The Augrabies Falls National Park is the site of the Augrabies Falls or ‘the place of great noise’ (which is the meaning of the Khoi word ‘Akoerebis’).  Here, the Orange River thunders spectacularly down a 60m-drop into a gorge hewn through huge rocks.  The Khoi people had great respect for the falls and usually avoided the area as they believed it to be home of the great white water monster.  Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region.

Covering 88 000 ha on both sides of the Orange River, the Park lies 120km west of Upington (which has a domestic airport) and 40km northwest of the town of Kakamas.  The roads to the park are tarred; 4x4's are only needed if visitors wish to do the 4x4 trails.  The suspension bridge over the gorge was washed away in the floods of 1988 and, until a new bridge is built, the only way to the north side of the Park and its 4x4 trails is to drive back to Kakamas and along the Riemvasmaak road to the northern park gate.

The Park is home to 46 mammal species, 186 bird species, 21 snake species, 12 fresh-water fish species and 24 species of lizards, skinks, agamas and leguans. Lucky visitors may even spot leopard on a night drive.  While it provides sanctuary to many diverse species from the smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to antelope like springbok and gemsbok, there are two organisms that characterise this harsh landscape where one must adapt to survive: the Klipspringer (small antelope whose name means ‘rock jumper’) and Kokerbooms (the Quiver Trees).

Amazing Desert-adapted Plants and Animals:

The Quiver Tree (Aloe dichotoma):
This tree, with its succulent leaves and cream-coloured stem, is typical of the region.  Traditionally, the stems were shaped into quivers for hunting arrows, used as building materials and even as storage vessels to keep meats cold. The words ‘Die weer is mooi, 11 Des 1933. Daar is hoop’ are inscribed on a quiver tree in the park. They mean ‘The weather is fine, 11 December 1933. There is hope’ and were carved by a sheepherder during one of the worst droughts in history. It started raining two days later.

Cancer Bush  (Sutherlandia frutescens):
In bloom or bearing fruit, this bush is unmistakable thanks to its bright red flowers.  Its fruit, bark and leaves provide food for cows or sheep and man uses the leaves as a remedy for stomach ailments and colds.  The bush is also said to successfully treat cancer, liver diseases, rheumatism and backache.

Black Flies:
Visitors to the park will experience the menace of millions of little flying insects.  These are black flies or ‘muggies’ in Afrikaans. Black flies breed in water and prefer rocky, fast-flowing sections of the Orange River.  Wearing a hat and insect repellent will reduce the irritation of black flies in their season (Sep – Apr).

Augrabies Flat Lizard (Platysaurus broadleyi):
Spectacular colours and often-bizarre behaviour make this lizard a marvel to watch.  They are readily visible on the rocks around the viewing areas in the park and can often be approached quite close as they are habituated to people.  They are most active in the morning hours and then escape to the shade for the heat of the day.  The multicoloured males and drab females almost appear to be different species, but both are quite ‘flat’ – allowing them to squeeze into tight crevices. Females equate a male’s brightness with quality, while their own drab colouring assists them to avoid predation.  The lizards’ chief predators are the rock kestrel and the sand snake.  During breeding season from Aug – Dec, the territorial males can fight for females and engage in various forms of display to intimidate their opponent.

African Fish Eagle:
The ‘call of Africa’ is often used to describe this eagle’s evocative and diagnostic call.  The African Fish Eagle is relatively common along the Orange River, although there is some evidence that its numbers are declining due to the destruction of riparian vegetation and thedeterioration of the water quality (which affects the bird’s ability to see fish to catch).

Rock Hyrax / Dassie:
This little mammal (who, peculiarly, is the closest living relation to the elephant) is common in the park.  They scrabble agilely over rocks and can even climb trees to reach foliage. 

Klipspringer:
This little antelope (whose name means ‘rock jumper’) is well adapted to arid, rocky areas as they obtain their fluid by browsing on leaves, shoots, fruit and flowers.  The klipspringer has a variety of predators in the park including leopard, caracal, black eagles and even baboons.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 20.33600044250488281,-28.59160041809082031 “What is the true art of hospitality?
If it is anything, it is the ability to makes one’s guest feel at home.
It is a sense of relaxation and familiarity, however unique the destination.
It is the personal commitment that makes for a welcome that is as warm as it is genuine.”

