Know Your Nature #1 - Augrabies Falls 💦

Exploring South Africa's National Parks

Hello and welcome to a new ReWild initiative and our very first episode of Know Your Nature! A free ReWild Africa newsletter released every Sunday exploring the National Parks of South Africa (and beyond).

Know Your Nature aims to showcase off-the-beaten-track parts of Africa, to encourage the support of our natural heritage. ReWild Africa and this newsletter embraces the first principle of ReWilding which is #PreservationBeforeRestoration

Augrabies Falls National Park

Meandering through the dry Nama Karoo vegetation, the Orange River abruptly free falls at Augrabies, or place of Great Noise. 

🦅 Uniqueness of Augrabies

Uniquely located on the border of Namibia, there exists an opportunity for a trans-frontier park. Protecting several endemic fish species below the falls, there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to these unparalleled arid vistas. Minimal population pressures, undisturbed riverine fans and the occasional fish eagle call echoing through the valleys cut by the Orange River, makes this park an off the beaten path experience. 

🌵 The role of Augrabies in conserving South Africa’s flora and fauna

Augrabies has a semi-arid climate and the Park was initially proclaimed in order to conserve a small area of geological interest around the Augrabies Falls, which is the largest waterfall along the Orange River. Its downstream gorge, which stretches over 20km, offers grand views. In recent years, this park has been substantially enlarged too.

🔭 Vision of the Park 

The Augrabies Falls National Park seeks to conserve the unique landscape. It features cultural heritage and the biodiversity characteristic of the Gariep centre of endemism, with its associated ecological processes, as part of the regional landscape, for the appreciation and benefit of present and future generations.

☀️ When to visit

The iconic three-day Klipspringer Trail opens between April and September. This is also a cooler time of year. The Augrabies fall is particularly impressive when in flood, usually from February to April - its currently flooding and is a sight to behold! If you’re driving through to Namibia or the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this is the place to rest for a couple of nights. 

A big thank you to Drive South Africa, SAN Parks and SA Tourism for making this project a reality.

Watch on and wild regards

Elvi the Elephant

#PreservationBeforeRestoration