Kalahari Kuierfees

About the Kalahari Kuierfees

The Kalahari Kuierfees originally started out back in 1992 as the SAD Raisin Festival, with all festival activities restricted to "Die Eiland" resort. The festival drew widespread support and media attention from its inception and in 2000 management of the event was handed over the people of the Northern Cape.

With the founding of an article 21 company, the festival adopted it's current identity as the Kalahari Kuierfees. A family orientated, predominantly Afrikaans festival, offering a variety of sporting events, top class entertainment and culinary delights for locals and visitors alike. Utilising multiple venues throughout the beautiful town of Upington in the Green Kalahari.

Today this 4 day festival attracts more than 30,000 visitors and 170 exhibitors.
Festival goers can enjoy a variety of South Africa's best musicians and acts on the main stage at the Island Resort's festival grounds; relax in the "Kuier Tent", surrounded by handpicked exhibitors offering quality food, drink and other products, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Within walking distance from the main stage, visitors can enjoy more stalls with a wide range of products to choose from. We also offer a dedicated Children Tent with fun, interactive shows throughout the festival; a fun park with rides for all ages; sporting events and other competitions. Key sporting events taking place on the Saturday morning, include: Cycling, Half-Marathon, Fun Walk, Iron Man, Volleyball, Rope Pull, Swimming & other water sports.

In the town center, the festival is kicked off with a street carnival and two theaters will showcase some of the top theater pics of the year. A Free Theater also offers dance groups and other shows. Getting back to the Island is not only simple, it's also fun; Hop on an authentic Green Kalahari "Donkie Kar" or take a ride over the mighty Orange River on a river taxi. Just make sure to get a good view of the river on the final night of the festival, as we end it with a spectacular firework display to bid you farewell.

To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance for this event. Visit the Upington Accommodation pages to find guest houses, hotels and self catering places to stay and for additional info about Upington which includes attractions, restaurants and things to do, see Upington Info.