On the way to the Park I stopped at the Confluence of the Orange and Vaal Rivers near Douglas. It was a very beautiful view, and quite something to see the 2 mighty rivers converge.
The Northern Cape is vast, and huge! It is only 140km from Griekwastad to Groblershoop, but it felt like 740km!
But the landscape is incredible, and I enjoyed the drive.
I arrived at Augrabies late afternoon. Reception was rather busy, and I decided to walk down to the waterfall.
OMW. I was speechless. Even in the “off Season the waterfall was seriously impressive. It really is “a place of great noise!”
The waterfall is just really cool.
After checking in, I set up my tent. I was only going to camp for four nights during the trip and only brought the small tent, so it went really quickly. But I was interrupted by a Dusky Sunbird and a Golden-tailed Woodpecker.
Then I went to two of the other view points at the waterfall. The late afternoon light created a little rainbow. It was so incredibly stunning.
I watched the sunset.
While I stood at the view point, I also did some birding. The birdlife in camp was really fantastic. Movement in the sky above my head caught my eye – a Verreaux’s Eagle flew past into the sunset.
There were low clouds in the west, but the sunset was still gorgeous.
I went for a short night time walk. I only found a couple of spiders that included this Desert Huntsman (a new one for me) and a Hogna Wolf Spider.
I also saw a Small Spotted Genet and a few Turner’s Geckos.
I also saw a Small Spotted Genet.
The next morning I woke early to watch the sunrise at the waterfall. It was so beautiful, I could cry.
I sipped my coffee and enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall and the birds.
I spotted two Klipspringers with interesting company.
I sit at the waterfall for more than an hour before I leave. I spot this dassie having breakfast – just look at those teeth!
There was also a lovely little White-throated Canary and one of my new favourite trees – a Quiver tree that looked stunning in the morning light.
As I drove into the Park I saw lots of birds that included a gorgeous Pale-winged Starling. The were also a few giraffes.
I stopped at Moon Rock.
I walked to the top. The view was incredible.
The landscape is mostly brown and black and grey with some green here and there, but I thought is was absolutely gorgeous.
It filled me with a happiness and a longing (for what, I don’t know) but also a calmness. I stood on Moon Rock for a long time before walking back to my car.
As I drove away I spotted some of the Augrabies Residents.
This little Mountain Wheatear was not the only black and white bird I saw.
Two other black and white birds caught my attention. A pair of Verreaux’s Eagles were surveying their kingdom.
I drove to the Ararat Lookout point, stopping often for (now lost) photos. The landscape was just so unlike anything I’d seen before, and I was just completely in love with it.
The view from the Ararat view point took my breath away. Again. On more than one occasion that day (and in the days to come) I wondered how I was still breathing with so many breath-taking moments!
I stood at the view point for a long time, just trying to take it all in. I just wanted to stand there forever.
I saw some interesting rock formations as I walked back to my car.
I saw the Oranjekom cottage – my next stop.
I stood on the roof of the cottage and enjoyed the beauty
There were White-eyes and Sunbirds singing in the bushes next to the cottage. In the sky above I saw a Booted Eagle and many Alpine Swifts.
I walked into the black koppies – I found the black rocks fascinating.
My next destination was Echo Corner. On the way I saw a small flock of Namaqua Sandgrouse.
A pair of Klipspringers were quenching their thirst at a small waterhole.
There were dassies or Klipspringers on every koppie.
And there were koppies everywhere – it looked as if Someone had just left these little heaps of rocks all over the place.
The wind was quite strong at Echo Corner, and I could not hear my echo.
As I was about to leave, some people arrived – I worked with the guy about 12 years ago. What a small world! They invited me for a drink later that evening and we had a wonderful visit.
The landscape changed quite a bit – it became less rocky with a bit more grass. I just loved all the contrasting colours and textures, like this tree on the black rocks.
As I turned around I spotted a small herd of Springbokkies.
I stopped briefly at Moon Rock again and saw a delightful little family.
A Bokmakierie was hunting nearby.
Back at camp I had a delicious lunch at the restaurant.
There are a couple of walking trails that start from the camping area, and I decided to walk the short one. It took me to the Twin Falls, another incredible place I this wonderful Park.
During the walk I also saw some birds. A Karoo Scrub-Robin and some Martins.
A new reptile lifer came in the form of a pair of Augrabies Flat lizards.
I relaxed in camp for the rest of the afternoon. When I went to watch the sunset I also took the opportunity to take more photos of the Quiver Trees. These stunning trees are now a firm favourite.
Again the clouds resulted in the sun disappearing before it set, but it was still beautiful.
The next morning I went for short run. I loved the silhouette of the Quiver Tree with the setting moon.
The sunrise at the waterfall was once again gorgeous.
I left the Park at about 08h00 to continue the rest of my road trip.
As I left I reflected on the two nights I spent in the Park. I knew Augrabies would be different from other Parks. It exceeded my expectations. It is one of the most heart wrenching beautiful places I have ever been to, and I loved every minute I spent in the Park.