Northern Cape, South Africa · ZA

Upington

The Green Kalahari, on the banks of the Orange River

🏨 Book a Hotel 🎯 Book Activities

History & Heritage

From Mission Station to the Green Kalahari

Upington began in 1871 as a mission station founded by Reverend Christiaan Schroder on the banks of the Orange River, then known as Olyvenhoutsdrift. The town proper was founded in 1873, renamed after Sir Thomas Upington, later Prime Minister of the Cape Colony.

What transformed Upington from a remote outpost into a farming town was the Orange River itself: irrigation canals turned the river's flood plains into some of South Africa's most productive land for table grapes, raisins and wine.

That same river geography made Upington a natural gateway rather than a destination in itself — 120km downstream lies Augrabies Falls, proclaimed a national park in 1966, while the town's airport, built with an extraordinarily long runway, became the region's aviation anchor.

Key Historical Places

Places of Significance

Kalahari-Oranje Museum

Housed in the original 1875 mission buildings, with period furnishings and the town's famous donkey statue.

Mission History 1875

↑ Combine with a stroll along the Orange River promenade.

Date Palm Avenue, Die Eiland

Two rows of over 200 date palms lining a 1,000m avenue leading to the Die Eiland river resort.

Orange River Walk

↑ Walk it at golden hour for the best light.

Orange River Cellars

A wine cooperative with several depots along the Orange River flood plains, among the largest of its kind in the country.

Wine Tasting Agriculture

↑ Book a tasting in advance during harvest season.

Timeline

1871
Rev. Christiaan Schroder founds the mission station at Olyvenhoutsdrift
1873
Town founded and renamed Upington
1875
Mission buildings built, now the Kalahari-Oranje Museum
1966
Augrabies Falls proclaimed a national park
1968
Upington Airport opens

Stay in the Know

New Guides & Travel Updates

Get our new destination guides and changes to visa and border rules by email.

Twice a month, free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy.