Natural & Cultural History
Brief History
The name is derived from a Khoi word, as the Khoi people would refer to the waterfall as “Aukoerebis” meaning the “Place of Great Noise.” This refers to the Orange River water thundering its way down the 56 m spectacular main Waterfall.
In 1954 the Upington Publicity Association requested the National Parks Board to proclaim the waterfall a national park. After the Minister of Lands approved the Park in principle in 1955, the Department of Water Affairs objected to the proclamation of a national park. After a series of negotiations, Augrabies Falls National Park was eventually proclaimed on 5 August 1966. The park currently consists of approximately 51 113 hectares. The establishment was based on the following objectives:
- To conserve and restore the biotic diversity of the Orange River Broken Veld with its associated flora and fauna
- To maintain the Augrabies Water Fall and its surroundings in an unspoilt state
- To provide opportunities for Environmental Education and
- To provide opportunities for research of the fascinating flora and fauna.”
Early Stone Age
The ancestors of modern history have inhabited the area surrounding the Orange River since the Early Stone Age. During this time, there is evidence that early man had developed weapons for hunting animal like hippopotamus. They knew to establish themselves near good water sources like the Orange River. During the Middle Stone Age man had created more formal work tools and began to utilise fire. The Late Stone Age, which dates back 22 000 years, is characterized by tools that are smaller from the previous periods. The most prolific archaeological features are the stone cairns or graves from the later Stone Age. Excavations have shown that not all the cairns contains human skeletal remains.
Culture
The area is inhabited by the Nama People who over the centuries have managed to adapt to the harsh conditions of the area.
As descendants of the Khoi, the Nama people have adapted to the harsh climate. The traditional attire of the ladies consists of floral printed dresses with white embroidered aprons and Nama kappies and is mostly worn for cultural events and festivals. The Nama kappies are worn when working outside to keep the sun off their faces and neck. However, when performing their traditional dance, “Namastap’ they wear headscarves / ‘kopdoeke’.
Traditional Food
Many delicacies unique to this area may be enjoyed here, like homegrown raisins, dried fruit and roosterkoek. Traditional dishes like “puff adders” (named after the snake); are intestines with the fatty portion inward, stuffed with minced liver and skilpadjie (tortoise) stomach net fat wrapped around a small piece of liver are always popular.