Upington
Northern Cape

Upington, on the banks of the Orange River, lies 820km north of Cape Town and 875km west of Johannesburg. It is the economic and traffic centre of the Northern Cape province and the gateway to the Kalahari desert. For travellers to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this is the last stop to do the shopping in well stocked supermarkets and replenish provisions. Those coming from the Kalahari can enjoy the green lawns and the luxury of a swimming pool after a dusty desert ride.

In the middle of a dry semi-desert area an oasis has been created using the waters of the Orange River for irrigation. A narrow ribbon of fertile land runs for over 280 kilometres on both sides of the river. The main crops are wine grapes, as well as citrus, dates, wheat and vegetables. You also find cotton plantations here and there. The grapes are exported to Europe as table fruits or raisins or used for the local wine production which has gained an excellent reputation over the last years.

The origins of Upington date back to the year 1871, when Reverend Christiaan Schröder was sent from Cape Town to the Orange River to found the Olyvenhoutsdrift mission station. The area at the time was sparsely populated by some Khoikhoi clans and a few boer farmers. Schroeder had followed an appeal by the local Khoikoi chieftain, Klaas Lucas, who grew up in a mission station and could appreciate the value of being able to read and write. Lucas also expected protection against marauding Khoikhoi groups from neighboring areas. Soon a police station was established. The small settlement then was named Upington after the first Attorney-General of the Cape, Sir Thomas Upington.

The building of the old mission station at the Orange River - near the bridge - can still be visited. It houses a small museum (Kalahari Oranje Museum).

Upington is the hottest town in South Africa. In summer temperatures often rise above 40 degrees Celsius. Humidity, however, is very low, which makes even the hottest summer days bearable.

Travel Information and accommodation


Photo Top: Aerial shot of Upington. The irrigated strip is quite narrow. In the background is the desert.
Top Left: Kokerboom tree at the Orange River.
Bottom Left: Vineyard near Upington.