Originally called Olijvenhoutsdrift, the historic town of Upington is set in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The Orange River Valley runs through the harsh and mysterious Kalahari landscape that surrounds Upington and it becomes obvious why this area is known as the Green Kalahari, with fertile valleys contrasted against semi-desert. Upington offers lush manicured gardens, stately trees lining wide boulevards and colourful flowers, creating a sense of peace and serenity. Meanwhile, the town’s bustling business centre provides visitors with more lively entertainment. Upington serves as the gateway to the impressive Augrabies Falls and to the expansive wilderness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Visitors can learn about local history at the Kalahari Orange Museum, enjoy wine tasting at the local Orange River Wine Cellars, or take a sunset cruise down the Orange River on a floating bar.
Stretching from the central Namib Desert to the Orange River on Namibia's border with South Africa, Southern Namibia is a vast, sparsely populated region defined by dramatic desert landscapes, rugged mountains and expansive open plains. Renowned for its remarkable geological diversity, the region is home to iconic attractions, including the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, the spectacular Fish River Canyon, the abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop, where drifting sand has filled once-grand buildings, and the iconic Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, desert wildlife encounters and exceptional stargazing beneath some of the world's darkest skies. With its immense sense of space, striking scenery and ever-changing desert landscapes, Southern Namibia offers an unforgettable journey through one of Africa's most awe-inspiring wilderness regions.
Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in southern Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest, and the world’s second-largest, canyon. Hot, dry and dramatic, the Fish River Canyon stretches for an astonishing 160 kilometres, reaching up to 27 kilometres wide and 550 metres deep. Its vast, rugged beauty draws visitors from across the globe. Adventurers can tackle the challenging 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail, which winds through 1.5 billion years of geological history, while those seeking rest can soak in the mineral-rich hot springs of Ai-Ais or admire breathtaking views from Hobas Restcamp and other viewpoints along the rim. Scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives, and seasonal kayaking complete this unforgettable Namibian experience.
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund, which boasts remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in its architecture, culture, cuisine, and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and, ofcourse, the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful, untamed wilderness.
As previously described
