About Augrabies Falls Restcamp
The government-run Augrabies Falls Restcamp is set in very pretty surroundings and offers a friendly welcome.
Large and well organised, it is the only place to stay inside Augrabies Falls National Park and so makes a good base from which to explore this lovely park in the northern Cape.
Augrabies Falls Restcamp isn't a fancy place to stay, but it is very convenient indeed for this park – so if you're coming to this park, we'd suggest that you stay here. A stay of two nights is fine to appreciate the starkly beauty of the place – and expect most of your fellow-visitors to be South Africans, rather than overseas visitors.
Our view
Augrabies Falls Restcamp isn't a fancy place to stay, but it is very convenient indeed for this park – so if you're coming to this park, we'd suggest that you stay here. A stay of two nights is fine to appreciate the starkly beauty of the place – and expect most of your fellow-visitors to be South Africans, rather than overseas visitors.
Accommodation
59 rooms
Children
Open
All year
Activities
Night drive
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Augrabies Falls Restcamp
17 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 8 Sep 2022, 1 nights
"Augrabies Falls Restcamp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Sep 2017, 2 nights
"Wonderful waterfalls and rocks at Augrabies"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Sep 2017, 1 nights
"Augrabies rest camp"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Jun 2017, 2 nights
"Keep the door shut to keep out the monkeys"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 15 Sep 2016, 1 nights
"Rainbows at Augrabies"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Sep 2016, 3 nights
"Augrabies Falls Restcamp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Nov 2015, 2 nights
"Might be good in rain season"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 9 Sep 2014, 1 nights
"Comfortable new lodges at Augrabies"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 25 Aug 2014, 3 nights
"Augrabies Falls Restcamp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Apr 2014, 2 nights
"Awesome Augrabies"
Overall rating: Excellent













Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 14 pictures of Augrabies Restcamp to get the candid view.
View galleryAugrabies Falls Restcamp: Our full report
The government-run Augrabies Falls Restcamp is set in very pretty surroundings and offers a friendly welcome.
Large and well organised, it is the only place to stay inside Augrabies Falls National Park and so makes a good base from which to explore this lovely park in the northern Cape.
Augrabies Falls Restcamp is well geared up for visitors making a short stop here. The central complex houses a well-stocked shop that supplies a choice of food as well as beer, wine, spirits, souvenirs, books and even local fruits (in season). The restcamp even has its own fuel station.
Accommodation at Augrabies Falls Restcamp is in 59 brick chalets with corrugated-iron roofs. These comprise:
- 24 chalets have twin beds and a sleeper couch;
- 16 chalets 'with view' each have twin or double beds with sleeper couch, and views towards the gorge and mountains
- 10 triple chalets each have three single beds;
- 9 family cottages each have two bedrooms, with two single beds in each room.
In front of each chalet is a solid table with seating and barbecue facilities (locally referred to as 'braai' facilities); great for warm summer evenings!
Like most restcamps in South Africa, Augrabies Falls Restcamp also has a campsite.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restcamp's large indoor restaurant. This is tastefully decorated with stone tiled floors, stone water features and walls adorned with sepia-toned photos of the Augrabies Falls. There's also the option to eat al fresco on the covered veranda which overlooks well-tended gardens.
An information area has boards describing some of the area's varied flora and fauna, as well as community projects and the history of the park and the falls.
There are also three swimming pools at Augrabies Falls Restcamp, so guests can cool off after an exerting walk around the falls.
Although the restcamp itself is not particularly attractive, in front of it you'll find a network of wooden walkways which link a series of viewpoints dotted along the edge of the gorge. These offer breathtaking views towards the gorge and the main Augrabies Falls. The views alone would be a good reason to stay here!
At sunset, large numbers of rock dassies scurry about, adding to the attraction of the whole area. Keep an eye out also for the birds, as the Augrabies Falls area has a mix of dry (mostly acacia) and riverine vegetation which attracts a wide range of bird species. Orange River white-eyes (as distinct from Cape white-eyes), red-eyed bulbuls, red-headed finches, rosy-faced lovebirds and Karoo scrub robins are all common, whilst golden-tailed woodpeckers, acacia pied barbets, pririt batises, ashy tits and dusky sunbirds are amongst less common sightings.
A big draw at Augrabies Falls is the number of walking opportunities. These range from an hour or two pottering next to the gorge, through to self-guided nature walks with stunning views, right up to a seasonal three-day hike.
Geographics
- Location
- Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- 2 nights, but longer if you're planning to hike.
- Directions
- From Upington, keep on the N14 and pass through Kakamas. The park is signposted from town; 10km after Kakamas you will turn right on the R359. Continue for about 30 km then turn right towards Augrabies Falls. From here it is another 3 km to the entrance gate, and a further 3km to the restcamp.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
- Food quality
- The pleasant restaurant at Augrabies Falls offers good value for money; on our last visit the food quality was pretty good, but fairly unadventurous!
In the evening, there's an à la carte dinner menu with starters between R25 and R50. Main courses, including kudu goulash, springbok stroganoff, steaks, schnitzels, fish, salads and vegetarian options, range from R45 to R120; all come with vegetables and chips or jacket potatoes. Puddings are around R25–R40.
The restaurant opening times are adhered to pretty strictly:
Breakfast 07.30–11.00
Lunch 11.00–18.00
Dinner 18.00–21.00 - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- A wide variety of habitats can be found at Augrabies Falls, including riverine vegetation, reedbeds, cliffs, acacia thickets and rocky scrubland. Thus, the park has over 180 species and will appeal to those on a birdwatching holiday in South Africa.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa
- Walking
- The Augrabies Falls area is great for walking in South Africa. Take a leisurely stroll next to the gorge, or tackle one of the park’s self-guided nature walks; in some seasons it may be possible to take a self-catered 3 day hike in the gorge.
- See ideas for Walking in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Very good
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children of all ages are welcome at Augrabies Falls Restcamp.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Augrabies is relatively family friendly, although the longer walks would prove very tough for younger children – and few of the areas around the vertical drops of the steep gorge are securely fenced.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Augrabies Restcamp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Augrabies Falls Restcamp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception at Augrabies Falls Restcamp as well as public phones that accept cards.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Kakamas, which is about 50 km away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Unarmed security guards are at the entrance gate to the park 24 hours a day.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire extinguisher in every room.
Activities
Night drive
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- There are no laundry facilities.
- Money
- Augrabies Falls Restcamp cannot change money; there is a bank in Kakamas.
- Accepted payment on location
- The restcamp does not accept any foreign currency, but will accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex and debit cards. Travellers' cheques in South African rand are also accepted.
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Augrabies Falls Restcamp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Augrabies Restcamp.
Other lodges in Augrabies Falls National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Le Must River Residence
Le Must River Residence has a pleasant feel and is a good choice for an overnight stay in Upington.

The Falls Guest House
The family run Falls Guest House offers a tranquil haven on the doorstep of Augrabies Falls NP.
When to go to Augrabies Falls National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Augrabies Restcamp in Augrabies Falls National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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