Hi, I’m Liesel Gerber from Libby’s Lodge in Upington in the Green Kalahari, Northern Cape.
Upington IS BEST KNOWN AS an oasis in the desert where the mighty Orange River weaves a golden band through the Kalahari landscape – a town that symbolises growth and prosperity.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Camel and Rider statue (which commemorates the mounties and their mounts who policed this harsh desert territory).
THE BEST nature PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT sunset along the river.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Date Palm Avenue (declared a national monument in 1982. The length of the avenue is 1041m and it consists of 200 date palms – this makes it the longest and densest palm avenue in the Southern hemisphere).
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD (which is almost always), I LIKE TO I like to engage in outdoor activities (leisurely picnics along the river, exploring the countryside and visiting Spitskop Nature Reserve on the outskirts of town (it provides sanctuary to animas such as zebra, gemsbok, springbok, ostriches, eland and wildebeest. A telescope atop Spitskop enhances game viewing). Quadbiking, canoeing and hiking can also be recommended.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO browse through The Mill country shop (where homemade goodies are for sale and people from local communities earn extra income by creating intricately decorated crafts).
A visit to Kalahari Dried Fruit shop is also a must (here you can tempt your taste buds with delicacies of the region whilst absorbing panaramic views of the Orange River Bridge) Wine tasting is always popular – Visit Orange River Wine Cellars, the largest cooperative wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, or Bezalel winery for a tour and mampoer tasting. A visit to Kai-Uru grape seed oil is also an interesting experience.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS Spring and Autumn, BECAUSE because the weather is absolutely fantastic then.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS at one of the many coffee shops.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Havana, the Dros, The Irish Pub or Bi-Lo’s.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Le Must Restuarant, TRY THE local speciality dishes.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Havana.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY the Desert Palace complex.
Upington’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the fact that it is one of SA’s major grape producing areas – produce are directly exported via Upington International Airport (boasting the longest runway in the southern Hemisphere).
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS go on a sunset cruise on Sakkie se Arkie (equipped with onboard bar and barbeque facilities).
FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO the Kalahari Oranje Museum Complex (built in 1875), visit the grave of Scotty Smith (according to legend, the Robin Hood of the region during the 18th century) or the Upington 26 Monument. Here the role of people fighting oppression and apartheid is commemorated. 26 People were sentenced to death row.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO take a leisurely drive along the countryside.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY Upington Microlights, River Rafting, Hot Air Ballonning.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN September, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Kalahari Kuierfees.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to visit Rekopane Wine Farm and Herbs where you will be able to make your own herb bouquet. Horserides can also be arranged.
Upington also offer 4 cinema theatres and a fun putt-putt course. Donkey cart rides can be arranged from the Oasis development centre (which aims to secure opportunities for persons with disabilities).
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS canoeing, fishing, bird watching and hiking trails.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO go on day tours, do 4X4 nature trails or even sign up for scenic flights and end the day with some wining and dining.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS definitely to visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
I Love Upington BECAUSE of its unique and beautiful desert-river landscape and the warm, friendly hospitality of its people.
Upington Links
- Upington Attractions
- Upington Accommodation
- Things to Do in Upington
- Northern Cape Hotels
- Northern Cape Accommodation
Desirable Digits
Orange River Wine Cellars: +27 (0)54 337-8800
Arabesque Coffee Shop: +27 (0)54 331-3412
Sakkie se Arkie: +27 (0)82 564-5447
Havana: +27 (0)82 773-5188
Dros: +27 (0)54 331-3331
Le Must Restuarant: +27 (0)54 332-6700
Desert Palace: +27 (0)54 338-4135
Kalahari-Oranje Museum: +27 (0)54 331-2640
