Augrabies Falls

You have to travel an epic distance to get there but with the Orange River in flood (mainly during the summer season), few sights are as unforgettable as water thundering down the 56m Augrabies waterfall in the Northern Cape. This is the largest granite gorge in the world. The Khoi called it “Aukoerebis” (place of great noise) and a dense mist rises as this 12 mile abyss creates a funnel that forcefully propels South Africa’s largest river towards the Atlantic Ocean.

The waterfall is situated in a national park (60 miles west of Upington, off the N14 and close to the border with Namibia) where names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are evocative of this rocky region. Quiver trees stand in stark silhouette against the sky and the reserve provides sanctuary to a diversity of succulent plants, birds, reptiles and game (mainly klipspinger, springbok, gemsbok and giraffe). Accommodation includes chalets and camping facilities. There are trails to explore and adventure trips downriver in a rubber dinghy.