05/10/2026
For nature lovers and bird-watchers heading for the Kalahari or the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Upington is the gateway to these destinations.
The relatively remote location of Upington makes it a suitable sleep-over destination. Its position bordering the mighty Orange River makes it an attractive location, especially for those with an interest in birdlife.
The Waterfront Guesthouse located on the edge of the river provides a privileged lookout over this waterbody.
What could be more appealing after a long drive than to sit and unwind in the elevated garden on the edge of the water. For those with an interest in birds this location is the perfect spot from which to start ticking off the species on ones birdlist.
On a good day one might see the African Fish Eagle perched nearby, perhaps swooping on a surface fish or even in ambitious pursuit of an Egyptian Goose. Another raptor that frequents the riverine woodland is the African Harrier Hawk. Look out for the Black Duck flying past on their way to secluded sections along the river.
On the sandbank across the river a few Blacksmith Lapwing rest lazily while Giant, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers move about, scanning the water for their next meal.
The Darter, and other Cormorant species forage in the water and after the hunt, perch somewhere to dry their plumage with outstretched wings.
Many will appreciate the silence and cool breeze, and those tuned into bird song will appreciate the calls of Namaqua Warbler, Lesser Swamp Warbler and the occasional Burchell’s Coucal.
A river flowing through an arid environment is rich in insect life which in turn attracts aerial foraging species like Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Brown-throated Martin, as well as a variety of other Swift and Swallow species.
The distinct call of Golden-tailed Woodpecker quickly attracts attention while its quieter family member the Cardinal Woodpecker can often be heard tapping away in the trees.
Take a walk around the back of the Guesthouse and listen out for the call of the Pririt Batis, more often heard than seen. Listen too for the trill of the Brubru as it moves about proclaiming its territorial presence from a high position.
When the Wild Karee’s which line the river are fruiting they attract White-backed Mousebirds and African Red-eyed Bulbuls while flowers in the garden and on the parasitic tree mistletoe attract the Dusky Sunbird, Orange River White-eye and Pied Barbet.
As the evening approaches, Egrets, Ibises and the occasional Heron fly in formation to nearby roosting sites.
If one sits outside at night one might hear the call of Spotted Eagle-owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet or the screech of Western Barn Owl.
One is likely to be woken at dawn by the loud raucous calls of the Hadeda mob as they move to feeding areas in the city gardens and the local vineyards. The unusual call of the Hamerkop will usually give away its presence but it prefers to forage along the irrigation canals and quieter areas.
Finally, while summer migrants like European Bee-eater and Diederik Cuckoo will boost ones birdlist in the appropriate season, a stay at the Waterfront Guesthouse will be the perfect location to get started on ones arid species birdlist and set the tone for greater exploration of the Northern Cape Province.
- Written by Terence Archibald.
