The Park was initially proclaimed to conserve a small area of geological interest around the Augrabies Falls, which is the largest waterfall on the Orange River. The Khoi people called it “Aukoerebis”, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterised by the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.
The Park is divided by the Orange River into a small northern and a larger southern section; a total of approximately 51113 hectares.
There are various viewpoints and decks from which one can marvel at this amazing site. The waterfall is within walking distance from the Rest Camp.
There is only one public access point to the park, which is controlled by a manually operated access control boom manned by an outsourced security company. The main entrance gate is closing at 22h00 and re-opens for guests to depart at 05h00. No access is allowed after these hours except in cases of emergency and pre-arrangements. From 22h00 the rest camp is patrolled by a security guard until 04h45. The main entrance gate opens at 05h00 and is then again manned until 22h00 where after it is locked. The Reception desk opens daily at 07h00. Tourists are then able to enter. Day visitors need to leave at 6pm.
Tourism infrastructure in the Park:
– 59 chalets in the rest camp
– 40 camping sites in the rest camp
– Overnight accommodation with three swimming pools
– Conference center
– Laundry facility
– 2 overnight trail huts
– 1 picnic site for day visitors in the rest camp, with a swimming pool, braai and ablution facilities (currently closed due to high water damage)
– 1 remote picnic site with braai and ablution facilities in the game area
– 1 filling station
– 1 outsourced shop and restaurant
– 1 Gorge cottage at Oranjekom viewpoint
The Oranjekom Gorge Cottage is a secluded accommodation facility with a breathtaking view. This cottage is absolutely unique as it is located beneath the viewpoint of the spectacular Oranjekom Gorge, offering unrivaled vistas of the Orange River flowing 240m below. Visitors can look forward to a luxurious one bedroom apartment with a fully-equipped self-catering kitchen and separate ablution facilities.