Upington is a town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, on the banks of the Orange River, that was founded in 1873. Due to the abundance of olive wood trees in the area, the town was originally named Olijvenhoutsdrift (‘Olive wood drift’), but was later renamed after Sir Thomas Upington, Attorney-General and eventually Prime Minister of the Cape. It began as a mission station founded in 1871 by Reverend Christiaan Schröder. The Kalahari Orange Museum is now housed at the former mission station. The museum also houses a donkey statue, which commemorates the tremendous contribution made by this animal to the development of the region during the pioneering days of the nineteenth century.
Upington has an elevation of 2,742 feet (835 metres). It is the nearest significant city to the Augrabies Falls (probably South Africa’s most beautiful waterfall) and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Although the terrain is arid, the soil is fertile, and crops such as fruit are cultivated in irrigated fields. The region is most recognized for its export-quality grapes, raisins, and wines, which are grown on the Orange River’s lush flood plains.
The wine industry in Upington
Orange River Cellars is the company that makes Upington’s most well-known wines. Upington, Kanoneiland, Grootdrink, Kakamas, Keimoes, and Groblershoop are among the area’s six depots (all on the banks of the Orange River). Their wines are shipped to Europe and the United States, among other places.
Is Upington a big or small town?
Upington is substantially larger than the surrounding communities since it is the commercial and educational center of the Green Kalahari. Most sections of the country are accessible by air, rail, and road.
In Upington, what language is spoken?
In Upington, Northern Cape, the Khoi and San National Language Body was officially launched. Despite the fact that none of the Khoisan languages are among South Africa’s eleven official languages, they are highly valued.
What distinguishes Upington?
In 1870, Upington was named after Sir Thomas Upington. The Date Palm Avenue on “Die Eiland” is the Southern Hemisphere’s longest and densest palm avenue. In 1935, more than 200 date palms were planted here. The avenue is 1,041 kilometers long and has been designated a national monument.
Is Upington a rural or urban area?
This modest town in the heart of the Northern Cape is not the most glamorous urban destination, but it is well worth a visit. It is the gateway to the Kalahari and is the route to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is around 250 kilometers away, and the Augrabies National Park, which is approximately 500 kilometers away.
