While heavy rains have transformed Augrabies Falls into a spectacular sight for tourists, the Orange River’s high water levels have also prompted the closure of several facilities in Augrabies Falls National Park.
According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the water flow rate at the falls has increased to around 100 times the average as a result of water releases from the Vaal and Gariep dams upstream.
Genevieve Maasdorp, SANParks Regional Communications Manager for the Arid Region, told Tourism Update that three viewing points are closed to the public, along with the park’s game-viewing and picnic areas, until further notice.
“The safety and security of our visitors is our main priority. It is for this reason that some parts of the park have been closed. The rest of the park remains open to visitors with three of the viewing decks open to the public,” said Maasdorp.
