Upington
South Africa · Northern CapeZA
Town in Northern Cape, South Africa
Upington is a town founded in 1873 and located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, on the banks of the Orange River. The town was originally called Olyvenhoutsdrift, due to the abundance of olive wood trees in the area, but later renamed after Sir Thomas Upington, Attorney-General and then Prime Minister of the Cape. It originated as a mission station established in 1871 and run by Reverend Christiaan Schröder. The mission station now houses the Kalahari Orange Museum. The museum is also the home of a donkey statue, which recognises the enormous contribution that this animal made to the development of the region during the pioneering days of the 19th century.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 121,189
- Coordinates
- -28.448, 21.256
- Timezone
- Africa/Johannesburg
- Elevation
- 848 m
Overview of Upington
Located in Northern Cape, South Africa, Upington is best described as a medium-sized town. The population is roughly 121,189. The altitude here is around 848 m. A useful hint when you budget your days. Our data highlights nature, nightlife and adventure above everything else. Sitting in the southern hemisphere, its seasons follow that pattern.
Things to do in Upington
Nature in Upington
(3)Our data lists Desert, National Parks and Parks as nature options here. Plan them together and you have a full day. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Upington.
Nightlife in Upington
(2)On the nightlife side, Upington offers Events and Nightlife. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Upington. These pair well with anything else on this page.
Adventure in Upington
(1)The adventure shortlist for Upington: Off Road Trails. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Upington. These pair well with anything else on this page.
Culture in Upington
(1)Upington records Cathedrals under culture. All of it is drawn from Upington's recorded activities. A compact set that still fills a visit.
More to do in Upington
(1)Looking for other activities? Upington has Secret. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Upington.
Best time to visit Upington
For trails and green space, October to November and March to April is the sweet spot. Off-peak visits still work, thanks to culture and food.
Getting there & around
Expect a regional connection into Upington, then short distances on foot. Upington runs on Africa/Johannesburg time.
Similar destinations
Places near Upington that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Upington known for?
- In Northern Cape, South Africa, Upington stands out for nature, nightlife and adventure. That mix defines the typical visit to this 121,189-strong destination.
- What can you do in Upington?
- Options in Upington run to Desert, National Parks, Parks, Events and Nightlife — a practical starting point for an itinerary.
- When is the best time to visit Upington?
- For trails and green space, October to November and March to April is the sweet spot. Off-peak visits still work, thanks to culture and food.
- Where is Upington located?
- You will find Upington in Northern Cape, South Africa. Neighbouring destinations are listed on the matching region and country pages.
Personal notes
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