Orange River

This satellite view of the Orange River around Upington shows the contrasting landscapes of the region in natural colour from Sentinel-2 imagery. The deep red soils and exposed geology frame a narrow green belt of irrigated fields tracing the river’s course. The image was composited and refined for clarity and tonal balance, preserving the natural appearance and texture of this arid landscape.

The Orange River, South Africa's longest river, originates in the Drakensberg mountains and flows westward across the country to the Atlantic Ocean, forming a natural boundary with Namibia. It's a vital economic resource, providing water for extensive irrigation, hydroelectric power, and even historical diamond mining. The river's arid lower reaches and the spectacular Augrabies Falls make it a popular destination for adventure tourism like rafting and canoeing.