Klipspringer Trail

Augrabies Falls National Park

Northern Cape Province

The Augrabies Falls National Park is situated in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The falls and gorge were formed over millions of years as the mighty Orange River eroded its way through the granite rock that lay in its path to the southern Atlantic ocean . The Orange River drains a vast area of Southern Africa, stretching from the mountains of Lesotho in the east and includes the Vaal catchments area of the Free State and the southern part of Gauteng.

         
 

The trail is of three days duration and should be considered as moderate to strenuous especially during the hotter months of the year. In fact the trail is closed from 15 October to the end of march because of the extreme heat experienced in the area.

  

 
         
 
   

 The first day of the trail is 14 km long and like the other two days should take about 6½ hours to complete. It starts from the rest camp where accommodation can be booked for before and after the hike as there is no provision for trailists at the start.

  
         
 

The first part of the trail offers the hiker some incredible views of the falls and the river gorge.

The trails hugs the side of the gorge for the first part of the hike before meandering its way across rugged, rocky terrain.

  
 
         
 
 

The area is rough and a good pair of hiking boots is recommended.

Despite the sparseness of the vegetation some beautiful examples of flora are to be found along the route.

  
         
 

The overnight accommodation is rustic and consists of bunk beds and mattresses (max. 12 people) and flush toilets. At each of the overnight huts there are two braais, one under cover and one outside. Wood is provided. 

 

 
         
 
 

The second day of the trail is 13 km in length and should also take about 6½ hours to complete. Initially the trail takes the hikers through rocky terrain down to the river. The rocks eventually give way to sandy stretches that can make the going quite tough.

  
         
 

Day 3 of the trail is 12½ km long ascends passing some fine examples of Quiver trees along the way. After taking in the panorama from the top of Moon Rock, the trail returns to the starting point through mainly sandy veld.

  
 

 

         
 

Conclusion

The Klipspringer Hiking Trail is well worth doing especially if done in conjunction/ en route to another trail such as the Fish River Canyon or Oorlogskloof. The area is dry and rugged and demands a fair degree of fitness from the hiker.

  

Click on map for larger image
 

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