Namibia & Okavango Overlanding 4x4 Adventure
Tour Highlights:
Wildlife encounters, foot exploration, and scenic waterways
Desert wonders, unique experiences, and a historic lighthouse retreat
Luxurious safari tents, Timbila Nature Reserve, and Namibian wilderness allure
Namibia & Okavango Overlanding 4x4 Adventure
Traverse Africa's heartlands with our 4x4 adventure & overlanding tours. Experience the essence of the Namibian wilderness and Okavango Delta mystique.
Journey Overview
Embark on an exhilarating Africa Overlanding 4x4 Adventure, commencing with a flight from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana. From there, you'll soar to the Okavango Delta for a thrilling safari in Botswana, indulging in seven nights of wildlife encounters across two distinct camps, exploring on foot, by canoe, or by camping vehicle.
The adventure persists as you journey from Maun to Windhoek, Namibia. After a night in Namibia's capital, you'll collect your rental car, initiating an exploration of northern Namibia. Traverse the desert, visiting the renowned 'dead lake' of Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon, and relishing unique experiences like a Hot-air balloon safari, a visit to a Cheetah sanctuary, and a Scorpion Walk to spot these intriguing creatures that glow in the dark.
Transitioning from the serene desert, your adventure unfolds along Namibia's captivating coastline. You'll be greeted for two nights at a historic 1932 cast iron lighthouse, a landmark overlooking the remote peninsula.
The journey progresses with an overland drive to Timbila Nature Reserve in the Mount Etjo Region, where luxurious Glamping accommodations await for one night.
Returning to Windhoek, you'll fly to the Mother City on the same day, spending three nights in the city center village of Tamboerskloof before departing on your final day. Experience the heart of Africa with our Africa Overlanding 4x4 Tours.
Embark on an Adventure: Botswana & Namibia African Safari
Delta Oasis: Eco-Friendly Sojourn
-
Your Accommodation
Welcome to the City of Gold or Jozi! Flying into Joburg today, you'll then fly straight out again the same day to Maun, landing in Botswana. You'll be met at the airport and taken to the working farm that is Tshilli Farm (DB&B) for a well-earned rest after your long flight.
The farm, started by Adrian Dandridge over fifteen years ago, has a stunning array of bird life, and being located just outside the wilderness area of the Delta itself, it's possible to hear the calls of the wild overnight. The farm makes use of regenerative farming practices, catching the attention of the Botswanan Ministry of Agriculture for its achievements.
Your Tshilli Farm accommodation offers semi-open chalets perched on stilts. Each chalet features an en-suite bathroom with hot showers and a thoughtfully designed structure blending reed thatching, net screens, and canvas walls, bringing the surrounding wilderness to you. Additionally, each chalet boasts a small deck for you to unwind and take in the serene views.
Your home away from home:
Tshilli Farm
tshillifarm.life
Tsutsubega, Maun, Botswana
Tel +267 71 407 379 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
The heart of the farm includes a dining space, a curio shop, and a comfy lounge area. For an immersive experience, there's a bar area by the floodplain, providing an ideal spot for watching the sun set. A natural swimming reservoir adds to the rustic charm.
-
Your Food
For dinner, venture into the farm-fresh restaurant, where you can enjoy a tasty meal. This is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and prepare for the adventures that await you in the heart of Africa.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner and Breakfast
Sustainable Safari: Okavango Delta Discovery
-
Your Accommodation
Today, you'll take a short drive back to Maun Airport to catch your flight to the Okavango Delta. Flying low over this unique wilderness landscape, you'll land at Delta Camp (DLB&B), where you'll spend the next four days.
Delta Camp offers an authentic and traditional Okavango Delta experience, prioritizing the reduction of human-generated noise and reliance on sustainable energy sources like solar panels. Upon arrival, you'll meet your dedicated guide, ensuring a personalized adventure throughout your stay.
Delta Camp's accommodations blend seamlessly with the ancient forest, with some structures accommodating existing old-growth trees. Raised on decks and free from glass windows, the chalets offer unobtrusive and natural connections to the surroundings. Each chalet is individually designed, providing spacious and elegant interiors with captivating views of the bush and floodplains.
