5 Best Hotels in Augrabies Falls National Park, The Northern Cape

South African National Parks (SANParks) offers clean, self-catering, brick-faced chalets that can sleep two people or a small family and are near the visitor center and the main falls viewing areas. Although they don't take advantage of the setting and aren't aesthetically pleasing, the chalets are functional, with braai (barbecue) areas and fully-equipped kitchens; some have TVs and a few have views from a sit-out area in front. The nearest town with decent shops is Kakamas, 40 km (25 miles) away, and you should definitely stock up on groceries before arriving because the on-site restaurant is only adequate, and the camp's overpriced shop sells more junk food than items with which to prepare decent meals. There are a couple of pools to refresh in, and the camp affords immediate access to hiking routes. Forty campsites are also available.

In a real story of community uplift, a Nama teacher (originally from Namibia) and her family in the Augrabies Falls village have uniquely decorated rooms in their old house near the hot springs on the Riemvasmaak community trust land. Those lucky enough to be spoiled by Elisa's family within their homestead could share a meal, experience the quiet of a remote wilderness area, and get a glimpse into the ways of the local people. The three rooms in the guesthouse are technically self-catering, but dinners with the family can be arranged.

This small guesthouse offers big hospitality and the closest thing to cosseting luxury that you'll find in the immediate vicinity of Augrabies Falls. Situated 3 km (2 miles) from the national park, it's on a large property with its own airstrip and, consequently, has a bit of a small desert-oasis resort atmosphere, with an unusual avenue of very tall palm trees out front. The food and service are good, and the rooms are cushy rooms with dressing gowns and walk-in wardrobes. A lovely wooden deck equipped with sun beds and tables and centered on an enticing swimming pool (really needed in summer) is a gorgeous sanctuary after a day exploring this lesser-known corner of South Africa. A three-bedroom villa offers greater privacy.

Tutwa is far flung but far from ordinary, a slice of luxury amid both Kalahari wilderness and Orange River oasis—you can head off on a game drive and return for a paddle on the river, potentially spotting more animals from your canoe. The game-viewing is spare but high-quality, featuring giraffe, wildebeest, eland, ostrich, and oryx by day and aardvark, jackal, aardwolf, and even leopard at night. What's most extraordinary, though, is the rocky terrain, comprised of basalt with rose-quartz shards measuring as much as a meter (3 feet) in both length and width. The lodge also offers opportunities to fly-fish and to learn more about San culture and history. The downstairs verandah suites and the four Annex suites upstairs—with their views—are the most desirable. Babysitting services and three self-catering cottages are also available.

This well-placed guesthouse for travelers on the road from Upington to Riemvasmaak Hot Springs also has a good restaurant, curio shop, and cocktail lounge (and even swings for kids in the garden). Comfortable rooms are all en suite, and the family rooms have separate entrances. It's a good choice if you have pets, since some rooms allow dogs. It's also en route to the Richtersveld, Namibia, and Namaqualand. The chef can prepare meals outside on the patio (summers are hot) or by the fireplace (winters are cold), or you may enjoy intimate dining at the restaurant.