Kanoneiland might look like a place made only for slow walks, long lunches, and wine-stained sunsets—but that’s just one part of the story. Beyond the stillness of the vineyards, the Green Kalahari stretches out in wild, unexpected ways. The river cuts through rocky gorges. The desert rolls in with red sand and sudden cliffs. And adventure isn’t something you have to search for—it’s right there, waiting.
This is where African Vineyard Boutique Hotel surprises people. One minute you’re enjoying a spa treatment or a garden breakfast at our bed and breakfast near Upington. The next, you’re river rafting down the Oranger River while gripping a paddle in white water or standing at the edge of a canyon, wind pushing at your shoulders.
River Rafting Orange River – Up Close and Wild
The Orange River is calm in places—but don’t let that fool you. Just upstream from Kanoneiland, its waters pick up pace through rocky bends and narrow gorges, creating the perfect conditions for river rafting and canoeing. Outfitters or Umkulu Adventures run guided trips for all levels, from half-day paddles to multi-day adventures where you sleep under the stars with the sound of flowing water in your ears.
It’s not a sanitized kind of adventure. You’ll get wet. You’ll probably laugh at yourself. You might even tip a canoe. But in between the adrenaline are moments of total quiet—drifting between reed-lined banks, spotting waterbirds, and watching the sun pour itself over the cliffs. It’s the kind of trip that wakes you up from the inside out.
Another trusted name in the region is Dirty Boots, which connects travellers with some of the best paddling operators along the Orange. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly float or a rugged multi-day wilderness trip, their curated adventures are a solid place to start. They also offer useful route descriptions and gear tips—handy for those who prefer to go in with a plan.
Many travellers looking for a bed and breakfast in Upington choose to stay on Kanoneiland instead—close enough to town, but far enough to feel like you’re in another world. Guests at African Vineyard Boutique Hotel often pair a river trip with a quiet evening back at the lodge. One day you’re in the rapids, the next you’re sipping wine by the pool. It’s a rhythm that works.
Rugged Paths and Waterfall Echoes
About an hour’s drive from Kanoneiland lies Augrabies Falls National Park, home to one of South Africa’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Here, the Orange River throws itself over a 56-metre drop into a granite gorge, and the sound is nothing short of thunder. But the real discovery is what happens after the falls.
The Klipspringer Hiking Trail loops through the park’s arid interior, taking you across rust-coloured stone, past quiver trees and dassie families sunning themselves on the rocks. It’s hot, dusty, and completely worth it. If you’re not up for a multi-day hike, there are shorter walking routes near the falls that still offer sweeping views and plenty of wildlife.
The trail isn’t overly manicured. It doesn’t need to be. That rawness is part of the draw. You’re not separated from the landscape—you’re in it.
Red Sand, Big Sky, and the Sound of Engines
Further into the Kalahari, the desert reveals a different kind of terrain. Here, it’s all about wheels—4×4 tracks that twist through dunes, dry riverbeds, and wide-open nothingness. Local operators offer guided off-road trips that blend skill, scenery, and just enough risk to keep your heart rate up.
You’ll crest dune ridges with panoramic views. You’ll stop in remote spots where the only sounds are the wind and the idling engine. In some areas, you can even swap the 4×4 for a fat bike and pedal over the sand under wide blue skies.
These aren’t mass-tourism routes. They’re run by people who know the land and respect it. If you’re staying on Kanoneiland, day trips can be arranged—or if you want something more immersive, overnight options are available. The best time to go? Early spring or autumn, when the temperatures soften, and the colours of the desert show their full range.
If you’re searching for a B&B in Upington that offers more than a place to sleep, African Vineyard gives you access to both comfort and raw, open-space adventure—all without leaving the Northern Cape.
African Vineyard Boutique Hotel – Adventure Awaits
There’s a rhythm to life on Kanoneiland. Slow, sunlit mornings. Long, late dinners. But in between, there’s room for something wilder. At African Vineyard Boutique Hotel, we’ll help you find that balance—whether it’s river rafting through white water, a hike through ancient rock, or a drive through the dunes. Adventure here doesn’t mean roughing it. It means stepping out into something real, and coming home to comfort when you’re done.
