Upington rewards unhurried travellers with languid river views, vines that glow at golden hour, and a pace that invites you to breathe. Use African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa on Kanoneiland as your calm, characterful base—close enough to everything, yet wrapped in vineyard quiet. If you’re weighing up options for a weekend getaway in Upington—from Upington accommodation on the river to cosy guest houses and B&Bs—consider this your menu of ideas to mix and match: wine tasting, spa time, river activities, markets, and slow dinners under big skies.
Sip and Savour the Orange River Wines
Few visitors expect vineyards to flourish in a desert, yet the Orange River has carved out fertile banks where vines thrive. The result is a wine route that’s distinct from South Africa’s more famous regions but every bit as rewarding. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring nearby estates for tastings—crisp Chenin Blancs, refreshing rosés, and smooth reds shaped by the desert sun and river soil.
If you’d rather linger close to your base, you can enjoy a bottle right at African Vineyard Boutique Hotel, where the terrace is made for slow sunsets with a glass in hand. Wine here is more than a drink—it’s part of the story of the Green Kalahari, an experience that pairs beautifully with a romantic weekend escape.
Restore with Spa Time and Quiet Spaces
Weekends away are as much about slowing down as they are about exploring. At African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa, treatments draw on the soothing atmosphere of the vineyards—whether it’s a massage to ease travel tension, a facial to refresh tired skin, or simply an hour of stillness in the garden.
If pampering isn’t your style, relaxation might mean curling up in a quiet corner with a book, wandering among the vines, or enjoying a cool swim before dinner. However you choose to unwind, Upington lends itself to unhurried living, and the spa offers an anchor point where time feels like it stretches.
Explore Markets and Local Life
Upington’s weekends often carry the hum of markets—tables lined with fresh produce, dried fruits, handmade crafts, and the kind of small treasures that tell stories of the Green Kalahari. Strolling through these spaces is less about shopping and more about feeling the pulse of the community.
For travellers staying at African Vineyard Boutique Hotel, it’s an easy outing between riverside walks or wine tastings. Bring back a basket of local goods to enjoy later, or simply soak up the friendly exchanges that make this town feel welcoming. Markets here aren’t rushed; they unfold at the same relaxed pace that defines the entire weekend.
Drift, Paddle, or Simply Watch the River Flow
The Orange River is Upington’s lifeline and the centrepiece of many weekend experiences. Some visitors choose the thrill of river rafting, others prefer a slow cruise or paddle at sunset, and many are content with a walk along the banks, listening to the water against the reeds.
For a relaxed option, Sakkie se Arkie offers popular river cruises where you can drift along the Orange River, enjoy sundowners, and take in the wildlife and scenery from the water. It’s a favourite for travellers who want to experience the river without rushing.
Staying at African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa places you close to the river’s rhythm, where days can be as active or as quiet as you like. The contrast of desert heat and cool water makes every encounter memorable—whether you’re out on the water or simply enjoying the view with a glass of wine in hand.
A Taste of the Green Kalahari
Food in Upington reflects the abundance of the land and river. Expect menus that highlight locally grown produce, farm-fresh dates, and dishes that pair beautifully with wines from the Orange River region. Dining can be as simple as a casual meal at a local café or as refined as a chef-prepared plate at a boutique lodge.
Guests at African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa often find that some of the most memorable meals are those enjoyed on site—seasonal, thoughtfully prepared, and served in an atmosphere that feels both elegant and relaxed. Whether you choose to dine out in town or stay close to the vineyards, the experience is one of connection: to flavour, to place, and to the unhurried rhythm of a weekend escape in the Green Kalahari.
African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa
There is no single way to spend 48 hours in Upington. For some, it’s about vineyard tastings and spa treatments; for others, markets, river adventures, or simply unwinding under the Green Kalahari skies. The beauty lies in choosing what resonates with you.
By staying at African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa, you begin with a foundation of comfort, character, and calm—then layer in experiences as you please. Whether you fill your time with activity or keep it deliberately slow, a weekend getaway in Upington is less about a checklist and more about creating moments worth remembering.
