Orange River 20km Gorge Ride
Augrabies Falls is one of the most underrated national parks in South Africa — a 56-metre main falls dropping into an 18km gorge carved by the Orange River through ancient Precambrian granite, surrounded by quiver trees, Kalahari scrub and game that includes klipspringer, gemsbok, ground squirrel and baboon. The main falls is the sixth-largest waterfall on earth by volume during peak flood events. Despite this, Augrabies receives a fraction of the visitors that the better-known Kruger and Cape parks attract.
The 20km Gorge Loop
The park’s gravel road and jeep track network provides approximately 20km of cycling from the main gate to the various gorge viewpoints — Moon Rock, Ararat, Oranjekom — that reveal the full scale of the Orange River gorge from above. The standard visitor road (sealed and gravel mixed) covers most viewpoints and is suitable for any fit cyclist. The 480km of gorge accessible from the park provides a dramatic backdrop that increases in drama as you move further from the main falls.
Khamkirri River Camp
Khamkirri River Camp (23km northwest of the park gate) provides the most mountain-bike-focused experience: 7km of riverside loop, MTB hire, guided rides to the park and a stunning riverside setting with the Orange River flowing through the camp. The 100km guided return route to Riemvasmaak and back can be added for an epic multi-day adventure.
Getting There
Augrabies Falls NP is 25km from Kakamas on the N14. GPS: -28.5922, 20.3386. Tel: +27 54 452 9200. From Upington: N14 west 120km to Kakamas then park turn-off.
Trail Overview
| 📍 Location | Augrabies Falls National Park environs, Green Kalahari, Northern Cape — Khamkirri River Camp or Augrabies National Park gate |
| 📏 Total Distance | 20km of trails |
| ⚡ Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| 🚵 Discipline | MTB |
| 🛤️ Trail Type | Park Gravel Road, Jeep Track |
| 🪨 Surface | Compacted park roads and gravel jeep tracks — desert koppie terrain — some loose sections on gorge rim tracks |
| 🕐 Opening Hours | Augrabies Falls (56m main falls — one of the six largest waterfalls on earth by volume — 480km of accessible gorge total — 5m waterfall depth at 19km drop point in gorge),Augrabies NP accommodation (SANParks chalets, camping),Khamkirri River Camp (23km northwest — MTB hire, guided rides, accommodation),Kakamas (25km east — town services) |
| 🏘️ Nearest Town | The sixth-largest waterfall on earth by volume — Augrabies Falls plunges 56m into a 18km gorge on the Orange River, surrounded by quiver trees and Kalahari scrub. The 20km gorge loop on park gravel roads provides access to multiple viewpoints and the dramatic canyon landscape of one of South Africa’s most underrated national parks. |
Trail Listings
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Orange River Gorge Loop (Augrabies environs) | 20km | Easy-Moderate (gravel roads and jeep tracks around the Augrabies environs — Orange River gorge approach, koppie terrain, Kalahari scrub — standard visitor access roads in park) |
| Khamkirri River Camp 7km Loop | 7km | Easy (riverside loop from Khamkirri camp through rocky river valley terrain — suitable for families — easy access),Augrabies Falls Jeep Track Loop |
Permits & Costs
- Cost: SANParks Day Permit: R232 adult (2025). Wild Card accepted. Khamkirri River Camp: separate booking at khamkirri.co.za or contact +27 54 452 9200 for Augrabies NP.
- Where to buy: Augrabies NP gate: 07:00-18:00 (check current hours). Khamkirri: daylight hours year-round.
Amenities & Facilities
- April to October. The Orange River gorge at Augrabies is dramatic year-round but the park is most comfortable in the cooler months. After heavy summer rainfall
- the falls volume is at its most spectacular — plan around Orange River flood events for the full experience.
Contact & Getting There
- Address: Augrabies Falls National Park environs, Green Kalahari, Northern Cape — Khamkirri River Camp or Augrabies National Park gate
- GPS: -28.5922, 20.3386
- Phone: +27 54 452 9200
- Email: augrabiesfallsnp@sanparks.org
- Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/augrabies
Best Time to Ride: Augrabies NP Gate (base) | Khamkirri River Camp (23km west) | Kakamas (25km east) | Upington (120km east)
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