30 March 2026

Fuel Shortage at Augrabies Falls National Park: What travellers need to know

Travellers planning a visit to the spectacular Augrabies Falls National Park should take note of an important fuel shortage update from South African National Parks (SANParks).

As of 28 March 2026, both diesel and unleaded fuel are currently unavailable inside the park. While this is expected to be a temporary disruption, SANParks strongly advises all visitors to refuel before entering the park to avoid any inconvenience during their stay.

What this means for your trip

Augrabies Falls National Park is located in a remote part of the Northern Cape, where distances between services can be significant. Running low on fuel inside the park could disrupt game drives, sightseeing plans, or even your departure schedule.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free visit:

  • Arrive with a full tank of fuel
  • Plan your fuel stops in advance
  • Allow extra fuel if you intend to explore surrounding areas

Closest fuel options to Augrabies Falls National Park

While there are no fuel facilities inside the park itself, several reliable options are available nearby:

  • Augrabies (village) – closest
    • Augrabies Agrimark
    • Very limited hours
    • Not guaranteed availability
    • Not recommended as your primary refuelling stop
  • Kakamas – approx. 25 km (best option)
    • KLK Kakamas Forecourt & Express
    • Expressmark (Caltex)
    • Caltex Oranje Vulstasie
    • Multiple stations, most reliable refuelling point
  • Keimoes – approx. 50 km
    • KLK fuel station
    • Limited availability
  • Upington – approx. 120 km (full-service hub)
    • Multiple major fuel brands
    • 24-hour fuel widely available
    • Supermarkets, ATMs, and vehicle services

Travel Tip

In the Northern Cape, fuel stations can be far apart and occasionally affected by supply disruptions. As a rule of thumb, never let your fuel drop below half a tank—especially when travelling between Upington, Springbok, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Bottom Line

Until fuel supplies are restored inside Augrabies Falls National Park, travellers should plan to refuel in Kakamas as their primary stop, with Upington as a full-service backup.

 

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