SANParks.org Forums

I can see both your points, but after my visit in August I do have to admit that some minor repairs already could have been done so more walkways and 1 or 2 decks would be available for usage.
I totally understand there are priorities but some repairs would only 'cost' a new screw and a screwdriver and one or two men (or women) and a couple of hours to put some things back in place
We were temped to do it ourselves !
The other two 'new; viewing decks Oranjekom are stunning and a good addition
I think give a little take a little goes a long way

And last time we were there not THAT long ago there were no viewing decks at all

According to management they are still awaiting insurance money for the repaires, this will also be happening in the new year.
The one platform closest to the falls still gives tourist a sighting on the falls itself,this is even better than previous years when it was fenced around.

Sorry guys, I must disagree with some of you:
1. Waiting for an insurance claim to be paid out is a feeble excuse. Sanparks must be a big client of whatever insurance company - use that. if not, there is an ombudsman. And by the way, the rain season starts soon!
2. I don't understand p@m's point at all - I was at Augrabies as a kid, and there were no platforms, no facilities, no fences. So?

I didn't complain about the view points that are open, they are awesome. The staff at both the gate and reception were very friendly and helpful. Service in the restaurant was fair, but two waiters just don't manage over lunchtime!

Jonkers is right, some of the work to be done seems very simple. As a civil engineer I could see that sections of the damage could be repaired by a handyman with basic tools.

PS: Why hasn't anyone dropped a hint in the community to make simple hats with midge screens to be sold outside the gate? My guests would have paid over the top for them!

Hi antonf

SO and I were at Augrabies early September. The closed viewpoints did not spoil our experience. If those floods had been here in the UK the whole site would have been closed down due to Health & Safety rules and no one would have been allowed anywhere near the falls, and it would take years here to get repaired .
The only thing that did spoil the experience was all those midges!! There were net veils being sold in the shop there but at R60 expensive.
We loved the park and saw giraffe, Gemsbok, Zebra and a Black Eagle. This dassie was delighted (!) to see lots of dassies too . We had a night drive with AG and saw Spotted Eagle Owl, Giraffe, Kudu, Zebra, Gemsbok, Bat Eared foxes, Scrub Hare and a first for us - Red Rock Rabbit. Thanks AG .

We are sure we will visit again sometime just maybe out of midge season or with home-made nets!

Regards,
DASSIEDELIGHT

The water level at 68cumecs.
Just a thought of showing you how it looks now,will inform you at the progress made by the contracter.

DSC00354 by closed4, on Flickr

The platform closest to the falls, as you can see the broken poles and other stuff were already removed.

DSC00355 by closed4, on Flickr

Workers busy:

DSC00356 by closed4, on Flickr

Great I 'll hope to see it myself next week

Will it be ready just in time for the next big flood?

Do hope all the workers are wearing safety harnesses and lines -- that looks tricky

will be ready for my next visit

Also hoping for it to be ready Anne-marie.....

I have visit the guys this morning and were thinking that they gonna use the mash as a replacement for the poles which were at the edge of the falls, they said no it is for safety purposes as they still needs to drill holes into the rock.
As you can see in these foto's they are aware of safety precautions.

DSC00396 by closed4, on Flickr


DSC00400 by closed4, on Flickr

Good to see

AG.