Augrabies Falls National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Northern Cape, South Africa
Wildlife%20Viewing Guide

Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park is renowned for its impressive waterfall and rugged, rocky landscapes, offering unique desert wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures.

National Park54,6483+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

54,648

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park is renowned for its impressive waterfall and rugged, rocky landscapes, offering unique desert wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Augrabies Falls National Park, located in the Northern Cape of South Africa, is centered around the stunning Augrabies Falls, a waterfall on the Orange River that plunges dramatically 60 meters into a granite gorge. Spanning over 220 square kilometers, the park features a rugged landscape characterized by granite outcrops, potholes, and an extensive arid environment. Historically, the area has been important to local indigenous communities and later European explorers. Apart from the falls, the park protects a diverse range of desert flora and fauna, including the klipspringer, Hartmann's zebra, and a plethora of bird species. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the stark desert scenery, guided game drives to observe wildlife unique to this environment, and exploration of the Moon Rock and Echo Corner. Augrabies is a year-round destination with its most spectacular waterfall views occurring during the rainy season when the falls are in full flow, drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Augrabies Falls National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

The iconic Augrabies Falls, which dramatically drop 60 meters.Unique desert ecosystem hosting species like the klipspringer and quiver trees.Moon Rock, a large granite dome offering expansive views of the park.Oranjekom and Ararat viewpoints for spectacular gorge views.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Augrabies Falls National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Augrabies Falls National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

An entrance fee is required, payable at the gate.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Augrabies Falls National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Augrabies Rest Camp

Located within the park, this developed campground offers easy access to the falls and other park facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Augrabies Falls National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Augrabies, Northern Cape
7.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Augrabies, Northern Cape

Augrabies, a remote Northern Cape town, invites adventure seekers to explore its rugged landscapes and renowned waterfalls. Ideal for off-the-beaten-path explorers.

Keimoes, Northern Cape
39.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Keimoes, Northern Cape

Keimoes in the Northern Cape offers outdoor lovers easy river paddling, fishing, and desert hiking in a quiet town on the Orange River’s banks. Ideal in spring, it’s perfect for bird watchers, campers, and those seeking peaceful adventure off the usual routes.

Spring (August to October)
Explore Town
Upington, Northern Cape
56.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Upington, Northern Cape

Upington offers desert landscapes and river adventures along the Orange River. Perfect for hiking, paddling, and stargazing, this Northern Cape town is a quiet base for outdoor enthusiasts exploring South Africa’s arid interior.

Spring (August to October) and Autumn (March to May)
Explore Town
Upington, South Africa
56.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Upington, South Africa

Upington offers a tranquil escape into the semi-desert landscapes of the Northern Cape. From paddling the Orange River to stargazing and exploring the expansive Kalahari, adventure awaits.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town