Augrabies Falls

Nocturnal life in Augrabies Falls is abundant, especially during the warm summer months, and many animals take the opportunity to wander and feed during the cooler nights. Typical night-time hunters such as the African wild cat, bat-eared fox, free-tailed bat, aardwolf and the small spotted genet will often be spotted during night drives in the park. Additionally, many antelope species as well as the giraffe are often active during the night, making an encounter even more special. The stealthiest predator in the park, the leopard, is rarely seen but a sighting remains an ever present possibility. Temperature fluctuations in the region have resulted in unique adaptations in animals. The animals in Augrabies can survive in extreme high and low temperatures. Smaller animals make use of whatever shade is available as well as burrows, rock crevices and fallen trees. The types of animals that have made these adaptations are the slender mongoose, the yellow mongoose, and rock dassies. An interesting mammal found in Augrabies is the cape clawless otter; their presence in the park indicates that the river ecosystem is relatively healthy. The giraffes found in Augrabies are lighter in colour than those found in the regions of the east, as a counter measure for the extreme heat. One of the most often seen antelope is the klipspringer, which are normally seen in pairs. Other antelope found in the park are steenbok, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and eland. Predators in Augrabies come in the form of leopard, black backed jackals, caracal, the bat eared fox, and the African wild cat, and the elusive leopard. Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra (Equus Hartmannae) is also present in the park and due to their endangered status are closely monitored by the park rangers. A total of 49 mammal species, including a number of rodent species, have been recorded.

Another group of animals that is thankful for the diverse habitat Augrabies Falls National Park (AFNP) offers is the reptiles.

Unfortunately reptile enthusiasts can only expect a glimpse of the many interesting creatures during the summer months. AFNP is home to 41 reptile species, the most famous being Broadley’s flat lizard, locally known as the Augrabies flat lizard. The lizard is only found within a 100 km radius of the falls and is guaranteed at every view point of the falls on warm days. Various agamas (Ground, Anchieta’s and Southern rock) are a common sight basking on the boulders, so be on the look out for those since they are so excellent at blending in with their environment.

The most infamous snake found here is arguably the black spitting cobra and is most often spotted during the early mornings or late afternoons. Many snakes enjoy sunbathing on the rocks in the morning; nevertheless they are very difficult to spot. Other snake species that can be found here are: cape cobra, horned adder, desert mountain adder, Beetz’s tiger snake, Karoo sand snake and several others. For your information no snake bites have ever been documented at AFNP.

Look out for the Nile monitor who can also be found next to the main river and the smaller streams flowing through the park and at night time the helpful thick-toed gecko’s come out to relieve us from unwanted insects. Regularly seen is the often massive leopard tortoise (adults weigh up to 20kg) which enjoys feeding on the fresh grass and aloes of the campsite.

A complete list of all reptiles & amphibians can be found at AFNP reception desk.

5 reptiles to spot:

• Broadley’s Flat Lizard (Platysaurus broadleyi)
• Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus)
• Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)
• Black Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis woodi)
• Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)