Belvedere Guesthouse is situated in Kakamas, one hour’s drive from Upington. Here the beauty and true hospitality of the Northern Cape can be enjoyed in sumptuous luxury. ‘Belvedere’ means ‘the place with the nice view’ and is centrally located, making visits to Augrabies Falls National Park and the Riemvasmaak hotsprings equally possible.

The guesthouse consists of tastefully decorated double or family rooms with en-suite bathrooms.  Each room is supplied with satellite television, air-conditioning and tea/coffee facilities.  A private lounge and dining room, as well as a large, fully equipped kitchen are available for guests.  Laundry facilities, fax and email facilities and sightseeing tours or 4x4 routes can be arranged on request.  Secure, under-cover parking, braai (barbecue) facilities and a swimming pool complete the list of facilities available.  A full farm breakfast is included, while dinners can be served by prior arrangement.

 

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]]> 20.61350059509277344,-28.77009963989257812 Die Mas – a name which means ‘the mast’ – is a table grape, wine grape, raisin, cotton, corn and livestock farm, to name just a few of its products.  Its name was originally taken from the last three letters of the name Kakamas, the town near which the farm is located.  In Afrikaans, however, ‘mas’ means ‘mast’, and so the farm has adopted a ship as its logo.

The farm is situated on the banks of the Orange River, only 40km from the Augrabies Falls.  Accommodation is in chalets or in the spacious caravan/campsite, which is grassed and has ablution facilities and a deck (made from old vine branches) over-looking the Orange River.  Each campsite has electricity, and a huge central lapa comprises a kitchen, braai (barbecue) area, tables, a dance area and a bar – the ideal place for a large party.  Large functions are a speciality of the Hanekoms, with advanced booking essential.  Firewood is available.

Activities on the farm include walking and hiking, fishing (yellowfish, barber and carp), canoeing, mountain biking, bird watching and participating in farm activities.  This is the ideal getaway for the whole family as it is a true multi-purpose working farm.  The farm animals include ostrich, geese, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, peacocks and guinea fowl – and all have their uses – e.g. the goose down is made into pillows and even butter is made on the farm. Whether guests wish to simply relax in the shade, venture out into the river, horse-ride or try their hand at farming, Die Mas can offer it. Pets are welcome.

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]]> 20.64520072937011719,-28.76250076293945312 Kalahari Outventures is the leading tour operator in the Northern Cape offering advanced personalised outventures. Young and dynamic we are a company with over 25 years of outdoor experience in some of the remotest parts of Africa and believe in adding value through individuals by redefining their boundaries while experiencing a fun filled and exciting outventure. All our professional guides are APA/THETA trained and comply with industry standards, we also carry full SATIB liability Insurance as well as have a 24-hour Crisis Centre available at all times with Cas Evac facilities.

Being specialists in the area we offer a heart warming and awe inspiring experience, having pioneered tourism in the Green Kalahari we have a knowledge that will take you on the tour of a lifetime. From the Rafting World championships, BBC documentaries, stunts, Gorge rescues, adventure races, tours, hunting, conservation and flyfishing to training guides and having a lifelong passion for the outdoors, we can put our money where our mouth is.

River or desert, we offer a multitude of outventures aimed at the independent traveller, backpacker or family, young or old, we aim to please.

Having a base in the Augrabies village on the banks of the almighty Orange River and only 14km from the Augrabies Waterfall National Park we set the trend for what you can expect in the days to come.

Whether you have a day or a month, there is more than enough to keep you stimulated and provide you with enough excitement and relaxation to confirm your holiday mood.

We specialize in 1-4 day river safaris, 4-hour adrenalin whitewater Rafting, overnight rafting trips, 4-day Canoe Safaris, bird-watching, tours to the Augrabies Falls National Park, exclusive fly-fishing trips, kayaking, adventure training, drives to see Riemvasmaak, Bushmanland and safaris into the Kalahari and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Peace Park.

We challenge you to join us on one of our lifetime experiences and venture into our world.

For more information contact our bookings office.

