Wednesday, 17 December 2014

Augrabies Falls National Park

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Augrabies Falls National Park

Average Guest Rating:
65 Reviews


Augrabies Falls National Park


Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood.

The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.

Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region, characterised by the 18 kilometre abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating scrub-dotted plains.

Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive.

The 28 000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and the endangered black rhino.

The most characteristic plant in the park is the giant aloe called quiver tree (kokerboom), Aloe dichotoma. The tree gets its name from the fact that the Bushmen (San) used the soft branches to make quivers for their arrows.

The eye-catching silhouette of the quiver tree is typical of the Northern Cape landscape.

Of special interest in the Park are:
The Falls
Moon Rock
Ararat
Arrow Point
Echo Corner

Ramblers with limited time can take the very easy 2,5 km path to view the gorge, Twin Falls and Arrow Point. To reach Moon Rock takes about an hour and to the potholes about 1,5 hours.

Noteable wildlife includes Springbok, Klipspringer, Black Stork and Pygmy Falcon.

Accommodation
The Augrabies Restcamp offers:

Four-bed family cottages with two bedrooms, bathroom (bath), air-conditioning and equipped kitchen.

Bungalows (3 or 4 persons) with bathroom (shower), air-conditioning and equipped kitchen.
Two three-bedded bungalows have been adapted for handicapped persons.

Facilities at the restcamp includes:
Shop, Shibula Restaurant and Gariep Ladies' Bar.
Public telephones, fuel.
Information on birds, reptile and mammal species found in the park.

Important Notice
1. Accommodation rates do not include Conservation Fees which are payable at the entrance gates.
2. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Rules & Regulations of National Parks before making a booking.


Augrabies Falls National Park Activities:


* Waterfall view points walking distance from the restaurant complex.
* Game viewing at leisure using own vehicle.
* Nature trails (no bookings necessary):
* Arrow Point (one hour)
* Potholes (one hour)
* Moon Rock (one hour).
* Night drives during peak holiday periods.
* Three swimming pools for residents.

Augrabies Falls National Park Map:


Map DataMap data ©2014 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd, Google
Map Data
Map data ©2014 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd, Google
Map data ©2014 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd, Google
Map
Satellite


Health & Climate:

The summers are hot and nights cold during winter.
January to April is the rainy season.
March to October are the most pleasant months in the park.
Take cool or light clothing for summer and warm for winter - area prone to sudden weather changes.


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Augrabies Falls National Park Guest Reviews

Average Guest Rating:
3.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews. - View all Guest Reviews


Accommodation at the park was excellent. Everything was neat and spacious. We had great views. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Reviewed by Delize de Jager on 14 October 2014

We only stayed one night but the service we received were very good and the staff were helpful and very friendly .
Rating:
Reviewed by Sarie Fourie on 5 February 2014

Good clean accommodation in well maintained and accessible park.
Rating:
Reviewed by DM Stuart on 6 January 2014

Excellent service, lovely camping site. I wish I had booked another day!
Rating:
Reviewed by Debbi Winstanley over a year ago


Other Accommodation near Augrabies Falls National Park:

Accommodation options within 8km from Augrabies Falls National Park include:


Dundi Lodge
Dundi Lodge
Dundi Lodge is conveniently situated 3km from the world famous Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape. Guests have a choice of eleven luxuriously furnished suites; showers, double basins, private patios. Privately owned Game Reserve only 40km away.
Guest Rating:
(1 review)


The Falls Guest House
The Falls Guest House
The Falls Guest House is situated only 2km from the world renowned Augrabies Waterfalls National Park, close to Kakamas in the Northern Cape.
Grading:
Guest Rating:
(2 reviews)






FROM:
R815.00 per unit

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Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park - Chalet (CH2/4)

Augrabies Falls National Park - Chalet (CH2/4) Bedroom

Augrabies Falls National Park - Chalet (CH2/4) Bathroom

Augrabies Falls National Park - Chalet (CH2)

Augrabies Falls National Park - Chalet (CH2) Interior

Augrabies Falls National Park - Family Cottage Lounge

Augrabies Falls National Park - Family Cottage Bathroom

Augrabies Falls National Park - Family Cottage Bedroom

Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park



Kruger Park

Kruger Park



Kruger Park


The Kruger Park of nearly 2 million hectares, was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Low Veld, is today unrivalled in the diversity of its wildlife forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

The Kruger Park can be explored on a Self Drive Safari or joining any of the various Kruger Park Tours.

The infrastructure of roads, waterholes, hides, picnic sites and restcamps spread through the park to ensure the visitor maximum exposure to the fauna and flora this remarkable reserve offers.

Accommodation
Kruger Park Accommodation is available in restcamps, bush lodges and bush camps which are fenced and closed at night. See Kruger Park Map with location of the different restcamps.

The Restcamps in the Kruger Park offer different Accommodation Types - from huts and bungalows to upmarket guest houses and guest cottages. All accommodation units are serviced daily and bedding, towels and soap are provided. Most of the units have either air-conditioning or fans.

There are also a number of private Game Lodges in Kruger Park.

View the Kruger Park Accommodation options.

Tourist Facilities
All the major Kruger Park Restcamps have electricity, a first-aid centre, a shop, barbecue and communal kitchen facilities, a laundromat/laundry tubs, a restaurant and/or self-service cafeteria, public telephones and a petrol station.

