PROTEA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT UPINGTON

They used to call this hotel the Oasis. After a long trek across the Kalahari — and it is a long trek from any direction to Upington — you can see exactly why the name stuck. The roomy establishment stands on the banks of the Orange River and, being one of the tallest buildings in town (in Upington three floors is a skyscraper), it offers lofty views of the waterway and the surrounding countryside.

I spent three days here, revelling in friendly service, lavish breakfasts and a butter chicken curry that I could not get enough of. The room was vast and comfortable, an attraction in its own right.

The hotel also makes a fine base to explore the region — Riemvasmaak, the vineyards of the Orange River and Augrabies National Park are easy day trips, and Upington is the logical jumping-off point for a trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

DETAILS: 24 Schröder Street. Call 054 337 8400 or see www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/utnup-protea-hotel-upington

RATES: Standard rates are from R1 354 per night (R1 283 for Marriott Rewards members).