The small town of Augrabies and Marshand lie on the banks of the Orange River and are surrounded by lush green vineyards. The towns are mostly populated by workers on the vineyards.
The region is famous for its traditional domed huts called 'matjieshuise' (mat houses). The huts are perfect for summer and winter season. In summer, the stems and culms from which the mats are made shrink allowing gaps to appear, thus cooling the huts and in winter the stems expand to prevent cold winds and rain.
The ancestors of modern history had developed weapons for hunting animals like Hippopotamus. Some of the creative archeological features are the stone cairns or grave from the later Stone Age. Excavation reveals that not all the cairns have human remains.
Such names as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner describe this picturesque and rocky region, characterised by the 18 kilometre deep abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating the scrub-dotted plains.
Klipspringer and Kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those who can adapt ultimately survive.
The 28 000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide a sanctuary to a diverse species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to Springbok, Gemsbok and the endangered Black Rhino.
Handy Hints:
Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sunblock,camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.
Hikers must always carry sufficient water.
Bring light clothing for summer and warm for winter, the area prone to sudden weather changes.
Note:
Augrabies Falls National Park lies 120 km (74.5 miles) west of Upington and 40 km (24.8 miles) northwest of Kakamas on a tarred access route. National air links to Upington and a private airfield is 5 km (3.1 miles) from the park. Internal roads are gravelled.
Gate Hours:
April to September: 06:30 ? 22:00
October to March: 06:00 ? 22:00
The region is famous for its traditional domed huts called 'matjieshuise' (mat houses). The huts are perfect for summer and winter season. In summer, the stems and culms from which the mats are made shrink allowing gaps to appear, thus cooling the huts and in winter the stems expand to prevent cold winds and rain.
The ancestors of modern history had developed weapons for hunting animals like Hippopotamus. Some of the creative archeological features are the stone cairns or grave from the later Stone Age. Excavation reveals that not all the cairns have human remains.
Such names as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner describe this picturesque and rocky region, characterised by the 18 kilometre deep abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating the scrub-dotted plains.
Klipspringer and Kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those who can adapt ultimately survive.
The 28 000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide a sanctuary to a diverse species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to Springbok, Gemsbok and the endangered Black Rhino.
Handy Hints:
Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sunblock,camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.
Hikers must always carry sufficient water.
Bring light clothing for summer and warm for winter, the area prone to sudden weather changes.
Note:
- Pets are not allowed in a national park.
- No firearms allowed in a natioal park
- Situated in a malaria risk area. Take precautions
- A full range of services provided at Kakamas, 40km away.
- Shoes must be worn on summer evenings to avoid scorpion stings.
- Motorcycles, bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards are not allowed at the park.
Augrabies Falls National Park lies 120 km (74.5 miles) west of Upington and 40 km (24.8 miles) northwest of Kakamas on a tarred access route. National air links to Upington and a private airfield is 5 km (3.1 miles) from the park. Internal roads are gravelled.
Gate Hours:
April to September: 06:30 ? 22:00
October to March: 06:00 ? 22:00
Related Searches:
augrabies
