LENGTH: 270 KM

DONT MISS ::Augrabies Falls ::Kalahari-Oranje museum ::Tintel se Winkel

THERE are few places in the world where the life-giving power of water is so clearly illustrated as the area surrounding the Orange River near Upington. Through this harsh, barren landscape runs a glittering green ribbon, the Orange River Valley, one of South Africa's premier soft fruit farming areas.

But the river's powers were not always utilised this well. After the establishment of a mission station in the area in the late 1800s, misssionary Christiaan Schröder quickly ealised the great irrigation possibilities of the river. Hand-digging of the first channels began in 1880, and some are still in use today. As a result, Upington is not only a thriving commercial centre, but has many historical buildings and sites to view.

The Rev Schröder's mission station is now home to the Kalahari Oranje Museum. It displays items dating back to the early history of Upington, including a life-sized bronze monument to the donkey ­ for its contribution to the development of the Orange River Valley.

For wine lovers a visit to the Oranje Rivier Co-operative cellars is a must, but sampling the vintages should perhaps wait until you are back from your drive... This five-cellar co-operative is the second-largest in the world and presents the visitor with a unique range of natural and fortified wines. Daily wine tasting and tours are offered, except on Saturdays.

Another Upington attraction worth visiting is the grave of George St Leger Gordon Lenox, alias Scotty Smith. According to local legend he was the Robin Hood of the
region.

Close to Upington, where the N10 crosses the Orange River, is the Die Eiland resort and, at its entrance, the longest avenue of date palms in the southern hemisphere. The avenue is a national monument. The resort has a huge swimming pool and comfortable chalets that are very popular, especially in summer when the heat can be almost unbearable.

From Upington the N14 hugs the Orange River and leads to Keimoes. For a splendid panoramic view of the Orange River irrigation area, go to the hilltop situated about four kilometres out of town.

The drive to the next settlement, Kakamas, is a scenic one as the N14 crosses a plain of desert grass framed on either side by the black and red peaks of the Neusberge. Near Kakamas the road passes through a gap in the range and crosses the river.

Highlight of the Orange route is a visit to the Augrabies Falls, the sixth-largest waterfall in the world. Centrepiece of the National Park named after it, the waterfall has a 64-metre final plunge. But combined with all the smaller cascades and channels, the Orange River drops by more than 190 metres. The gorge, a mighty example of granite erosion, is 240 metres deep and 18 kilometres long.

The park itself protects the local semi-desert vegetation, including the quiver tree, Cape willow, wild olive and a peculiar plant called the lithop, which resembles a stone. Black rhino, springbok and klipspringer are some of the animals found in the park. Various hiking trails are on offer, including one that combines canoeing on the river, hiking and mountain biking.

The Augrabies Falls are likely to keep you busy for quite a while but, if time allows, there is one more venue worth a visit on your way back.

Some 25 kilometres from Upington, a turnoff to the south leads to the biggest populated inland island in the country, Kanoneiland. One of the island's most popular attractions is a catfish farm. Here, visitors can savour the fish, along with local wines. Also take some time to visit Tintel se Winkel, a general store that's almost 70 years old and still has its original wooden counters.