"COME VENTURE OUT WITH US"

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]]> 20.41230010986328125,-28.66200065612792969 The Kalahari Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre is located in the centre of the town of Kakamas in the Northern Cape. 

The hotel’s 25 spacious en-suite double rooms will ensure a comfortable stay.  An excellent á la carte restaurant, a ladies bar and KG’s sports bar are also open to guests.  The hotel also has a swimming pool and a conference centre catering for up to 100 people.  The hotel can also organise exciting adventures for the traveller on request, such as canoe trails, 4x4 trails and river rafting. 

The Kalahari Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre is ideally situated for trips to Augrabies Falls National Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Riemvasmaak, and Namaqualand for the spring flowers.

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]]> 20.62450027465820312,-28.77589988708496094 The Nama people called this area ‘the place of the leopard’, and so ‘khamkirri’ was named.  Khamkirri is a unique development with its simplicity complimenting its richness – a 75 000ha private game reserve where humans and animals can experience and marvel each other.  Here visitors can sit and allow the silence and the unspoilt nature to surround them, fill their soul and unleash the spirit of freedom. 

The reserve has grasslands, mountains and the green river belt – offering a variety of habitats for the 12 game species and numerous bird species residing there. Game drives, 4x4 routes, horse-rides, hiking trails, fishing, abseiling and river rafting are among the numerous activities on offer at Khamkirri. The camping sites are suited to those with a love of nature. They are simple but equipped with all the basic amenities.

Camelthorn River Camp is on the bank of the Orange River.  It consists of five tented chalets, each accommodating four people, and fully-equipped with cooking and eating utensils.  Each tent has its own private bathroom and braai (barbecue) area, as well as a porch overlooking the river.

Die Opstal and Hunter’s House can accommodate 12 people in total. These fully equipped houses are located in the game camp, where space is limitless.

The Bushcamp also located in the game camp area. This campsite is ideal for tents or vehicles with roof tents. A flush toilet and open-air shower are available.

The River Camp is situated on the bank of the river. It has a large grassy area for camping, with ablution facilities and a communal kitchen.

Guests at Khamkirri can also visit the so-called ‘dry falls’ in the northern section of the Augrabies Falls National Park.  Accommodation is in the form of wooden A-frame huts and visitors are welcome to walk in the area and photograph the falls, which are often anything but dry!

Adventures at Khamkirri:

The 4x4 routes on the reserve vary from easy to extremely difficult, with river sand and rocky outcrops some of the challenges for both the inexperienced and experienced driver.  Some routes can also be driven with a 2x4 vehicle. 

  • Khamkirri 4x4 Trail – Rocky outcrops and numerous tricky ascents and descents while you keep your eyes peeled for Klipspringers (small agile antelope) and leopard.  Traverse steep and challenging Kalahari red dunes and take in the seductive semi-desert vistas;
  • Augrabies Falls National Park 4x4 trail – One of the most exclusive 4x4 trails in the country, this trail is managed by Khamkirri.  It is challenging and also provides excellent photographic opportunities.  En-route, you may well encounter giraffe and other game, as well as Black and Fish eagles.  Enjoy the spectacular Northern Cape sunsets and the sea of stars above your head at night.

A variety of river adventures also await you at Khamkirri:

  • 3-Day River Excitement: Luxury river rafting; no sleeping in dirty reed camps or lugging all your baggage on this trip.  Your days consist of 4-5 hours rafting through breathtaking scenery and the two nights accommodation is in tented chalets at Khamkirri and log A-frame huts in the National Park.  Bedding and towels are provided.  This trip also includes sumptuous breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners on the deck lit by torches and moonlight; and
  • 3 Hour River Trip – Join a professional guide for an action-filled raft above the Augrabies Falls.  Abundant birdlife and spectacular scenery compliments the fun on the water.

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]]> 20.44669914245605469,-28.65290069580078125 These chalets are surrounded by vineyards and are only 1km from the Orange River.  Ranging from double rooms to family units, the chalets have fully-equipped kitchens, televisions and braai (barbecue) facilities.  Under-cover parking is also available.  A restaurant and conference facility are in the planning stages. 

