Upington

Upington is a medium sized town on the banks of the Orange River in the Green Kalahari region of the Northern Cape, near the Augrabies Falls National Park. The area is known for table grape, sultanas, raisins, wine and dessert wine production (in addition to various other crops from cotton to lucerne) and Upington is no exception; the town is surrounded by well irrigated fields and vineyards and its economy is largely agricultural based.

Tourism is also an important factor in Upingtons economy, attractions and activities due to its situation on the Orange River and at the head of the lush Kakamas district’s vineyards and farmlands, also known for its outdoors activities and attractions and friendly local culture.

Upington is  also the northern-most major town before entering the open desert of the Kalahari for the Witsand Nature Reserve, the Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park.

Upington attractions include the Orange River Museum, Orange River Wines that has a winery and its head office in Upington, Sakkie se Arkie for sundowner cruises, the Spitskop Nature Reserve, and Augrabies. Activities include canoeing on the Orange River and other watersports.

Getting there: Upington is an 11hr drive through beautiful scenery north-north-west from Cape Town. Take the N7 toward Malmesbury. Stay on the N7 for 217km, then exit right on to the R364. Continue for a further 117km on the R364, then exit right again on to the R27. Continue on the R27 for a further 370 approx., continuing on to the N14 for Upington, which is a further 40km.

If you are not up for the drive, there is an excellent small commercial airport at Upington.