Your home away from home:
Delta Camp
footsteps-in-africa.com/collections/delta-camp
Botswana
Tel +267 686 1154 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
Choose from a range of activities—game walks, exciting drives, or serene mokoro safaris—to explore the Delta's reeds and pristine wilderness. You'll have the chance to observe wildlife up close, including hippos, elephants, crocodiles, various antelope species, buffaloes, and a diverse array of birdlife.
-
Your Food
Dining at Delta Camp is a memorable experience, with the option to enjoy meals in an elegant dining room or under the stars, serenaded by the sounds of the African night. Your journey at Delta Camp is not just an adventure; it's an opportunity to deeply immerse yourself in nature while experiencing the genuine charm of the Okavango Delta.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Savuti Serendipity: Three Days of Wildlife Wonder
-
Your Accommodation
Today, you'll fly with Delta Air to Camp Savuti (DLB&B), transitioning from the mokoro experiences of the Okavango Delta to a drier landscape. Your three-day stay at Camp Savuti promises diverse terrain, including open plains, woodlands, and the iconic Savuti Marsh—a dynamic backdrop for rich wildlife encounters.
Your accommodation will be in a private and peaceful Meru-style tent, elevated on wooden platforms for optimal views of the Savuti Channel. The climate in this region during your visit is typically dry and cool, providing comfortable conditions for exploration without the intense summer heat. Wildlife congregates around water sources during this season, offering fantastic opportunities for observation.
Your home away from home:
Camp Savuti
footsteps-in-africa.com/collections/camp-savuti
Chobe National Park, Botswana -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
Camp Savuti is situated in an area renowned for its exceptional wildlife, boasting one of the highest concentrations on the African continent. The Savuti Marsh, fed by the Savuti Channel, is a premier predator viewing area. You may encounter large lion prides with remarkable elephant hunting skills, African wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and a variety of bird species. The camp's eco-friendly approach, powered by solar panels, ensures a serene and immersive environment.
Your days at Camp Savuti will be filled with thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in open-top 4x4 vehicles. These drives, accompanied by coffee breaks and scenic sundowners, offer close encounters with the captivating wildlife of Chobe National Park. Don't forget to keep your camera ready to capture the mesmerizing moments in this remarkable wilderness.
-
Your Food
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Urban Oasis: Boutique Elegance
-
Your Accommodation
Your journey today takes you from the untamed beauty of Camp Savuti to the refined charm of Windhoek, Namibia's capital city.
In the morning, bid farewell to the rugged wilderness as you board a flight to Maun. From Maun, another flight whisks you to Johannesburg, a vibrant African metropolis. Later in the day, you'll embark on the final leg of your journey, landing in Windhoek as the sun sets at Hosea Kutako International Airport. Here, the Namibian evening welcomes you.
Your transfer from the airport leads to the Belvedere Boutique (B&B), a modern and elegant boutique hotel, thoughtfully designed to be your haven in Windhoek. Owned by Herman Davin, this boutique retreat offers the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.
After a day of travel, your luxury room at the Belvedere awaits, ensuring a restful night's stay. The hotel's amenities are second to none, with a sparkling pool inviting you for a refreshing swim, and a jacuzzi to soak away the day's fatigue. If you seek relaxation and pampering, indulge in beauty and spa treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Your home away from home:
Belvedere Boutique Hotel
www.belvedere-boutiquehotel.com
76 Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Street, Windhoek
Tel +264 61 258 867 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
For those with energy to spare, the Belvedere Boutique boasts a floodlit tennis court and a putting green, perfect for some friendly competition. There's no need to venture far for dinner; the Belvedere Boutique offers a delightful dining experience that matches the elegance of your surroundings.
-
Your Food
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Solitaire Serenity: Gateway to Namib-Naukluft Adventure
-
Your Accommodation
Your next adventure begins as you collect your rental vehicle, a robust 4x4. It's time to hit the open road and explore Namibia on your own terms. But before you depart Windhoek, there's an important task at hand: obtaining a permit for the Namib-Naukluft park. Unfortunately, this permit must be purchased in person, so you'll need to drive to the permit office with your passport in hand. Inform the staff that you plan to explore the Namib Naukluft to the west of Solitaire and visit the Gobabeb site.
With your permit secured, you'll set off on a scenic 3-hour / 224 km self-drive journey towards Solitaire Lodge (B&B). At Solitaire, you'll check into a comfortable double room, your base for the next part of your adventure.
