Augrabies Falls National Park

The Augrabies Falls National Park comprises a 9415 hectare area of cliffs and gorges, riverine acacia thicket, and very arid rocky scrubland. The park is covered by a number of good roads and hiking trails, and also features a hutted camp, camping ground, shop, and restaurant.

Birding
1. The camp area is a good place to start birding, with Rosy-faced Lovebird, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Acacia Pied Barbet, Ashy Tit, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Namaqua Warbler, Black-chested Prinia, Pririt Batis, Pale-winged Starling, Dusky Sunbird and the beautiful Orange River White-eye, all occurring in the acacia bush and riverine vegetation.

2. The gorge just below the camp, in which the orange river forms the actual Augrabies Falls, supports breeding Black Stork, Verreauxs' Eagle and Peregrine Falcon, as well as huge mixed flocks of aerial feeders such as Alpine Swift, African Black Swift, Brown-throated Martin and Rock Martin.

3. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Short-toed Rock-Thrush and Mountain Wheatear occur on the rocky koppies found on the drives. A good spot to try for Cinnamon-breasted Warbler is Echo Corner.

4. Other typical karoo species occurring in the open arid country away from the river include Ludwig's Bustard, Double-banded Courser, Stark's Lark, Spike-heeled Lark, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Black-eared Sparrowlark, Rufous-eared Warbler and Chat Flycatcher.

General
A 39km road leads directly from Kakamas (88km west of Upington on the N8) to the park entrance. From Kakamas drive north-west through the villages of Alheit, Marchard and Augrabies to reach the park. Good birding can also be had along this road. Bookings for accommodation can be made through the South African National Parks Reservations Office, tel +27 12 343 1991, fax +27 12 343 0905

The park can be contacted on: Tel: +27 54 452 9200 email: stevens@sanparks.org website: www.sanparks.co.za