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Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.
Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and giraffe.
Augrabies Falls is situated 120km west of Upington and 40km northwest of Kakamas. It is the largest granite gorge in Africa, with a depth of 130m. At flood time there are 19 waterfalls into the gorge, and the scene is thunderous and awesome. The average rainfall is 107mm per annum and falls mainly between January and April. Contrasts dominate in the Park, ranging from the massive waterfalls on the Orange River near the camp, to the semi-desert. This ecosystem is ideal for springbok, klipspringer, kudu, eland, gemsbok, rhino and a multitude of birds.
The waterfall is the 6th largest in the world, and is one of Africa's Natural Wonders. The flora is typical for dry semi-desert areas. Among them are the kokerboom (quiver tree) that is outstanding in storing water, the camelthorn tree, the wild olive and many others. |
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