The chalets are a two minute walk from a café and video store, and within walking distance of the centre of Kakamas. The bright colour schemes, clean facilities and friendly service will ensure that staying at the chalets is a pleasure.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 20.61779975891113281,-28.76720046997070312 Riemvasmaak (pronounced ‘rim fus maack’) means ‘tighten the strap’ or ‘tied with straps’.  Early in the 1900’s, the Bushmen who also lived in the area stole the community’s stock animals.  These stock thieves were caught and tied to a large rock in the Molopo River with thongs or straps (called ‘rieme’ in Afrikaans).  When the community people came to fetch the thieves the next morning, all they found were the straps left lying on the rocks.  From then onwards, the area was known as Riemvasmaak and the community as the ‘Riemvasmaakers’.  The Riemvasmaak Ecotourism Project is a community-based project, started with the aim to provide work for the locals and to open the fascinating area for tourism. Besides the interesting name of the area, the region has an interesting history.

Riemvasmaak is 75 000ha of sheer mountain desert wilderness, located between the Orange and the dry Molopo Rivers, approximately 57km from Kakamas and 170km from the Nakop border post with Namibia.  It is a wilderness born from violent volcanic activity millions of years ago, but it is a land of beauty that takes on spiritual proportions.  Here you can relax in the hotsprings dwarfed by 80m high granite cliffs.  Or attempt a challenging 4x4 trail, hike down the canyon to the Orange River.  Or simply set your soul free to soar with the black eagles through the lunar-landscape. 

Accommodation at the Riemvasmaak hotsprings is in comfortable 8-bed or 4-bed chalets, all blending into their rocky background with spectacular views over the Riemvasmaak granite canyon.  Each chalet has a kitchenette, toilet, cold shower, washbasin and barbecue area.  Bedding is supplied.  There is no electricity in the chalets, but firewood can be bought in the village. All equipment such as cooking and eating utensils, lamps and candles should be brought along.  It is also advisable to bring a good supply of drinking water (about four litres per person per day), as chalet water is for ablution purposes only.  Bathing suits, comfortable clothing, towels, insect repellent and sunscreen should complete the list of essential items.

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]]> 20.28720092773437500,-28.46419906616210938 Visitors to Kakamas will definitely not miss the Pienk Padstal.  Situated on the outskirts of Kakamas on the road to Upington, it is true to its name and painted a bright pink. Everything about the farmstall, from the shade nets to the roses in the garden and the gemstones used as decorations, is pink.  One fascinating must-see is an arrow showing the 1988 flood level – it is about waist height and one can only imagine the damage the waters caused.  The farmstall wall also has an array of photographs illustrating the flood.  Another essential visit is to the farmstall’s public toilets – both the gents and ladies being an experience one will not easily forget.

After admiring the décor, the traveller can stock up on choice grade South African dried fruit, home-made jams and chutneys, local wines, biltong (jerky) and droëwors (dried sausage) dates and grapes in season.  Other items on sale include local arts and crafts, leather products and souvenirs. 

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]]> 20.61779975891113281,-28.76589965820312500 Vergelegen has a beautiful farm setting, overlooking the splendid vineyards of the Orange River Valley.  It offers ten stylishly decorated en-suite rooms, each with a personal and exclusive touch.  There is a quaint courtyard with braai (barbecue) facilities and a pool for the self-caterer.  Rooms are air-conditioned with television, linen and towels, and tea/coffee facilities.  Laundry facilities are also available.

A wholesome breakfast is served to start the day in Vergelegen’s own intimate restaurant.  Here, the guest or traveller can also experience South African cuisine or choose from the á la Carte menu for dinner.  The restaurant will also cater for special occasions and groups functions on request – specialising in sunset dinners on the banks of the Orange River.

The rustic farmstall on the premises offers a vast array of local produce, arts and crafts.  A tea garden serves home-made treats and light lunches.

A number of local activities such as camel rides, horse riding, river rafting, micro-light flights over the Augrabies Falls, and 4x4 trails can be arranged from the Vergelegen office. Package deals are available on request. 

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]]> 20.64380073547363281,-28.75149917602539062 Liquid Adventures offer self-catering accommodation or bed and breakfast.

Activities:

  • River rafting;
  • Quad-biking;
  • Wine tasting;
  • Various 4x4 routes;
  • Mountain biking;
  • Fishing; and
  • Day tours.

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