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UPINGTON - GREEN KALAHARI
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  Upington: Upington
is the chief city in the Northern Region of South Africa. This dry and hot area is
characterised by desolate deserts and harsh landscapes. However, do not let that deter
you. Upington boasts a marvellous oasis: the fertile and lush Orange River valley which
runs through it. This shimmering valley provides a green ribbon through the harsh
landscapes bringing life-giving water from the distant highlands of Lesotho. Upington was
founded in 1884 and currently boasts a population of 72 198 inhabitants. It was named
after Sir Thomas Upington, the Attorney-General of the Cape. It originated as a mission
station established in 1875. The mission station now houses the town museum, known as the
Kalahari Orange Museum. The museum is also the home of the famous donkey statue, which
recognizes the enormous contribution that this animal made to the development of the
region during the revolutionary days of the 19th Century.
In the 1870s this area was inhabited by Korannas under leadership of Klaas Lucas and of
Klaas Pofadder. Back then these men were known as the river pirates living on the many
small islands situated in the Orange River.
 Even though the
landscapes in the area are very arid, the soil is still very fertile and crops such as
fruit are grown in irrigated fields. The area is best known for its export-quality grapes,
raisins and wines, which are cultivated on the rich flood plains of the Orange River. The
Orange River is also a major source of relaxation and entertainment for travellers and
locals alike. Its beauty and tranquillity attracts people from all over the country
yearly. Upington also boasts many beautifully landscaped gardens, rose beds and large,
graceful trees all situated in a genuine atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
Upington is an ideal winter holiday resort with all the modern conveniences on the major
routes to Namibia and Kalahari, Augrabies, Fish River Canyon and Northern Cape Bound by
the Orange River and the Kalahari. It is the closest large centre to the Augrabies Falls
which is arguably the king of South African waterfalls. As the commercial and educational
centre of the Green Kalahari, Upington is much larger than any of the surrounding
villages. The town is linked by air, rail and road to most parts of the country. Upington
is a convenient stopover for those travelling on the Kalahari-Namaqua-Namibia (Namakwari)
Route to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The town has excellent accommodation
facilities, restaurants and shops.
Upington is a favourite hotspot for thrilling activities such as hunting, boating,
fishing, golfing as well as waterskiing. For all the wine connoisseurs, spend the day at
The Orange River Wine Cellars. This is a five-cellar co-operative. It is the largest in
the country and the second largest in the world. It offers fantastic wine-tasting tours
and tours of the facility. The South African Dried Fruit Co-Operative is a rather modern
co-operative and the second largest of its kind in the world. Freshly packed dried fruit
can be bought on the premises.
 Popular
attractions in Upington include Die Eiland (“The Island”), Spitskop Nature
Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Kalahari Kuierfees, The Raisin Festival and the SA
Dried Fruit Co annual triathlon. Die Eiland is a Holiday Resort situated on an island in
the middle of the Orange River. It boasts a gorgeous Date Palm entrance avenue of 1 041
metres of Palms planted 9m apart, which makes it one of the longest and the most dense
palm avenues in the southern hemisphere. The Raisin Festival is great fun for all
travellers and locals in the area. This festival boasts a colourful parade of floats,
beauty competitions, craft building competitions, potjiekos, pancakes and plenty of fun
for family and visitors. Other attractions include the Mission, built in 1873 as well as
Parsonage, built in 1883, which are both now museums.
Upington’s central business district is a buzz with business activities. Its economy
greatly relies on agriculture, tourism and the services industry. Its modern shops,
excellent facilities and easy accessibility to popular hotspots make it the centre of this
vast region. Upington boasts a fantastic transport system including an Airport. Upington
Airport may be small, but it is by no means quiet. In fact, it does a brisk business in
cargo including everything from live sheep and goats, to cars and mining equipment. Not to
mention grapes! Approximately 1 million tons of grapes leave this beautiful town every
year! This airport also boasts the longest runway in Africa at 4,900m (16,076ft)!
Upington may seem arid and desolate, but it is in fact a bustling area boasting great
beauty, fun and adventure. There is plenty to see, do and enjoy here. |
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 Overnight at Upington
accommodation or find an hotel in Upington. |
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UPINGTON GOLF COURSE |
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 Upington Golf Course: Situated just outside of
Upington on the N14 road to Johannesburg and Olifantshoek, next to Desert Palace Casino,
is the Upington Golf Course. Upington Golf Course is a suprisingly attractive, contrasting
18 hole grass course with a true "Kalahari" look and feel to it. ... Upington Golf
Course » |
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UPINGTON MAP |
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 Upington Map: Upington
is the chief city in the Northern Cape of South Africa. View the Upington Map which shows
details of major highways, streets, indicates the central business district location,
major landmarks including the Orange River. A full range of maps of the Northern Cape is
available to view ... Upington Map » |
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SPITSKOP NATURE RESERVE |
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 Spitskop Nature Reserve: The
Spitskop Nature Reserve was named after Spitskop, an impressive granite koppie just
outside the small town of Upington. Consisting mainly of sandy flats interrupted by two
rocky outcrops, the reserve is worth a visit not only for its game, but also for the
dazzling plains ... Spitskop Nature Reserve
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