The Vast and Magical Kalahari

The Green Kalahari is a world full of wonders and contrasts. Here is where the lush green vineyards stand proud in the valley bearing magical fruits not far from where the shimmering Orange River thunders into a deep granite gorge to create the mighty Augrabies Falls. The Green Kalahari boasts the best of both worlds: unspoiled semi-desert against the lush vineyards that fill the fertile valleys of the Orange River. This massive body of water makes its way through this harsh and dry landscape bringing life to the region and an oasis to locals and animals alike.

The Augrabies Falls National Park offers an ancient landscape that will take you back in time to the world of the first hunter-gatherers. The National Park covers an area of 820 km² and stretches along the Orange River. The waterfall itself is about 60 metres high and is awe-inspiring when the river is in flood. The gorge below the falls, averages about 240 m deep and runs for 18 kilometres. The original Khoikhoi people named the waterfall Ankoerebis, meaning the “place of big noises”.

The animals in Augrabies Falls National Park can survive in extreme high and low temperatures. Smaller animals, like mongooses and rock dassies make use of whatever shade is available as well as burrows, rock crevices and fallen trees. An interesting mammal found in Augrabies is the cape clawless otter, indicating that the river ecosystem is relatively healthy. The giraffes found in Augrabies are lighter in colour than those found in the regions of the east, as a counter measure for the extreme heat. One of the most often seen antelope is the klipspringer, which are often seen in pairs. Other antelope found in the park are steenbok, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and eland. Predators include leopard, black backed jackals, caracal, the bat-eared fox, and the African wild cat.

A uniquely endemic plant species is the enigmatic Quiver tree or Kokerboom (Aloe dichotoma). Traditionally, the Khoisan hunters made their quivers from this tree which dates back thousands of years and which produces vivid yellow flowers in May and June.

Activities in the area include camel rides, thrilling white water rafting on the Orange River, parasailing on the many pans in the region, as well as a spectacular afternoon micro light glides above the undulating red dunes and jagged mountains of Riemvasmaak and the Mier Kalahari with its 35 to 40 meters high sand dunes. There is plenty to see and do here and something for all different tastes. For the less adventurous traveller there is an abundance of hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, bird watching, game drives in the national and many exquisite private game reserves, camping and fly-in safaris.