Your home away from home:
Solitaire Lodge
www.solitairenamibia.com
Solitaire, Namibia
Tel +264 81 560 1400 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
The lodge is situated on the edge of the Naukluft National Park, a vital outpost in the midst of a dramatic gravel plain no-man's land. What once began as a place to stock up on fuel and make vehicle repairs has evolved into a destination in its own right, offering an ideal starting point for exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft Park, including the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
You've the afternoon free to explore the area on foot or by vehicle as you choose.
The day extends into a delightful evening with dinner at Cafe Van der Lee, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and unwind after your cheetah encounter. However, the adventure isn't over just yet. Following dinner, prepare for an exhilarating Night Game Drive, which immerses you in the captivating world of the Namib Desert after dark.
Under the world's darkest night skies, you'll explore 45,000 acres of pristine wilderness teeming with nocturnal wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for meerkats, hyenas, and elusive bat-eared foxes as they emerge from their daytime hideouts. The striking oryx, with its majestic horns, might also make an appearance. In addition to these mammals, the desert comes alive with a variety of insects and snakes, including the Sidewinder, a fast and venomous viper that grows up to 30cm in length. The cool, nighttime temperatures make this the perfect time for wildlife exploration, as most creatures take to the hunt during these dark hours, a stark contrast to the scorching daytime heat that drives them underground.
From an elevated vantage point, you'll be treated to a spectacular sunset view of the desert while sipping on your sundowner and embracing Namibia's warm hospitality. It's the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day.
-
Your Food
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Luxury in the Wilderness
-
Your Accommodation
Today begins with a sumptuous breakfast at the Solitaire Lodge, after which you'll embark on a scenic self-drive to Namib Outpost. The 100 km journey through Namibia's captivating landscape will take approximately 1.5 hours. As you drive through the desert, the interplay of light and shadow across the ever-changing colours of the sand dunes, the sense of isolation, and the vast scale of the landscape combine to create a truly mesmerizing and otherworldly experience.
When you arrive at Namib Outpost (D,B&B), you'll be welcomed into your luxurious suite. Tucked away in a 7,000-hectare private nature reserve, this lodge exudes a cozy and inviting charm. Each of the 12 suites offers private shaded decks, treating you to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These suites, topped with thatched roofs, come complete with air conditioning, ensuring your comfort amid the natural splendour. The lodge's central hub, located at the foot of a picturesque mountain, features a restaurant, lounge, and a pool terrace. It's the perfect place to unwind, all while soaking in the serene ambiance of the Namibian wilderness.
Your home away from home:
Namib Outpost
www.ondili.com/en/lodges-en/namib-outpost
Sesriem St, Sesriem
Tel +264 61 240 020 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
Once you've settled in, you'll go on a sundowner horse ride through the desert surrounding Namib Outpost with African Horse Safaris and will arrive back in time for dinner.
On Day 11, expect an early start as you'll embark on an exciting balloon safari with Namib Sky Balloon Safaris. Drift above the stunning Namib Desert at sunrise, where you'll witness the grandeur of the Naukluft Mountains and vast plains. Your one-hour journey offers a unique sensory experience, with captivating vistas of sand dunes and mountains. After your flight, indulge in an "Out Of Africa" style Champagne breakfast in the desert before a leisurely nature drive back.
Following the Balloon Safari, you will visit Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon with the team from Namib Outpost. On your last day, enjoy some DNA (Doing Nothing At All) at this luxurious lodge. Whether you choose to relax at Namib Outpost, take a dip in the pool, or explore the nearby plains and wildlife, the choice is yours.
On your last morning, you'll have a chance for a morning horse ride of just over an hour to appreciate the desert waking up to a new day.
-
Your Food
Throughout your stay, you'll savour the flavors of authentic Namibian cuisine with breakfast and dinner at Namib Outpost.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner & Breakfast
Gobabeb Wonders: Tour of Desert Sustainability Innovations
-
Your Accommodation
Your journey today takes you from the Namib Outpost to the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute (D,B&B), a 5-hour / 227 km self-drive through the stark beauty of the Naukluft National Park. This remote wilderness represents one of the most arid and isolated places on Earth, providing a stark contrast to your previous stays.
Gobabeb is a place of intriguing history and environmental research. Originally home to the !Nomabeb Topnaar community, it later became a hub for scientists studying desert ecology and climate. After checking in at Gobabeb Centre, a satisfying lunch awaits to replenish your energy.
