
The Northern Cape is Big Sky Country, with miles and miles of ‘nothing’ between towns. And heat… so much heat. Most days on our trip were around 36°C – some higher. But that was exactly what was needed to break the mundane day-to-day existence of Jozi. We were on the road for a week yet, despite having to drive long distances between each attraction, we managed to see soooo many delightful bits and bobs – which we will obviously be sharing with you! So, let’s begin!
The first day’s distance was 835km – from Jozi to Upington, and then on to Kanoneiland. There were some really interesting stops along the way which will be featured in the near future, but today’s focus is on the island and our stunning overnight venue – African Vineyard.

Kanoneiland is a surprising settlement, situated on the largest island in the Orange River (14km long and 3km at the widest point). It is also considered the largest inhabited island in South Africa. “Cannon Island” gets its name from a rather unfortunate incident. The nomadic Koranna (under the leadership of Klaas Pofadder) lived on the island and hid in the dense bush – from whence they conducted cattle and sheep rustling sorties. In 1879 the issue came to a head, and the island was attacked by the Cape Artillery Corps with a small cannon (now located in front of the old school building) for a number of days. Not to be outdone, the Korannas built their own cannon from the trunk of a large quiver tree. They loaded it with gunpowder and various pieces of stone and scrap and fired it across the stream. When the smoke cleared six of their own men lay dead, killed by the makeshift cannon.

Today, virtually every inch of soil is under irrigation and intensively cultivated. The fertile alluvial soil, the water from the Orange River and the superb climate provide perfect conditions for the cultivation of sultana grapes, lucerne, pecan nuts and even cotton. Farming activity began here in 1928 with 52 pioneer families that settled on the island. Life wasn’t easy – they even had to make use of a raft (eventually replaced with a ferry) to cross back onto the mainland. A single lane bridge was constructed in 1940 on the southern end of the island, and a second bridge followed in 1954 on the northern side of the island.

I initially met Elmarie in 2015 on my first trip to the Namib. I was travelling alone and reaching this little piece of paradise after a long drive was particularly rewarding. Elmarie comes across as humble, down to earth and incredibly welcoming. Her casual manner belies a professional career – she is actually “Dr Elmarie de Bruin”, with a PhD in Marketing. Beyond lecturing in marketing and holding positions as a Senior Public Relations Practitioner in more than one petrochemical company, she was previously the Chairperson of the Kokerboom Food & Wine Route. I only know her as a most gracious hostess – “she of the amazingly warm smile”!

Her operation runs like clockwork, and her staff emanate the professionalism so obvious in her own approach. This has obviously served the venue well, and today the operation is twice the size of the venue I visited in 2015. Over and above the extra rooms now available, the Spa is now housed in its own venue.

After arriving and doing all the Covid-admin required (it’s great to visit a venue where you are comfortable that all protocols are being adhered to), we were shown to our rooms. Before I could close my door, in came little Roxy – a rather special lady who insisted on spending the evening in my room in 2015. This time was no different… It was just wonderful to see this little pup again!

Little Roxy – so good to have her company again 😉. She takes her Guest Relations role very seriously…
The time before our mouth-watering dinner was spent on comfortable couches around the pool. We had time to chat and catch up, all the while sipping on cool liquid refreshments. It has been the longest time since I had a “Coke Float” – it went down particularly well in the heat of the late afternoon!

When dinner was served, it was simply delicious. Each of us had something different… deboned lamb roll (which was melt-in-your-mouth tender), a superb steak and the lamb curry. All of our meals were superb. On our return trip, we all opted for the Oxtail, which was (predictably) as good as I remembered from the previous trip. Both dinner and breakfast (fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and muesli – all the way through to a delectable hot a la carte menu) are included in the price of the executive rooms and, to be honest, really good value for money.

Going back somewhere remembered so fondly is always a risk – and yet this time I was even more impressed, if that is possible! We highly recommend this venue – whether as a stopover en route to Namibia, or to the flowers of Namaqualand, or simply as a destination. Elmarie runs week-long retreats, complete with Spa treatments – just the thing to relax you after a particularly trying year! Many are married at this beautiful venue – once again emphasizing the value of local destinations above overseas options. A more luxurious, exotic and welcoming venue you could honestly not wish for… We will be back!!
#NorthernCape #AfricanVineyards
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa
Plot 79, Kanoneiland (25km from Upington & 15km from Keimoes on the N14)
PO Box 1071, Upington, 8800
Northern Cape, South Africa
Enquiries: +27605038449 / +27798557565
Reservations: reservations@africanvineyard.co.za
Co-ordinates:
S28° 39′ 22. 3 / E21° 04′ 41. 1
S28° 39.372 / E21° 04.685