One is constantly aware of the fact that all business and agricultural activities in Upington are made possible by the Orange River with its never-ending supply of water. Irrigated fields  and vineyards stretch for 300 km along the lower Orange River. Here one finds sultanas and raisins, export grapes, champion wines and cotton that stand its own on the world market. Visitors are welcome at the Cotton Ginnery, at SA Dried Fruit Co-operative where tons of raisins and sultanas are packed daily, and at the Orange River Wine Cellars Co-operative - the second largest in the world - for cellar tours and wine tasting. Obviously, the Orange River does not only supply water for the town of Upington and and its industries, but is a major source of relaxation and entertainment, like in October, when the SA Dried Fruit Co holds its annual triathlon, combined with fleamarkets and watersports of all kinds and flavours.

The Upington Raisin Festival has a colourful parade of floats, beauty competitions, craft building competitions, potjiekos, pancakes and lots of fun for family and visitors

Die Eiland, a Holiday Resort and caravan park, is situated on an island in the middle of the Orange River, with a Date Palm entrance avenue of 1 041 metres of Palms planted 9 m apart, which makes it one of the longest and densest palm avenues in the southern hemisphere.

Upington is also strategically situated for visits to the Kalahari Gemsbok Park and the Augrabies Falls National Park. Close to home, you also find the Spitskop Nature Reserve, providing sanctuary to herds of Gemsbok, Zebra, Springbok, Ostriche, Eland, Camel and Wildebeest - a perfect place for a day's outing, picnicking, game drives or even doing the hiking trails in the Reserve. The Augrabies National Park also offers a variety of wildlife to see, as well as a variety of hiking trails, night game drives, Black Rhino, Camel rides,  canoeing, mountain biking and river rafting on the Orange River, below the awesome Augrabies Falls itself. This is also a land of contrasts, with various scenic attractions and 4x4 trails for the four-wheel drive enthusiast.

Once you've allowed the eerie Kalahari atmosphere to become part of you, you'll soon heed the call to return to this vastly different landscape that is home to the Kalahari Gemsbok Park, one of the world's truly unspoilt ecosystems. Its vast open spaces and endless dune horizons, its predators and clear starlit night skies filled with the sounds of barking geckoes, howling jackals and hooting owls creates a very magical atmosphere not to be missed.

Accommodation

• Amakhulu Central Reservations
  Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in the Northern Cape including Upington.
  
• Accommodation in Upington
  This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.
  
• Belvedere Guest House
  Situated about an hour from Upington in the Northern Cape. Relax in the private guest lounge or enjoy scenic walks through the vineyards nearby. Close to Augrabies Falls .

• Ebenaeser Guest House
  Set amongst vineyards with sweeping views of the Orange River Valley and just 45 mins from Upington. Zandri extends a warm welcome to her family farm. Charming and private bedrooms. Also self catering options.