The Green Kalahari is where the arid zone comes alive, thanks to the vast Orange River that flows through this part of the Northern Cape. To the south, the river forms a natural boundary with the Karoo, and to the north the landscape includes waves of dunes called valleys or streets that offer fabulous game viewing. It�s an area that remains largely untamed, and yet it�s easy to explore with its many tourist-friendly facilities. Upington lies on the banks of the Orange River and is the Green Kalahari�s main town. It has the longest palm avenue in the southern hemisphere and is surrounded by plentiful vineyards (more than 10% of the country�s) that produce some good wines. Oranges, Lucerne, and cotton are also grown in the area; there are large dried fruit concerns; historic water tunnels hand-constructed by Cornish miners; a town consisting of 120 islands; and the Augrabies Falls National Park, which has the sixth highest waterfall in the world. This park offers visitors the chance to get in touch with nature and explore colossal granite domes and the giant valley created by the Orange River. Further north lie more towering canyons in the area of Riemvasmaak, which is run by the local community who offer a traditional experience and the use of a natural hot spring. One of the region�s most famous attractions is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park � an awesome and mostly unspoilt ecosystem that spills into Botswana and offers 3.7million hectares of conservation area. It�s sanctuary to herds of endemic antelope, the famous black-maned Kalahari lions, and numerous other species. The Green Kalahari also has many saline pans, which, apart from producing salt, are utilised for an annual fly-in of light aircraft. This is a region of contrasts and contradictions � the arid zones and the green belt formed by the Orange River � that calls out to the explorer. Warm hospitality is found around every corner for those venturing off the beaten track, so be warned, you may plan to visit for only a few days, and end up staying a lot longer! --- By Brent Naud�-Moseley
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