Orange River Wine Cellars
Visit the Orange River Wine Cellars for an authentic taste of the Northern Cape. The vineyards are all located in close proximity to the Gariep (Orange) River, and stretch over a distance of more than 350 kilometres, from Kakamas in the west through Keimoes, Upington, Grootdrink and, finally, Groblershoop Wine Cellars in the north-east. The wines are renowned for their healthy colours and distinctive aromatic and flavour properties, all of which are inherited from the prevailing terroir conditions, enhanced by avant garde cellar technology. Great emphasis is placed on delivering complex, fruit-driven wines, immediately accessible, easily drinkable, and consumer friendly. Book a wine tasting, starting from R15 per person, and pair it with a platter for a memorable outing.
The winery is open during the week from 10h00 to 18h00 and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 15h00.
orangeriverwines.com
Kalahari-Oranje Museum
Learn more about the resourcefulness and hardships of the people that have lived the Northern Cape. The Kalahari-Oranje Museum is housed in the buildings erected by the Reverend Schröder in 1875 as a church and mission station. On display are mostly items that once belonged to the Reverend and includes artefacts from settlements in the Lower Orange River Valley during the pioneer days. The main building, near the southwest end of the aptly named Schröder Street, also has a collection of local historical photographs and news articles on display. History really comes to life in the Manse House, one of Upington’s most interesting buildings. You can explore each of the rooms in this authentically restored house dating from the late 19th century. Outside the museum you’ll find a statue of donkey, in recognition of the enormous contribution this animal made to the development of the region.
Scotty Smith’s gravestone
One day he would steal a man’s horse, on another he would give money to a hard-pressed widow – or join in a posse in search of himself. That was Scotty Smith, a Kalahari crook with a great sense of humour and a love for the high road. Scotty Smith’s real name was the rather laborious George St Leger Gordon Lennox. However, in the taverns and gambling dens of the Kalahari, that was just too much of a mouthful – it was all compressed to Scotty Smith. After an adventurous life, Smith died a respected elderly townsmen of Upington during the 1919 flu epidemic. He is buried in the Upington cemetery. The grave is protected by an iron trellis, on his grave stone is written “Never will his memory fade – Jessie”.
Sakkie se Arkie
What better way to enjoy the Orange River than on a sunset river cruise? Situated on the river bank in Upington, Sakkie se Arkie is an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of town and to enjoy the relaxing and thrilling potential of the Orange River. The floating bar on the river captained by Sakke Spangenberg for a two hour cruise. Sip a glass of bubbly while taking in the sights of the Orange River. Enjoy fantastic birding, total relaxation, good company, and good music, and soak up the Kalahari sun while drifting along the river.
arkie.co.za
Desert Palace Hotel & Casino
Desert Palace is located seven kilometres from the Upington CBD on the N14. The casino offers slots and seven tables. But it’s not just gambling on offer here; there’s something for everyone, including an 18-hole putt putt course and a squash and golf club as well as There is also a restaurant on site. Bella Roma offers pub-style meals in a family friendly atmosphere. Exceptional pizzas and steaks are popular with diners. Come early for a hearty breakfast or pop in during the day for a pub lunch special.
The slots are open from Monday until Thursday, from 10h00 to 02h00; Friday to Saturday, from 10h00 to 03h00; and on Sunday from 14h00 to 23h00. The tables are open from Monday until Thursday, from 6 pm to 2 am; Friday to Saturday, from 6 pm to 3 am; and Sunday from 2 pm to 11 pm.
desertpalace.co.za
Le Must
Dine on fancy South African cuisine at Le Must. The menu offers unusual dishes, such as the bobotie spring roll starter with sultana jelly, pork cutlets, slow cooked oxtail and the very popular chocolate mousse cake. Here you can find traditional South African food, served up in a unique way. The restaurant is decorated unusually but beautifully and is incredibly eye catching. Local wines are available to compliment your meal.
lemustupington.com