Black Eagle - Augrabies Falls National Park
Black Eagle is a safari lodge near Augrabies Falls National Park.
- Location
- Augrabies Falls National Park, Arid North & Karoo, South Africa, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -28.465147, 20.292301
- Elevation
- 533m
- Activities
- lodge
PlnrScore: 29/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
455 species observed within 20 km, 33 mammals, 141 birds.
- Augrabies flat lizard (Reptilia, 388 observations)
- Rock Hyrax (Mammalia, 180 observations)
- Quiver Tree (Plantae, 151 observations)
- Pale-winged Starling (Aves, 101 observations)
- Klipspringer (Mammalia, 101 observations)
- Desert Broom (Plantae, 97 observations)
- Black thorn (Plantae, 90 observations)
- Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 76 observations)
- Southern Rock Agama (Reptilia, 69 observations)
- Shepherds tree (Plantae, 64 observations)
Best Time to Visit Black Eagle
The best months to visit Black Eagle are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 30.06°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 12.8 hrs, humidity 30.1%
- February: Great, temperature 29.33°C, rainfall 16.7mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 31%
- March: Great, temperature 26.94°C, rainfall 13.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 34.6%
- April: Great, temperature 22.94°C, rainfall 3.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 34.6%
- May: Great, temperature 18.51°C, rainfall 3.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 36.3%
- June: Great, temperature 14.34°C, rainfall 13.2mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 45.9%
- July: Great, temperature 12.9°C, rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 42.2%
- August: Great, temperature 15.3°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 36.5%
- September: Great, temperature 19.34°C, rainfall 3.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 28.9%
- October: Great, temperature 24.54°C, rainfall 17.8mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 26.2%
- November: Great, temperature 26.56°C, rainfall 3.1mm, sunshine 12.7 hrs, humidity 23.4%
- December: Great, temperature 27.97°C, rainfall 13.7mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Black Eagle Lodge for optimal wildlife viewing and experiencing Augrabies Falls?
The cooler, dry winter months from May to September are ideal for visiting Black Eagle Lodge. During this period, wildlife is more active and easier to spot as vegetation is sparser, and the falls are often at their most impressive after summer rains, though water levels can vary.
What unique wildlife can I expect to see around Black Eagle Lodge and Augrabies Falls National Park, beyond the typical 'Big Five'?
While Augrabies Falls National Park is not a Big Five destination, guests at Black Eagle Lodge can look forward to spotting unique desert-adapted species like klipspringer, springbok, giraffe, and various bird species including the Verreaux's (Black) Eagle. The park is also home to the endangered black rhino and offers excellent opportunities for observing smaller creatures like rock dassies.
What specific activities or amenities does Black Eagle Lodge offer guests, given its proximity to Augrabies Falls?
Black Eagle Lodge primarily serves as a comfortable base for exploring Augrabies Falls National Park, offering amenities like a swimming pool and restaurant. While the lodge itself focuses on relaxation, staff can assist with arranging guided tours into the park, including waterfall viewpoints, hiking trails, and sundowner spots.
How accessible is Black Eagle Lodge, and what are the recommended travel options for reaching it from major South African cities?
Black Eagle Lodge is typically accessed via Upington Airport (UTN), which has daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. From Upington, it's approximately a 1.5-hour drive, and guests can arrange car rentals or private transfers directly to the lodge.
What makes Black Eagle Lodge a unique choice compared to other safari lodges in South Africa, especially for first-time visitors?
Black Eagle Lodge offers a distinct experience by focusing on the dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystem surrounding Augrabies Falls, rather than a traditional Big Five safari. It's perfect for travelers seeking a blend of natural wonder, geological marvels, and specific desert wildlife viewing in a less crowded, serene environment.