Your home away from home:
Gobabeb Namib Research Institute
www.gobabeb.org
Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
Tel +264 64 694 198 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
Once you've settled into your accommodation - which is quite basic as this is a working environment - delve into the world of Gobabeb during a station tour. You'll discover the innovative technologies designed to thrive in this extreme desert environment. From their diesel-solar hybrid energy system with 370 solar panels to their water heating and recycling setup, the centre’s sustainability efforts are truly remarkable. Gobabeb even sources water from unconventional methods like sewage systems and fog harvesting. While exploring, you might come across the resident Topnaar goats, crucial in managing organic waste.
In the evening, you're in for a unique experience – the Scorpion Walk. As night falls, you'll have the opportunity to spot these fascinating creatures that emit an eerie glow in the dark due to fluorescent chemicals in their exoskeletons. Don't forget to wear sturdy boots for this adventure.
Either before or after your Scorpion Walk, you'll be treated to a hearty, homely dinner under the starry desert sky, an unforgettable backdrop for your evening. As you retire for the night at Gobabeb, you'll be lulled into slumber by the tranquil desert ambiance.
Gobabeb's significance extends beyond its captivating landscape. This internationally recognized research and training centre, a joint venture between the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia and MET, is committed to studying dryland environments. Their research covers critical topics such as desertification, water sourcing, and the adaptation of plants and animals to desert life. Gobabeb is an embodiment of human ingenuity in one of the world's harshest environments, making it a must-visit for those curious about desert ecology and sustainable solutions.
-
Your Food
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Paddling with Cape Fur Seals
-
Your Accommodation
On day 16, your Namibian adventure transitions from the desert's calm to the captivating coast. Leaving the tranquil Gobabeb behind, you'll make your way to the stunning Pelican Point Lodge (D, L, B&B) in Walvis Bay. Welcoming you is a historic 1932 cast iron lighthouse, an iconic sight overlooking this remote peninsula. Set against the backdrop of vibrant marine life, Pelican Point Lodge offers a unique retreat.
Your home away from home:
Pelican Point Lodge
pelicanpointlodge.com
Walvis Bay, Namibia
Tel +264 64 221 282 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
The afternoon brings an exceptional experience. Don a wetsuit, pick up your paddle, and head to the beach for a unique encounter with the local Cape Fur Seals. Kayaking amidst approximately 50,000 playful seals allows you to witness these curious creatures in their natural habitat and explore the peninsula's tip, where you might even cross paths with flamingos and dolphins.
Day 17 starts with the serene beauty of Pelican Point Lodge. After a hearty breakfast, join a guided Peninsula Drive. This journey introduces you to coastal wildlife, from pelicans, flamingos, and seals to avocets and - if you’re lucky - the elusive beach fox. The drive includes visits to a salt refinery, a shipwreck, and remnants of an old jetty significant to the area's history.
Following the Peninsula Drive, the afternoon offers flexibility. Relax at Pelican Point Lodge or, weather permitting, opt for a bay boat trip to explore more coastal wonders.
-
Your Food
In the evenings, savor dinners at Pelican Point - either in the restaurant or on the beach if the weather allows. Enjoy ocean-fresh catches complemented by South African wines, embracing the coastal ambiance of the lodge.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Safari Delights: Game Drives and Wildlife Encounters
-
Your Accommodation
Get ready to dive into an adventure-filled Day 18 that starts with a weather-dependent boat trip around the bay, treating you to stunning coastal vistas. After a hearty breakfast at Pelican Point Lodge, buckle up for a scenic 4-hour, 323 km drive to Timbila Nature Reserve in the Mount Etjo Region. Your home for the next days is Camp Namibia, featuring self-catering glamping tents. These tents run on solar power, providing en-suite bathrooms, twin or double beds, sleeper couches, and fully equipped kitchens for a practical and comfortable stay.
Your home away from home:
Camp Namibia
timbila.com.na/room/camp-namibia
Omaruru District, Namibia
Tel +264 81 677 9192 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
Over the next two days, you're spoiled for choice with an array of activities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Namibian bush. Opt for thrilling game drives, where encounters with giraffes, zebras, elephants, and even lions await. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse birdlife, from ostriches to eagles and vultures, while traversing rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and the captivating bushveld.
