Upington Accommodation

Upington is an unexpected splash of green in the arid Northern Cape, strung along the banks of the Orange River and surrounded by vineyards, orchards and wide desert horizons. Known for its warm climate, riverfront setting and thriving wine industry, it is one of the province’s most appealing bases for exploring the Kalahari and the landscapes of the lower Orange River.

The town began in 1871 as the Olyvenhoutsdrift mission station, established by the Reverend Christiaan Schröder. The original name referred to the olive trees growing around the river crossing. In 1884, the settlement was renamed Upington after Sir Thomas Upington, who served as Attorney-General and later Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. The name has endured, even as the town has grown from a small mission community into the commercial centre of the lower Orange River valley.

The Orange River is the key to Upington’s character. Irrigation has transformed the surrounding desert into fertile agricultural land, with vineyards producing grapes for both wine and raisins, alongside citrus orchards and other crops. A visit to local wine estates offers the chance to taste wines shaped by the region’s intense sunshine and hot, dry climate, while river cruises provide a more leisurely way to appreciate the landscape.

For history and culture, the Kalahari-Oranje Museum is an excellent starting point. Housed in historic buildings associated with the original mission settlement, it traces the development of Upington and the communities of the Orange River valley. The town’s riverfront is another pleasant place to explore, with palms, gardens and views across the water.

Nature lovers can venture beyond the town to experience the stark beauty of the surrounding countryside. Birdwatching along the river is rewarding, while game reserves and farms in the wider district offer opportunities to see springbok, gemsbok and other wildlife. The nearby Augrabies Falls National Park is one of the region’s major attractions, where the Orange River plunges dramatically through a granite gorge. The falls are especially impressive after periods of good rainfall.

Upington lies within the Kalahari & Diamond Fields Region, although the Orange River gives it a distinctly greener character than many other settlements in the area. Its combination of river scenery, wine, history and easy access to the Kalahari makes it an excellent base for exploring the Northern Cape.

Whether enjoying a sunset beside the river, sampling local wine or setting off into the surrounding desert, Upington demonstrates how profoundly water can transform an arid landscape into a thriving and welcoming destination.