Kalahari people and stories
Visit farms, local stops and cultural experiences that reveal the human side of the Kalahari.
All-inclusive guided self-drive lodge tour
Kalahari: Red Sands & River Roads 4×4 Lodge Tour
An Upington-based journey through South Africa’s Northern Cape | 5 days
An Upington-based guided 4×4 lodge journey through the red-sand landscapes and river roads of South Africa’s Northern Cape.
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Starts in Upington
- Ends in Upington
- Self-drive 4x4 lodge tour
Tour overview
A cultural and natural journey into the Kalahari.
This five-day Kalahari Discovery Tour begins at Upington Orange River Cellars and travels north into red-dune country, working farms, wildlife areas and cultural stops.
It is more than a game drive - it combines landscapes, hospitality, conservation, camel dairy stories, meerkats, dune drives and a final wine-cellar farewell.
Why this tour is special
Designed around the strongest parts of the route.
Wildlife and dune scenery
Enjoy red dunes, springbok, gemsbok and wide-open desert landscapes.
Meerkats, camels and local experiences
Include Koppies Kraal Camel Dairy and Kalahari Trails Meerkat Sanctuary.
Wine-cellar finish
Return to Upington Orange River Cellars for a final lunch and tasting.
Included in the tour
What’s included
Included in your tour price
- ✓
Guided self-drive 4x4 touring
- Included in your tour price.
- ✓
Lodge and tented accommodation
- Included in your tour price.
- ✓
Meals and local experiences
- Included in your tour price.
- ✓
Kgalagadi, Dreghorn, Molopo and Upington route guidance
- Included in your tour price.
- ✓
Pre-departure information and guide support
- Included in your tour price.
Kalahari: Red Sands & River Roads 4×4 Lodge Tour itinerary
Your route
Select a day below to open the details.
Day 1Upington to Loch MareeOrange River Cellars and Zoutpan
Meet at Upington Wine Cellars for breakfast and briefing, then travel toward Loch Maree and Zoutpan Tented Bush Camp.
- Upington start
- Zoutpan Salt Pan lookout
- Traditional braai
Day 2Loch Maree to Kgalagadi LodgeCamels, Lost City and meerkats
Visit Koppies Kraal Camel Dairy, explore the Lost City story and spend time at the Meerkat Sanctuary before Kgalagadi Lodge.
- Camel Dairy
- Meerkat Sanctuary
- Kgalagadi Lodge
Day 3Kgalagadi and DreghornWildlife and sunset dune drive
Spend the day in the Kgalagadi region before continuing to Dreghorn Game Lodge for a sunset dune drive and cheese-and-wine moment.
- Kgalagadi wildlife
- Dreghorn Game Lodge
- Sunset dune drive
Day 4Molopo LodgeDune adventure and San evening
Enjoy dune driving at Dreghorn, lunch at Molopo Lodge and an evening cultural dinner at Erin Game Farm.
- 4x4 dune driving
- Molopo Lodge
- San cultural dinner
Day 5Return to UpingtonWine Cellars farewell
Travel back to Upington for a final lunch and wine tasting at Orange River Cellars.
- Scenic return
- Final lunch
- Wine tasting
Confirmed departures
Choose your date
Choose the confirmed departure that suits you. If no dates are currently shown, contact our team for upcoming options.
New departure dates coming soon.
EnquireMessage our team for the next Kalahari: Red Sands & River Roads 4×4 Lodge Tour dates.
Ask about future datesChoose your date
Select the confirmed departure that suits you.
Book and pay
Guests complete the booking flow and pay by instant EFT or card where enabled.
Receive your tour pack
The team sends confirmation, preparation notes and the relevant tour documents.
Join the tour
Arrive prepared, meet the group and enjoy the route with Why Not Africa Tours.
FAQs
Before you book
Do I need my own vehicle?
For self-drive 4x4 tours, guests normally travel in their own suitable 4x4. Contact our team before booking if you need help confirming vehicle suitability.
What is included?
The accommodation, meals and planned experiences shown in the inclusions are covered in the tour price. Your booking confirmation will set out the final arrangements for your departure.
How do I choose a date?
The departure cards show the current dates, status and availability. Choose a bookable date or contact our team if you need help.
Ready to travel?
Kalahari: Red Sands & River Roads 4×4 Lodge Tour
A five-day Kalahari discovery route from Upington through Loch Maree, Kgalagadi Lodge, Dreghorn, Molopo Lodge and Orange River Cellars.
R12 800Kalahari: Red Sands & River Roads 4×4 Lodge Tour
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