A landscape rich in cultural heritage and biodiversity, and home to some of the most iconic species, the Augrabies Falls National Park is an extraordinary natural landmark that SANParks has proudly conserved for 60 incredible years.
Augrabies Falls, South Africa (05 August 2026) – For 60 years, South African National Parks (SANParks) has been the proud guardian of the Augrabies Falls: a breathtaking, rugged wilderness rich in biodiversity, history, and cultural heritage!
Named Aukoerebis by the Khoikhoi, meaning the “Place of Great Noise,” these dramatic falls have captured human imagination for thousands of years.
The History of Augrabies
Long before the park’s proclamation on 5 August 1966, Stone Age communities settled along the Orange River, drawn by its life-giving waters, while generations of indigenous communities recognised the spiritual and cultural significance of this powerful landscape.
The journey towards proclamation began in 1954 when local conservation advocates petitioned for the falls to become a national park. After more than a decade of determination and perseverance, their vision became reality with the establishment of Augrabies Falls National Park in 1966.
Rich in Heritage, Nature, Wildlife and Views
Today, the park conserves an exceptional arid ecosystem that is home to iconic species including klipspringers, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, quiver trees and the endemic Augrabies flat lizard. Its dramatic 56-metre waterfall and 18-kilometre granite gorge continue to captivate visitors while showcasing the immense power of the Orange River.
Over the years, Augrabies has become renowned not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for the fascinating stories and legends woven into its history. These include the enduring folklore surrounding the mysterious Grootslang said to inhabit the waters below the falls, as well as the recorded visit by explorer Hendrik Jakob Wikar in 1778.
“As SANParks celebrates this important milestone, we extend sincere appreciation to employees, neighbouring communities, conservation partners, stakeholders, and visitors whose continued support has helped ensure that Augrabies Falls National Park remains one of South Africa’s premier conservation areas,” SANParks said.
If stunning views, waterfalls, history and an adventure in nature speak to your soul, you might want to add the gem that is the Augrabies Falls National Park to your travel bucket list.
Sixty years after its proclamation, the roar of Augrabies continues to inspire awe, reminding all who visit why this extraordinary landscape deserves to be protected for generations to come.
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