tree (kokerboom, Aloidendron dichotomum), named so because the San hollowed out its tubular branches to make quivers for their arrows. The park is also home to the Nama people, who have adapted to the harsh conditions over centuries.

The park captures the rugged beauty of the Northern Cape, with landmarks like Moon Rock, a massive granite exfoliation dome offering stunning views, and Swart Rante, black hills forming a natural border between the gorge area and a more fertile region.

Viewpoints from Oranjekom and Ararat offer opportunities to observe the gorge and wildlife. Echo Corner, the furthest from the rest camp, offers some of the park’s most stunning scenery. Activities in the park include game drives, hikes, mountain biking, and a 4x4 trail.

The park is also known for alluvial diamond deposits along the Orange River, with legends stating that the largest cache of diamonds lies at the foot of the waterfall.

Planning your visit

Augrabies Falls National Park lies in the Northern Cape, about 120 km west of Upington, the nearest major town and airport. The waterfall is at its thunderous best during and just after the summer rains (roughly February to April), when the Orange River is in full flood. The cooler winter months from May to September are far more comfortable for hiking and game drives, as summer daytime temperatures regularly climb above 40 °C. If you’re exploring this arid corner of South Africa, it pairs well with the rugged Richtersveld National Park further down the Orange River.