AUGRABIES – Once again, the iconic Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape is true to its name of “Place of Great Noise”, with the Orange River thundering down the 56-metre high waterfall at a breathtaking flow rate, to continue in a mist of spray down the deep granite gorge.
By Tuesday 12 May, the flow rate was recorded at 2 732 cubic metres per second (cumecs). The normal flow of the river is usually between 30 and 50 cumecs. By Wednesday morning, the flow rate was recorded at 3 134 cumecs.
Over the past few weeks, due to heavy rain over large parts of the country, the flow rate has gradually increased. On 1 April, it was recorded at 726 cumecs, on 8 April as 939 cumecs, whilst on 8 May it had already reached 2 022 cumecs.
Just more than a year ago, on 7 May last year, the flow rate was recorded at 4 518 cumecs. In 2011 it reached 4 799 cumecs, and on 2 March 2023 it was recorded as 4 596 cumecs. However, this did not equal the record flow of 1974, which was 8 000 cumecs, or the 7 800 cumecs recorded in 1988.
Genevieve Maasdorp, spokesperson for the South African National Parks (SANParks) in the Arid Region, says the river levels are considered a flood when they reach 4 000 and more cumecs.
“Below that we are talking about high water levels and not a flood,” she remarks.
Park welcomes visitors to spectacular display
Maasdorp reminds visitors that the Augrabies Falls National Park is open seven days a week, also for day visitors.
“We invite all nature lovers, adventurers, and explorers to come and experience this magnificent natural wonder with us,” she says.
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Due to the high level of water, both the Dassie and Klipspringer hiking routes are closed. All viewpoints are currently open, except those still undergoing repair.
Day visitors can visit the park from 07:00 to 18:00, and no day visitors are allowed after 17:00.
Maasdorp emphasises the need to bring along proof of identification when entering Augrabies Falls National Park, as is the case when entering any national park. Proof of identification is needed to qualify for discounted South African citizen or Southern African Development Community (SADC) rates rather than higher international rates. Identification is also needed to manage visitor data.
For more information and online bookings, visit sanparks.org or dial 054 452 9205.