Radio and television are not provided in the park, however visitors who bring their own may not disturb other visitors.

Skukuza Restcamp has a resident doctor, post office and banking facilities.

Licensed restaurants not available at Crocodile Bridge and Orpen Restcamp and also not in satellite & bush camps. Information centres with guides can be visited at Skukuza, Letaba and Berg-en-Dal.

Swimming pools for resident guest are only at Pretoriuskop, Berg-en-Dal, Shingwedzi and Mopani

Outdoor Activities
The Kruger Park Outdoor Activiets on offer vary from short nature walks, game drives, 4x4 overland drives to wilderness trails which lasts three nights and two days.

Game Viewing
The Kruger Park is home to a very high concentration of the Big Five. And South Africa is very fortunate to have the largest variety of animals in the world.

Also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on game viewing.

Health
The Kruger Park falls within a malaria infected area and the necessary precautions have to be taken. Please consult your doctor/chemist.

How to Get to Kruger Park
Plan your journey by viewing details of How to Get to Kruger Park, view the Kruger Park Map for the location of restcamps and check the Travelling Time inside Kruger National Park.

Conservation Fees & Regulations
Visitors to Kruger Park pay a conservation fee for every day spent inside the park. The fees are payable at the entrance gates and offices.

Visitors have to adhere to the Park's Regulations and obtain an Exit Permit when leaving.

Climate
The climate is subtropical with hot summers and warm, dry winters. Summer rains fall between October and March.

Average Temperatures:
Spring (Sept - Nov): Daily Max 30°C; Daily Min 16°C
Summer (Dec - Feb): Daily Max 32°C; Daily Min 20°C
Autumn (March - May): Daily Max 29°C; Daily Min 16°C
Winter (June - Aug): Daily Max 26°C; Daily Min 9°C
 



Kruger Park

Kruger Park

Kruger Park

Kruger Park

Kruger Park

Kruger Park

 





Two Oceans Aquarium

Two Oceans Aquarium



Two Oceans Aquarium


See also Encounter Magazine's guide on South Africa Oceanariums.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window into the spectacular oceans surrounding the southern African coast. Situated in the V&A Waterfront, the Aquarium offers its visitors the amazing opportunity to explore below the waterline.

Through displays ranging from the small and almost fantastical Knysna seahorses, to large ragged-tooth sharks, the Aquarium holds wondrous discoveries around every corner. Meet the brave fish that call the cold Atlantic Ocean their home – and the brightly coloured ones that live in the warm Indian Ocean.

Be mesmerised by the swaying of the giant kelp in the aptly named Kelp Forest Exhibit- one of only three living kelp forest displays in the world. Or come face-to-face with giant spider grabs and have an adventurous tactile experience at the Touch Pool.

Take the little ones to the Afrisam Activity Centre where they can do arts-and-crafts, play on the modular climbing unit, watch a puppet show or just colour-in. All of this while they learn about our oceans and the wonderful animals that live in them.

For those qualified, there is the opportunity to dive in the I&J Predator Exhibit with ragged-tooth sharks, a turtle named Joshi and shoals of other predatory fishes. If you have an advanced qualification, diving in the Kelp Forest is one of the things that you must be able to tick off on your “must-do-someday-list”. Booking is essential for the dives and can be done by emailing bookings@aquarium.co.za.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Shop has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs. From t-shirts to soft toys, there’s a gift for everyone.
Shoreline Café provides scrumptious meals for young and old.

The restaurant includes a dedicated children’s play centre (with climbing play unit and arts-and-crafts) which will keep the little ones entertained while mom and dad catch their breath over a cup of coffee. Shoreline Café serves scrumptious breakfasts and lunch and is open from 09:00 until 18:00 daily.

Information:
Call the Two Oceans Aquarium on +27 21 418 3823

Location:
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Hours:
Open daily: 09h30 – 18h00 (subject to change without notice)

Admission:
Valid until 31 August 2009 and subject to change without notice
Adults: R84
Children between 4 and 13 years: R40
Children under 4: Free
Children between the ages of 14 -17 years: R65
SA Pensioners and Students: R65 (with valid ID)

Visitors may have their hand stamped at the entrance turnstile in the foyer if they wish to return to the Aquarium during any one day.
Parties exceeding 10 receive a 10 % (ten percent) discount on the listed prices.

Feeding times (subject to change without notice)
Feeding time in the I&J Predator Exhibit (daily at 15h00) and the Kelp Forest Exhibit (Wednesdays and Sundays at 12h00) is always a spectacular sight and visitors are able to see Aquarium divers hand-feeding the fishes, rays, turtle and sharks.

The shark feed at 15h00 on Sundays is always a thrilling experience. The penguins in the Sappi River Meander Exhibit are fed twice daily at 11h30 and 14h30. For correct times, please contact Visitor Services on telephone +27-21- 418-3823.

Baby Care
Nappy changing facilities are available. The Aquarium has a limited number of baby carriers for your convenience.

Physically Challenged
A limited number of wheelchairs are available free of charge. All Aquarium exhibits are accessible to the physically challenged. Please ensure that you book a wheelchair prior to your visit. Please contact Visitor Services on telephone +27-21-418-3823 or e-mail info@aquarium.co.za.


Two Oceans Aquarium Map: