Gravel Path

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    Keimoes Riverbank Trail

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    Keimoes is one of the Northern Cape’s most unexpectedly beautiful destinations — a small Orange River town where the river fragments into dozens of channels around tree-covered islands, creating a labyrinth of date palm plantations, riverine forest and quiet water that bears no resemblance to the surrounding Kalahari desert. The 20km island and riverbank loop winds through this extraordinary landscape on flat gravel and earth paths, crossing the river channels via small causeways and bridges, past date groves and the famous island chapel of the Keimoes Mission.

    What to Expect

    This is gentle, accessible cycling — no technical skill required, almost no elevation gain. The terrain is flat throughout and the paths are well-defined. What makes Keimoes remarkable is purely the setting: riding slowly through the date palm groves with the river channels shimmering between the trees, and the knowledge that 5km in any direction beyond the river, the Kalahari reasserts itself completely. The Orange River Cellars cooperative cellar near town offers wine tasting — the Kalahari wine produced in this extreme heat and alkaline desert soil has a distinct character worth experiencing.

    Getting There

    Keimoes is on the N14 between Upington (50km east) and Augrabies Falls (70km west). GPS: -28.6847, 20.9731. Keimoes Tourism: +27 54 461 1030.

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    Upington 15km Orange River Loop

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    Upington sits on the banks of the Orange River in the Green Kalahari — the stretch of riverine land along the Orange that is improbably lush against the surrounding desert, supporting vineyards, date palms, fig trees and a riverside culture entirely at odds with the extreme Kalahari landscape just kilometres away. The 15km Orange River Loop is an accessible, flat introduction to the area — a gentle riverside ride through Upington’s leafy waterfront, past the famous Kalahari-Oranje Wine Cooperative and the sprawling Orange River Cellars, before returning to town along the opposite bank.

    What to Expect

    This is easy, family-friendly riding on riverside paths and low-traffic roads — no technical skill required, minimal elevation change, plenty of shade from the riverside trees. The Orange River riparian belt is extraordinarily rich in birdlife, and the contrast between the lush green riverbanks and the red Kalahari sand beyond them creates a visual distinctiveness that is uniquely Northern Cape.

    The Kalahari-Oranje Wine Estate produces some of South Africa’s most unique wines — the extreme heat and alkaline desert soils produce wines with a character found nowhere else. A post-ride tasting is an essential part of the Upington cycling experience. Le Must Restaurant on the riverbank is consistently rated as one of the finest dining experiences in the Northern Cape.

    Getting There

    Upington is 120km east of Augrabies Falls on the N14, and the base city for all Green Kalahari cycling. GPS for waterfront start: -28.4478, 21.2561. Upington Tourism: +27 54 332 6064.