Nature walks beckon, promising magical surprises amid the bushveld's enchanting flora, fauna, and the symphony of wild sights, smells, and sounds. For an adrenaline kick, delve into animal tracking using cutting-edge LoRaWAN tracking systems. Let the expert guide lead you closer to the majestic lions or the tusked titans like elephants or rhinos.
Seeking relaxation? Take in the breathtaking scenery, cool off in the shimmering blue swimming pool, or unwind by the firepit, catching the mesmerizing sunset painting the river in hues of gold and orange.
-
Your Food
Craving a break from cooking? The pizzeria bar serves up wood-oven fired pizzas alongside other tasty bites and light refreshments for sale. And for your convenience, a small shop stocks basic supplies and unique curio items to take home a piece of your Namibian adventure.
Meal Inclusions: Self-Catering
City of Wonders: Cape Town's Beauty and Culinary Delights
-
Your Accommodation
Your journey on Day 20 takes you from Camp Namibia to the vibrant city of Windhoek, where you'll bid farewell to your vehicle before boarding a short, 2-hour and 10-minute flight to Cape Town.
Touching down at Cape Town International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by Hannival's Tours and whisked away to the heart of Tamboerskloof, where the iconic Parker Cottage eagerly awaits your arrival. Nestled within this historic neighborhood, Parker Cottage isn't just a place to stay - it's a living piece of Cape Town's captivating history. Built in 1895 by John Parker, the city's inaugural mayor, this charming abode was crafted as two distinct houses, each steeped in its own tale of legacy and family lore.
Parker's incredible journey - from humble beginnings in Cape Town to becoming a prominent architect and mayor - adds layers of intrigue to this already fascinating residence. Today, under the attentive care of owner Pamela Nayler, Parker Cottage stands as a testament to its heritage while embracing modernity in ten beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms. Notably, it stands out as one of Cape Town's few heritage buildings running entirely off-grid, showcasing its dedication to sustainability and Fair Trade Accreditation.
Your home away from home:
Parker Cottage
www.parkercottage.co.za
Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Tel 021 424 6445 -
Your Travel Time
-
Your Activities
Cape Town, a city of boundless diversity, caters to every taste. Whether you're drawn to its arts and culture, outdoor wonders, or culinary delights, there's something to captivate you. Experience the awe-inspiring vistas from Table Mountain, revel in the vibrant energy of the V&A Waterfront, and delve into history at sites like Robben Island. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the breathtaking Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. And who could resist the charm of African penguins at Boulders Beach or the allure of historic landmarks like the Castle of Good Hope and District Six Museum?
On day 23, after breakfast at Parker Cottage, you'll hop on a transfer with Hannival's Tours to Cape Town International Airport. It's time to catch your flight home, saying goodbye to Africa's stunning scenery.
We'll be here for your next adventure. Travel safely !
-
Your Food
As the days wind down, explore Cape Town's diverse food scene. There are plenty of restaurants with unique offerings, and the folks at Parker Cottage can suggest some great ones.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast
Where to next?
Let’s plan your journey
Enquire now and our Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours or Whatsapp to start chatting.
START PLANNINGExplore Our Favorite Journeys
Here are some of our best-selling holidays - pick your adventure…
per person
sharing for 8 nights
per person
sharing for 7 nights
Need more Inspiration?
Explore more of our tailor-made Southern Africa adventure travel journeys curated by our Travel Experts.
VIEW ALL TRIPSContact Us
Exceed House
Springfield Office Park
Belleville, Cape Town
7450
Cell / WhatsApp +27 72 136 9096
Email: travel@whereitallbegan.co.za
About
Where It All Began is committed to crafting active adventures that not only thrill but also preserve the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Southern Africa.
Our mission is to provide sustainable adventure travel experiences that connect travellers with off the beaten track experiences in this diverse region through cycling, hiking, sailing, diving, off-roading and other low-emission methods of travel.
Through responsible tourism practices, we aim to leave a positive impact on local communities and ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and cherish the places where it all began.
Ethos
Our logo is an image of a skull found in the Rising Star Cave System in Gauteng, South Africa in 2013. It was named ‘homo naledi’, meaning ‘human of the stars’.
The cave system has so far given rise to the remains of over 15 individuals, making it the largest hominid fossil remains site ever discovered.
Travelling to Southern Africa is truly a return to the source of humankind, to Where It All Began.
