Augrabies Falls National Park, National park with 56-meter waterfall in Northern Cape, South Africa
Augrabies Falls National Park is a protected area in Northern Cape where the Orange River plunges over a 56-meter-high waterfall with dramatic force. The river carves through a narrow granite gorge that spans roughly 18 kilometers and reaches depths of 240 meters in places.
European explorers first encountered the falls in the early 1600s, but the Swedish mercenary Hendrik Jakob Wikar provided the first detailed record of the site in October 1778 after his journey through remote terrain. The area gained official protection status much later as conservation efforts expanded across South Africa.
Local San and Khoikhoi communities named the falls after the roaring sound of water crashing against stone, a name that echoes through the landscape even today. This connection to the land remains visible in how the park honors and shares the stories of its first inhabitants.
The park opens daily from early morning through late afternoon with accommodations available on-site for overnight visits. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as trails cross rocky terrain and involve uneven walking surfaces.
During rainy seasons, water flow surges dramatically and exceeds the discharge rates of many famous waterfalls around the world. This seasonal variation means each visit can feel quite different depending on when you arrive.
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