Inside Augrabies Falls National Park there is a waterfall called Augrabies Falls. The entrance fee is 293 ZAR (around 120 CNY). At the entrance, security will register your details and give you a form. You take this form to the reception inside the park to pay for your ticket. When you leave, you will receive a receipt which needs to be shown again to security at the exit. There are three viewing platforms for the waterfall. Inside the park, there are also some wild animals, but you need a 4WD vehicle to explore properly, as the roads are gravel and sandy. Small cars are not suitable for these routes. I saw a few baboons and dassies, and there are also some quiver trees along the roadside. There is no public transport. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive from Upington one way. Accommodation is available inside the park, starting from 1,589 ZAR (around 652 CNY) per night, with higher-priced options as well. Unless you are very interested in the area, it is probably not necessary to stay overnight here. The park is located in the far northwestern part of South Africa, close to the Namibian border. One of the most unique attractions inside the park is Moon Rock. It is a large rock formation shaped and polished over time by intense sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures here can reach up to 42°C, making the climate extremely harsh. At first glance, it really feels like you have stepped onto the surface of the moon. Augrabies Falls itself is not extremely tall or wide, but the water flow is very strong, making it powerful and impressive to observe. The park has a raw, rugged beauty, shaped by extreme natural conditions over time.
Augrabies Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Augrabies Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Augrabies Falls famous?
Augrabies Falls is famous for its dramatic 56-meter main drop where the Orange River plunges into an 18-kilometer granite gorge, creating one of the world's largest waterfalls by volume during flood season. The name 'Augrabies' derives from the Khoi word 'Aukoerebis' meaning 'place of great noise,' referring to the thunderous roar of the cascading water.
Can you swim at Augrabies Falls?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Augrabies Falls due to dangerous currents and steep gorge. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Augrabies Falls?
Dogs are allowed in Augrabies Falls National Park on leash in rest camps and designated areas, but not on all hiking trails. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Augrabies Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Park entry fee applies (conservation fee). South African citizens and residents pay reduced rates; international visitors pay higher rates. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Augrabies Falls?
Parking is available at the main rest camp within Augrabies Falls National Park. The main waterfall viewpoints are a short walk from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Augrabies Falls?
The main waterfall viewpoint is accessible via a short paved walk of approximately 500 meters from the rest camp parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Augrabies Falls hike difficulty
Easy. Paved and boardwalk paths lead to the main viewpoints with minimal elevation change, though some viewpoints involve stairs. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Augrabies Falls?
March to May (autumn) after summer rains when the Orange River flows strongly and the falls are most spectacular, though impressive year-round. Winter (June–August) offers cooler temperatures for hiking. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Augrabies Falls
From the main rest camp parking area, follow the paved walkway toward the sound of the falls. The path leads to multiple fenced viewpoints overlooking the main falls and gorge. Additional viewpoints like Oranjekom and Ararat are accessible by short trails from the parking areas. Stay on marked paths and behind safety barriers at all times due to the steep gorge.
Augrabies Falls official website
Attractions near Augrabies Falls
- •Oranjekom viewpoint – dramatic gorge overlook with views of the Orange River canyon
- •Ararat viewpoint – sunset spot overlooking the Augrabies gorge
- •Klipspringer hiking trail – 3-day wilderness trail through the national park
- •Upington – largest town in the region, 120 km west, gateway to the Kalahari
- •Moon Rock viewpoint – short walk to rock formations and river views
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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