Upington

The silt-rich water of the mighty Orange River brings life to the arid world on both of its banks, as well as the complex of islands within it. The islands were once used as strongholds for river pirates, bandits, rustlers and renegades who tormented the settlers.

In 1870 the local settlers appealed for a missionary to come and bring some stability to the area. The Reverend Christiaan Schroeder arrived, and turned out to be more than just a missionary. He pioneered the irrigation canals that launched the lower Orange River community on the path to prosperity.

Upington grew rapidly as people found they could cultivate sun-loving fruits, fodder and grains. The town is now most famous for its table grapes, sultanas and raisins. Salt is obtained from several pans, while copper, minerals and semi-precious stones are mined in abundance.

Upington gets almost unbearably hot in summer, and respite can be found just minutes out of town at the Olyvenhout Island Holiday Resort, which has a huge, welcoming pool. The driveway to the resort is a kilometre-long avenue of majestic date palms, planted in 1935 and now proclaimed a National Monument.

Most visitors nowadays come to see the nearby Augrabies Falls, which are magnificent.

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