Flight
Driving
Durban to Upington
Updated: 28 May 2026
Traveling from eThekwini to Upington involves a long-haul journey of 1350 km. The most common route is via the N3 to Johannesburg, then the N14 through the North West province. Driving takes roughly 15 hours, making an overnight stop in Kimberley or Bloemfontein advisable. Alternatively, you can fly from King Shaka International to Upington Airport with a connection in Johannesburg. Upington serves as the gateway to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Augrabies Falls.
Total Distance: 1350 km driving distance; 1050 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Flying via Johannesburg is the fastest way to reach Upington.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the most economical option for families.
Compare Durban to Upington Routes
|
Connecting via Johannesburg
|
Direct
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 hours | 15 hours |
| Avg Price | R4500 | R2800 fuel cost |
| Operator | Airlink | Personal Vehicle |
| Route | King Shaka International (DUR) to Upington Airport (UTN). | N3 to Johannesburg, N12 to Kimberley, N14 to Upington. |
| Tip | Flights are limited; book at least two weeks in advance. | Check your tire pressure before starting this long desert drive. |
Travel Tips
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Water SupplyCarry at least 5 liters of drinking water in your car.
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Fuel ManagementRefuel at every major town as petrol stations can be far apart.
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AccommodationBook your stay in Upington well in advance during peak season.
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Sun ProtectionThe Northern Cape sun is intense; wear high-SPF sunscreen.
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Road SafetyAvoid driving at dawn or dusk to prevent collisions with wildlife.
Safety Tips
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Vehicle PrepCheck your cooling system, as the heat is hard on engines.
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Emergency KitPack a basic first aid kit and a spare tire.
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CommunicationDownload offline maps as GPS signal can be lost in remote areas.
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FatigueTake a 15-minute break every 2 hours to stay alert.
People Also Ask
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Is Upington safe?Yes, it is a safe town, but standard precautions apply.
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Can I take a bus?Yes, long-distance buses operate, but they are very slow.
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What is the weather like?Very hot in summer and cold in winter.
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Are there car rentals?Yes, major agencies are available at Upington Airport.
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Is the N14 road good?Yes, it is a well-maintained national highway.
Quick Info
- From Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- To Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
May to August for cooler weather, as summer temperatures in Upington exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Things to Do in Upington
1
Augrabies Falls
Witness the powerful waterfall on the Orange River. It is located 120 km from Upington.
2
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Experience world-class desert wildlife viewing. It is a premier destination for photographers.
3
Orange River Wine Cellars
Tour the second-largest wine cooperative in the world. Taste local desert-grown wines.
4
Upington Island
Walk along the banks of the Orange River. It is a peaceful spot for a picnic.
Tags
Durban to Upington road trip
flights to Upington
N3 highway route
Northern Cape travel
driving from KZN to Northern Cape
Upington airport
long distance driving South Africa
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