Upington

CityNorthern Cape, South Africa

Upington is a CITY in Northern Cape, South Africa.

Upington is a vibrant city in South Africa's Northern Cape, known as the gateway to the Kalahari Desert. Famous for its lush vineyards along the Orange River, Upington offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and fertile riverbanks. Key attractions include the Kalahari-Oranje Museum, showcasing local history, and the Augrabies Falls National Park, a short drive away. The city is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like river cruises, 4x4 desert trails, and birdwatching. Upington's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its Afrikaans roots and warm hospitality, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Best time to visit Upington

April to October offers mild temperatures (15-30°C) and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor activities. Avoid December-February due to extreme heat (up to 40°C).

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Clear
Temperature
17°
Feels like
15°
Humidity
44%
Wind
5 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 20-30°C

Travel notes

Crowds
High
Prices
High

Harvest season

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

UTN

Upington International Airport

Domestic/International

5 km away

KIM

Kimberley Airport

Domestic

400 km away

CPT

Cape Town International Airport

International

770 km away

Getting around

"Rental cars are the most convenient option for exploring Upington and nearby attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available but limited. Public transport is minimal; plan ahead for intercity travel."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels, cafes, and the airport

Local SIM

Local SIM from Vodacom/MTN at airport from $5

Calling code

27

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low scam risk; be cautious with street vendors.

Night safety

7/10

Low scam risk; be cautious with street vendors.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Upington is generally safe, but take standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night, secure valuables, and be cautious in remote areas. Desert travel requires preparation—carry ample water and inform others of your plans."

Entry and health

Health information

"Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Drink bottled water and use sunscreen due to the hot climate. Medical facilities are available but limited; travel insurance is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Afrikaans culture is prominent; greet locals politely with 'Goeie dag' (Good day). Tipping 10-15% in restaurants is customary. Respect rural traditions and ask permission before photographing people."
AfrikaansEnglishTswana

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$8 | a cheap local meal costs ~$8

Hotels

$50-100 | budget hotels range $50-100/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Prices in USD approximate. Mid-range dining $15-25 per person.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

0.1 million

Area

580 km²

Government

Local Municipality

ISO code

UTN

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Upington, ئاپینگتن, Апінгтон, 어핑턴, Апингтон

NatureWineFamily-FriendlyHikingDesertRiver Activities