Namaqua Eco Trail 5-Day Tour

Join us for an unforgettable wild camping adventure along the scenic Namaqua Eco 4×4 Trail, following the trail along the banks of the mighty Orange River.

Tour Details

Cost

R 6 500.00

p/p Add

R1800 for

Single

Traveler

Min 5 –

Max 10

Vehicles

Departure Dates

5 Days – 1st to 5th June 2026

28th Oct to 2nd Nov 2026

Route

Okiep Country Hotel to Pella

01.WHAT TO EXPECT

Tour Details

Our journey kicks off at 9 a.m. sharp from the Okiep Country Hotel after a short 8am briefing, where we’ll set out in convoy style in our 4x4s.

On our first night, we’ll camp at Khamgab River Camp, right on the rivers edge. For the next three nights, we’ll embrace true wilderness camping—no facilities, no electricity, just the serene beauty of nature and the company of fellow adventurers. On our final night, day 4, we enjoy luxuries like hot water showers and electricity at the Klein Pella Guest Farm. This is a pure wild camping experience, so be sure to bring your 4×4, a well-equipped off-road trailer or tent, and all your camping essentials, including food and water.

Highlights
  • Namaqua Eco Trail
  • Nama villages like Goodhouse and Witbank
  • Riverside Wild Camping
  • Klein Pella 
  • Pella Roman Cathedral
What You Should Bring
  • Light Clothing
  • Sun Hat
  • Sun Block
  • Warm Jacket
  • Own Meals & Drinking Water
  • Own 4×4 with Hight Clearance
  • 4×4 Camper or Roof Top Tent
  • Enough Fuel for 400km
  • All camping Equipment 
  • Tyre Guage & Pump
  • Recovery Gear
  • Braai Wood
Times

Departure Times: 9.00am
Dropoff Time: 12pm

Includes
  • Qualified Certified Guide
  • Guide Vehicle
  • Free Roaming WiFi (Temporarily unavailable)
  • Two-Way Radios
  • Park Fees
  • Camping Fees
  • Shared Camp Toilet & Shower Tent
  • First Night Meal Provided
  • Promotional Gift
03.What We Have Planned

Tour Itenary

DAY 1

Departure Okiep Country Hotel

DAY 2

“Die Groot Melkhout Boom” River Camp & Ramansdrif

DAY 3

Nama village of Witbank & Hartbeesmond River Camp

DAY 4

Hartbeesmond to Klein Pella

DAY 5

Pella & Church of St Joseph

DAY 1

Departure Okiep Country Hotel

We’ll kick off the adventure at 8 a.m.for a tour and safety briefing before leaving from the Okiep Country Hotel in our 4x4s at 9am. Heading north on the N7, we’ll pass Steinkopf before turning east onto the Namaqua Eco Trail, about 30 km beyond the town.

After tackling some rocky terrain along the Kamgab River bed, we’ll set up camp at Kamgab River Camp for the night. First Night Meal provided by your camp staff.

DAY 2

Kamgab to Melkhoutboom

After breakfast, we continue our journey east, following the winding trail through the arid landscapes of Namaqualand until we reach the small settlement of Goodhouse. Here we stop for a brief cultural visit and a chance to restock on essentials such as water and ice before moving on. The route then takes us toward Rhamansdrift, where we pause to enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Orange River valley. After lunch, we travel onward to our next overnight stop at Die Groot Melkhoutboom, a scenic campsite shaded by an ancient tree and perfect for a restful evening.

DAY 3

Nama village of Witbank & Hartbeesmond River Camp

After our breakfast, we’ll head further east towards the Nama village of Witbank, situated along the banks of the Orange River. This village offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the Nama people, one of southern Africa’s oldest indigenous groups. You’ll get a glimpse of their rich cultural heritage, including their unique customs, language, and the distinctive “matjieshuise”—traditional huts made from woven reed mats.

From there, we continue our journey to Hartbeesmond River Camp.

DAY 4

Hartbeesmond to Klein Pella

After breakfast, we continue our journey east on day 4, travelling through striking desert scenery toward Klein Pella, home to the largest date farm in the southern hemisphere. The landscape shifts from rugged mountains to fertile groves of date palms, a unique sight in this arid region. We settle into our final campsite beneath a canopy of stars, where comfort meets wilderness. Enjoy luxuary amenities including hot-water showers, electricity, and a welcoming atmosphere that perfectly balances adventure and relaxation. As the sun sets over the dunes, we share one last evening together, reflecting on an unforgettable 4×4 journey.

DAY 5

Pella & Church of St Joseph

After breakfast, we break camp and begin our final leg from Klein Pella to the historic mission village of Pella. This peaceful settlement, surrounded by palm trees, is home to the beautiful Church of St Joseph, built by two priests using only simple tools and faith as their guide. We take time to explore the church and appreciate its remarkable craftsmanship before continuing to the starting point of the Namaqua Eco Trail near the N14. Here, with the desert stretching endlessly around us, we gather for one last group photo and say our warm farewells to new friends.

08.VALUABLE FEEDBACK

Our Clients Testimonials

What a wonderful blessing!

