Top 4 Things to Do in and around Upington
Discover Upington’s highlights – from the mighty Augrabies Falls and Orange River cruises to Kalahari wildlife and cultural gems. This Upington travel guide covers things to do in Upington (including Augrabies Falls accommodation and Kgalagadi stopovers) and tips to book a guesthouse for exclusive deals.
1. Augrabies Falls National Park
Upington is about 120 km from Augrabies Falls National Park, making it a convenient base for visiting the “Great Noise” of South Africa. The park’s centerpiece is the dramatic Augrabies Falls, where the Orange River plunges 56 meters into a rocky gorge. Visitors can stroll along the raised boardwalk to seven viewing decks for sweeping views of the 90m-high falls. Beyond the cascades, Augrabies offers desert wildlife drives (look for giraffe, zebra, springbok, kudu and eland) and rare desert-adapted birds.Plan your Augrabies Falls accommodation in advance – many travelers choose to stay in Upington and make day trips to the park. For example, riverside guesthouses in Upington put you within easy reach of Augrabies while enjoying nightly comfort.
2. Orange River Cruises and Wine Tasting
The Orange River – Upington’s lifeline – is perfect for relaxation and adventure. Take a sunset river cruise on Sakkie’s Arkie for bird-watching and Kalahari sunsets – this floating bar offers 1½-hour tours along the river with snacks and drinks on board.Wine lovers can head to Orange River Cellars, a local winery where trained guides explain how the region’s desert climate shapes the wines and offer free tastings.Aside from cruising and tasting, you can canoe the tranquil river channels or picnic on the riverbanks. These Orange River experiences are top-rated things to do in Upington for enjoying the “Green Kalahari” scenery.
3. Explore the Kalahari and Kgalagadi Park
Upington sits in the semi-arid “Green Kalahari” – a surprisingly lush corridor on the desert’s edge. You might spot springbok grazing along the riverbanks at dusk, as they often wander near town. Many travelers en route to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park pause here for rest and supplies. The Kgalagadi Park (about 350 km north) is famed for red sand dunes and big cats, but even closer to Upington you can enjoy private game drives on Kalahari farms or bird-watching tours. After a day of safari or roadside sightseeing, unwind with a riverside cocktail or star-gazing under the vast desert sky.
4. Relax at Sun River Kalahari Lodge – Riverside Guesthouse in Upington
After adventure, treat yourself to relaxation. Sun River Kalahari Lodge is a riverside guesthouse right on the Orange River. Its lush gardens, river-view chalets and cozy lounge offer a serene retreat in the heart of the Green Kalahari. Guests often spot Springboks grazing on the lawn. As an Upington guesthouse option, it provides modern comfort and easy access to the activities above. Be sure to book your stay directly through the Sun River Kalahari Lodge website to access exclusive discounts and special offers.
Each of these attractions adds a unique flavor to your Upington travel guide. Whether you’re marveling at Augrabies Falls, cruising the Orange River, or stargazing after a safari, Upington delivers memorable experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to plan your stay through Sun River Kalahari Lodge’s official site for the best rates and added perks!
