Augrabies Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Augrabies with this comprehensive guide featuring must-visit places, hiking routes, food scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Augrabies

Augrabies, located in the Green Kalahari region in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, is a nature lover’s paradise. The small town is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. Named after the Augrabies Falls, which is one of the main attractions of the region, Augrabies offers visitors a wide range of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and a glimpse into the local way of life. With its laid-back ambiance, Augrabies is the perfect destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

List of Places to Visit in Augrabies

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Augrabies Falls National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the mighty Augrabies Falls, a 56-meter-high waterfall, and an important cultural site for the local San people.
  • The Siyabona Cultural Village: A living museum that showcases the history and culture of the Nama people through music, dance, and storytelling.
  • The Pella Mission Station: A historical landmark that dates back to the 19th century and a perfect place to explore the region’s religious and colonial heritage.
  • The Kakamas Museum: A museum that exhibits the history of the Green Kalahari region, including its geological and botanical diversity, and the region’s role in the Anglo-Boer War.

Natural Attractions of Augrabies: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Augrabies Falls: A series of waterfalls on the Orange River that are surrounded by scenic landscapes and offer an incomparable view of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Moon Rock: A granite rock formation that is perfect for hiking and mountain biking, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • The Orange River: The longest river in South Africa and a great spot for exploring the local flora and fauna, fishing, or kayaking.
  • Riemvasmaak Hot Springs: A natural hot spring located in a stunning canyon that is perfect for soaking and relaxing during your stay in Augrabies.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Augrabies

Augrabies has several hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. These include:

  • Moon Rock Trail: A moderate-to-difficult, 10 km hike that takes you through scenic landscapes of the Orange River and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Dassie Nature Trail: A short hike that takes visitors through the Augrabies Falls National Park, with abundant birdlife, rock dassies (a type of hyrax), and stunning views of the falls.
  • The Klipspringer Trail: A challenging, 10 km hike that takes visitors along the top of the gorge cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Orange River.

Best Things to Do in Augrabies: Activities and Tours

  • River Rafting: For those who love adventure, there’s nothing better than a river-rafting trip down the Orange River. This is one of the most popular activities to do in Augrabies.
  • Star Gazing: The clear night skies of Augrabies are ideal for stargazing. Join one of the local guides on a night-time sky tour and explore the constellations of the southern hemisphere.
  • Game Drives: Take a guided wildlife safari through the Augrabies Falls National Park, and spot some of the region’s fascinating wildlife, such as zebras, elands, and springboks.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take in the beauty of Augrabies from a bird’s-eye view by taking a hot air balloon tour with a local operator.

Week-Long Itinerary for Augrabies

Day Activity
1 Arrival and settling in at accommodation
2 Hike the Moon Rock Trail, followed by some star-gazing
3 Take a day trip to Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
4 Visit the Augrabies Falls National Park and enjoy a game drive
5 Explore the Siyabona Cultural Village
6 Discover the Kakamas Museum and visit the Pella Mission Station
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Augrabies

Must-Try Dishes

  • Potjiekos: A traditional South African stew dish that is slow-cooked over open coals.
  • Biltong: A type of cured, dried meat that is popular across South Africa.
  • Samp and Beans: A staple of the region, this dish features a combination of maize, beans, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Rooibos Tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea that is grown in the region and is known for its health benefits and unique taste.
  • Wine: The Northern Cape province is home to some of the country’s best wine estates, so make sure to try some of the locally produced wines during your stay in Augrabies.

Where to Stay in Augrabies: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Augrabies Falls Lodge and Camp: A luxurious lodge that offers stunning views of the Augrabies Falls and surrounding wilderness.
  • The Falls Guest House: A charming guest house with comfortable rooms that is located just a short walk from the Augrabies Falls National Park entrance.
  • The Quiver Tree Guest House: A budget-friendly option that offers comfortable accommodation and a serene atmosphere.

What to Buy in Augrabies: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Rooibos Tea: This caffeine-free herbal tea is an excellent souvenir to take back home, and it is also a great way to reminisce about your stay in Augrabies.
  • Biltong: A type of cured and dried meat that is popular across South Africa and makes a great snack for the plane ride back home.
  • Succulent Plants: The Green Kalahari is home to a variety of indigenous succulent plants, which are perfect for small gardens or as desktop plant arrangements.

Local Culture and Customs of Augrabies

The San people, who are the indigenous people of the region, have a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring during your stay in Augrabies. You can learn about their history, customs, and traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. The Nama people are also an integral part of the local culture and can be experienced through a visit to the Siyabona Cultural Village.

Best Time to Visit Augrabies

The best time to visit Augrabies is during the months of April to October, when the weather is dry, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. Temperatures during these months are mild, making it the perfect time to explore the outdoors without being too hot or too cold. The shoulder season, which is from November to March, offers a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds and is also a great time to visit Augrabies.

Do’s and Don’ts of Augrabies

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take precautions against the sun, as the Northern Cape can get very hot during the day.
  • Explore the surrounding nature by foot, bike or by guided tour.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the local natural environment.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing in culturally significant areas.
  • Ignore the safety rules during guided activities and tours.

Safety and Health

Safety in Augrabies

While Augrabies is generally a safe destination, visitors should always take precautions, especially when out exploring alone. Avoid walking alone at night or in unlit areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Augrabies

Before your trip to Augrabies, make sure that you are up to date with your immunizations and consult your doctor if you need any medications or vaccinations. Make sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and adequate hydration for outdoor activities.

Getting to Augrabies: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Augrabies

The nearest airport to Augrabies is the Kimberley Airport, which is approximately 400 km away. Another option is Upington Airport, which is about 120 km away.

Bus Stations Near Augrabies

The Intercape Bus service is available to take you to Upington, and from there, you can arrange a shuttle, taxi, or rental car to get to Augrabies. Alternatively, you can hire a car at the airport and explore the region at your own pace.

Other Options

One of the best ways to explore Augrabies and the surrounding areas is by car. Car rentals are widely available at airports and in major cities. This way, you can also explore other parts of the Northern Cape and the surrounding areas at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Augrabies

The best way to explore Augrabies and the surrounding areas is by car. Car rentals are available through several companies located at the airport and in nearby towns. Many local tour operators also offer guided tours to the nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Augrabies: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations and excursions that are worth a visit include:

  • The Richtersveld National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a protected wilderness area that covers an expanse of 3.6 million hectares.
  • The town of Kakamas, with its rich agricultural heritage and breathtaking scenery.

Conclusion

Augrabies is a remarkable destination that offers visitors a perfect mix of abundant natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. With its vibrant atmosphere and friendly locals, it is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the raw beauty and heritage of the Northern Cape region. Plan your trip and explore the Wonders of Green Kalahari.

Augrabies Falls Augrabies Falls