Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Orange River, the 4-star Moonriver Guesthouse is one of those special places where the atmosphere perfectly reflects the loving personality of the people who created it. Moonriver was once the private residence of owners, Karen and Hanrie Bergh, whose generous spirits prompted them to share the peace and serenity of their home with those who needed an escape from their fast-paced world.

Every morning, while you rub the sleepy dust from your eyes and enjoy the chorus of country birds, Karen and Hanrie are at the reception ready to greet and thank each guest for choosing to stay at their home. They set a high standard and the jovial, qualified staff follow their example to the tee; ensuring every guest enjoys the warmth and genuine hospitality of the Kalahari region in style and comfort. Aside from decadent features like saunas, Jacuzzis, and massage showers, Moonriver keeps you in the lap of luxury with tours and excursions, conference facilities, and a picture perfect wedding venue with a skilled wedding planner to bring your dreams to life! If you’re anything like me, it won’t be long before you’re humming along to the tune of Cat Stevens’ old hit “Moonshadow” and adapting the lyrics to “Moonriver, Moonriver”.

Location

Moonriver Guesthouse lies in Upington, an arid yet fertile region in the Northern Cape bound by the mighty Orange River and enchanting Kalahari landscape. While Upington may not be the first place that pops into your mind when you plan a getaway, this lush oasis is an ideal destination for winter holidays and river-based water sports in summer. It is centrally situated on the Namakwari Route (Namibia-Namaqua-Kalahari) between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Namibia; and makes a convenient stop over en route to the Fish River Canyon, Augrabies Falls National Park, the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, and Namaqualand.

Fast facts about Upington:

• Named after: First Attorney General of the Cape, Sir Thomas Upington
• Founded: 1884. It originated as a mission station run by Rev. Christian Schröder in 1875.
• Also known as: Olyfenhoutsdrift
• Altitude: 850m above sea level
• Average Rainfall: 195 mm
• Average Temperatures: Summer 18°C – 35°C; Winter 3°C – 21°C. Extreme summer temperatures often exceed 40°C and winter frosts are not uncommon.
• Best time to visit: Spring
• Distances: Augrabies Falls 120km, Fish River Canyon 340km – 450km, Vryburg 403km, Kimberley 411km, Johannesburg 796km, Cape Town 894km, Windhoek 969km
• Airport: Although smaller than most, the ultra-modern Upington Airport schedules daily flights and connections around the world.
• Industries: Tourism, agriculture, and export.
• Exports: Grapes, wine, raisins, and dried fruit.

Activities and attractions:

Moonriver Guesthouse has direct access to the Orange River, so you can enjoy loads of activities like fishing, water-skiing, and canoeing right where you are. The guest house also has a river deck, swimming pool, and dining room where you can take full advantage of your opportunity to lounge about. Other nearby activities and attractions include:

• Sunset river cruises
• Hunting
• Spitskop Nature Reserve
• Kalahari 4×4 Trail: a tough 250km route that can be done in 2 or 3 days.
• Orange River Wine Cellars Co-op: The second biggest cellar in the world, with 5 cellars situated along the Orange River in the towns of Upington, Keimoes, Kakamas, Grootdrink, and Groblershoop. The high sugar content of the grapes caused by extreme summer temperatures has made the region popular for its fortified wines.
• SA Dried Fruit Co-op: The second largest and most modern of its kind in the world. Freshly packed dried fruit is available for sale.
• Semiprecious Stones at the Museum Office.
• Kanoneiland: the largest island in the Orange River, measuring 14km x 3km (30km from Upington).

Historic landmarks:

• Kalahari Orange Museum: housed in the original buildings of Rev. Schröder’s mission station.
• The Donkey Statue: Honours the contribution of donkeys to the region’s development during the 19^th century.
• Date Palm Avenue: This National Monument consists of over 200 date palms spanning 1,041m. The avenue was planted in 1935 and is one of the longest and densest palm avenues in the southern hemisphere.
• Camel and rider statue: Honouring the “mounties” and their camels who policed the harsh desert territories of the Kalahari.
• Dutch Reformed Church
• Roman Catholic Church
• Hortentia Windmill

Annual events:

• Northern Cape Expo in April
• Ysterspan Festival in October
• The Upington Raisin Festival in October also hosts the SAD triathlon

This under-rated region is great for nature lovers, adventurers, families, and city slickers. So the next time you’re looking for a new place to visit, head to the lush banks of the Orange River. Moonriver Guesthouse is a great base and their friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile puts them at the front of their field. They’ve built some unbelievable relationships with their guests and the amount of repeat visits is evidence that you too will receive the personal touch to keep you coming back.

Have you ever visited Moonriver Guesthouse or Upington? Tell us you thoughts!

Aerial photograph of Upington by Rick Walker