On A Des(s)ert Trail

The Green Kalahari is as full of mouth-watering treats as it is of sublime landscapes and history.

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Upington seems far from everywhere, but not visiting the Kalahari at least once would be a mistake. Use this buzzing town as your base from which to explore quaint farm stalls and lush vineyards all the way to the Augrabies Falls National Park, or head north to experience the shimmering semi-desert red sands of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Bound by the Orange River and the Kalahari Desert, Upington is the principal town and commercial, educational and social centre of the Green Kalahari. If you plan on visiting the Augrabies Falls from here, you’re in for a day filled with some of the best flavours in the country. The Kokerboom Food and Wine Route stretches from Upington along the Gariep River and includes the towns of Kakamas, Keimoes, Augrabies, Marchand, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt and Riemvasmaak. The route is named after the quiver trees that are synonymous with the landscape.

Make the most of the day and stop at every padstal to sample and buy export-quality dates and pecan nuts. Die Pienk Padstal is an iconic stop for most tourists in the area – its quirky decor makes many an Instagram post over the holidays. You can also stop at Akkerboom Farm Stall, Heksie se Huisie and the Keimoes Information Centre and Padstal for delicious coffee, trinkets to take home and information about what to see and do in the area.