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The Augrabies Falls are without doubt the most impressive waterfalls along the Orange
River and are located approximately 130 km downstream of Upington. The falls occur at a
point where the Orange River alters from a wide slowly flowing river traversing sandy
soils to a fast flowing narrow river cutting its way through ancient granites. The name
'Augrabies' is derived from the Khoi word meaning 'the noisy one ' which can be
well appreciated by anyone visiting the falls.
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Augrabies gorge is a nine kilometre granite cleft through which the river
plunges 146 m in one short stretch through a series of spectacular cataracts into a deep
pool. The main fall and the adjoining Bridal Veil fall which carries some of the river's
flow are both approximately 93 m high. During peak floods which occur approximately every
ten years, the flow over the falls exceeds 9 000 m3/s
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The area surrounding the falls has been designated a National Park and is now called
the Augrabies Falls National Park with an area of over 15 400 hectares of unique riverine
landscape, characteristic of this arid region. The area is popular with both nature
enthusiasts and photographers. Springbok, Klipspringers, Eland, Giraffe and Black Rhino
are some of the mammals which can be seen in the park together with a wide range of
interesting bird life. The hauntingly beautiful landscape with its impressive granite
ravines and rock formations makes for excellent photography particularly in the early
morning and late evenings when the rustic colours of the rocks and plants are at their
best.
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