Oranjekom Cottage Augrabies National Park, Northern Cape
Image by Melanie van Zyl
Few people who visit Augrabies National Park go beyond the eponymous waterfall, but just a 10-kilometre game drive from the main rest camp you’ll find an exceptional outlook over the Orange River.
Oranjekom Gorge was initially set up as a viewpoint for visitors and now doubles in function as a private cottage that sleeps two. In contrast to the noise of the rushing falls, here at Oranjekom the Orange River resumes its peaceful journey to the West Coast in a deep valley that rivals the likes of the Fish River Canyon.
On the half-hour drive to get there from the rest camp, keep a lookout for giraffe peeping through the rocky landscape, red hartebeest galloping into the distance and gemsbok standing proudly against a true-blue sky. Since it’s ao public viewpoint, the self-catering cottage is not particularly private during the day, but when park gates close at 7pm, the panorama becomes your exclusive domain.
Image by Melanie van Zyl
Do it
The newest accommodation option, Oranjekom Gorge Cottage sleeps two. The open-plan unit is self-catering with a double bed that faces the view – keep the curtains open and watch sunrise from the comfort of your pillow. R1715 per person for two.
Conservation fees are R48 per person from SANParks
