How far is Upington from Nkowankowa?

It is approximately 1200 kilometers.

No, there is no passenger rail service.

What is the best way to get there?

Driving is the most direct and flexible option.

Yes, it is a major town with standard safety precautions.

Upington

Bus Driving

Nkowankowa to Upington

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Nkowankowa to Upington covers approximately 1200 kilometers. You will travel south through Limpopo, Gauteng, and the North West before reaching the Northern Cape. The most direct route is via the N1 and N14 highways. This trip typically takes 14 to 16 hours by car. Upington is a major town located on the banks of the Orange River.

Total Distance: 1200 km driving distance, 1000 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Private vehicle via the N1 and N14 highways.

Cheapest Way

Minibus taxi to Polokwane, then bus to Upington.

Compare Nkowankowa to Upington Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	18 hours	14 hours
Avg Price	R1000 - R1500	R1700 - R2300 fuel
Operator	Intercape	Private Vehicle
Route	Tzaneen to Upington via Johannesburg.	R71 to N1, then N14 west towards Upington.
Tip	Long-distance bus travel requires multiple stops; prepare accordingly.	This is a very long drive; plan for overnight stops.

Travel Tips

Long Drive
Plan for overnight stops to avoid extreme driver fatigue.
Tolls
Budget for significant toll fees on the N1 highway.
Fuel
Refuel in major towns like Johannesburg or Kuruman.
Weather
Upington can be very hot in summer; pack accordingly.
Navigation
Use a reliable GPS for the entire journey.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Be cautious of heavy traffic and long stretches of road.
Vehicle Security
Keep your vehicle locked and valuables out of sight.
Emergency
Keep a list of emergency contacts for all provinces you pass through.
Communication
Ensure your phone is charged for navigation.