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Media Release: Free Entrance at Augrabies to see the Illuminated Falls

Date: 2013-03-13

The AFNP falls have been illuminated since December last year. The main waterfall is illuminated with 1000w and the side of the gorge is illuminated with 400w. One of the walk ways is also lit up with small led lights.

The park, which was proclaimed in 1966, is the spot where the Orange River changes from a wide, slow flowing river traversing sandy soil to a fast flowing; narrow one cutting through ancient granite.

According to Gabrielle Venter, Acting Regional Communications Manager, “The national parks cannot continue to be an island within communities, this is an opportunity for guests to enjoy their own heritage and develop a sense of ownership of the natural jewels within the park, keeping in line with our vision statement ‘Connecting to Society’ SANParks views the involvement of communities in the management of parks in the 21st century as vitally important. It is beautiful to see the falls lit up at night. The contrast is breath-taking.”

To view the illuminated waterfalls at any other time, guests are encouraged to make a reservation at the park or to book a dinner at the new restaurant, the Quiver Tree. The entrance fee for day visitors before 18:00 on 15 March will be the normal entrance fee rate and the day visitors area will still be closing at 18:00.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Communications, Tel: 012 426 5170

Media enquiries:
Gabrielle “Gabby” Venter – Manager: Media and Stakeholder Relations
Acting Regional Communications Manager: Arid Region, SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5065, Cell: 083 825 9435 or Email: gabrielle.venter@sanparks.org