Augrabies - The hidden river

The semi- deserts of the Northern Cape in South Africa are dry and seemingly desolate.

But for the odd shrub or bush and occasional tuft of grass...

There must have appeared to the early travelers, pioneers and explorers nothing much to report.

Bare granite rock and plenty of it, extending off into the distance, as far as the eye can see.

A perfectly flat horizon only punctuated by a few strangling hills.

Yet, on closer inspection, a canyon carved into the granite appears.

A site so majestic it draws many tourists to this forsaken bit of South Africa

Once reaching the edge of the viewing platforms, the full majesty of the canyon vista is revealed to view.

Canyon Downstream

Branching Canyons Upstream

The full might of the rivers carving force is displayed, as one ponders what it took to excavate the solid granite.

The smallest crack or weakness, the chink in the granite's armor was exploited.

Millions of years later we have a site in a forgotten part of a desolate landscape that inspires wonder and awe.

Next time we will explore Augrabies further...