From soaking in the Riemvasmaak hot springs and witnessing the mighty Augrabies Falls, to wine tasting in Kakamas, and finally exploring the vast Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park — what a wonderful blessing it’s been to experience this wonderful 4x4 expedition with my wife! ❤️ It was my first 4x4 adventure, and Alan was an absolutely great tour guide! 👍🏼 🚙 🍷🥂🍾🌹🙏🏼

Gilbert Wesso

October 2025

Another bucket list item, ticked!

Beautiful part of our world.
Another bucket list item, ticked.

Andre Vogel

June 2025

What an amazing experience!

What an amazing experience Heilet and I have had.

Henk Basson

October 2025

You will definitely be seeing us again!

What an unforgettable tour and amazing experience!! Thank you Alan and Piet, we really enjoyed our trip to Richtersveld. Piet, you were an amazing host! Your knowledge of the Richtersveld is amazing and made the whole trip very interesting and an experience we will never forget! You will definitely be seeing us again. All the best to you guys. Thanks again for an amazing tour.

Carl Bodenstein

July 2025

Great value for money!!

A superb experience for me as a novice 4x4er and a fun trip overall. Great value for money!

Sergio De Castro

August 2025

We are sorry we did not do this years ago!

For my wife and I, this was a real wish list trip, but one we were unsure that in our early 70s, it was was wise on which to blast off? However,:with a Guide like Alan,.who never saw anything unforeseen as a material obstacle, and was a font of knowledge on the Western Cape and Namibian regions less travelled, it was a great experience. Add a group of other folk, all in same boat, i.e. learning how not to get one's 4x4 stuck, and enjoying a range of hospitalities, we are sorry we did not do this years ago. But, as they say, never too late...... Just do it!

Robert Lloyd

August 2025

The people we met really enriched our lives!

We had the most fantastic week with Why Not Africa doing the 4x4 West Coast Daisy trip. On every level it was such a memorable holiday. The people we met really enriched our lives, and Alan and his team worked with great care and detail to make sure all went smoothly. Alans knowledge of the area, where to go, and network of people he knows gave us a rich experience. We've told all our friends and aim to do more through Why Not Africa!

Colleen Trotter

August 2025

The tour was well planned and organized!

Thank you Alan and Tyler for a wonderful West Coast and Namaqualand tour! We had wonderful and comfortable accommodation, hearty and delicious meals and shared many memorable moments. The tour was well planned and organized and the places we visited were interesting and nature provided everything we could wish for. We will definitely see you again on one of the other tours you offer!

Anja Smant

August 2025

Highly recommended for anyone wanting a true Kalahari experience!

What an unforgettable Kalahari 4x4 adventure! The scenery was breathtaking, the wildlife incredible, and our guide, Piet van Heerde, was outstanding. His knowledge, passion, and general skills made the trip safe, exciting, and full of amazing moments. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a true Kalahari experience!

Luzette Van Greunen Kruger

September 2025

From start to finish, the tour was exceptionally well organised!

West Coast Flower Tour – 31 August

Wendy and I recently joined the 31st of August West Coast Flower Tour, and it truly was one of the most outstanding travel experiences of our lives. We were 20 people travelling in 10 vehicles, moving lodge to lodge under the expert leadership of our tour guide, Alan.

From start to finish, the tour was exceptionally well organised. Alan’s professionalism, his deep knowledge of the flowers, the country, and the four-wheel drive vehicles in sandy conditions made every part of the journey effortless and enjoyable. His choice of lodges and the standard of the food throughout the tour were simply excellent.

The highlight for us was the breathtaking coastal journey from Pater Noster all the way up the West Coast to Hondeklip Bay—270 kilometres of untouched coastline adorned with astonishingly beautiful flowers. From there we ventured inland, exploring vast reserves and flower fields that we would never have reached on our own.

Just as memorable as the scenery were the people we travelled with. What began as a group of fellow travellers quickly became a group of friends, and the camaraderie added so much to the experience.

We cannot recommend this tour highly enough. It exceeded every expectation. Wendy and I loved it so much that we are already dreaming of returning to the West Coast with more time on our side.

To Alan—thank you for creating an unforgettable journey. Your professionalism, knowledge, and care made this tour truly special, and we will treasure the memories and friendships for years to come.

Lawrence Hoatson

September 2025

Would definitely recommend this tour!

We had a wonderful experience with WhynotAfrica tours. Allan was a responsible and attentive guide, and we saw places we never even heard of!
The flowes, food, accommodation and 4x4 excursions were outstanding...and our fellow travelers the best companions too. Would definitely recommend this tour!

Tertia Vos

September 2025

We never felt rushed and had plenty of time to take photos and simply soak in the scenery.!

We had the most incredible experience joining the Namaqualand flower tour. Every detail was well thought out, from the comfortable accommodation to the knowledgeable guide who knew exactly where to find the best blooms. The landscapes were breathtaking — endless carpets of wildflowers.

Our guide, Alan Williams added so much depth to the trip by explaining the different plant species, local history, and how the delicate ecosystem is preserved. We never felt rushed and had plenty of time to take photos and simply soak in the scenery. The itinerary balanced sightseeing with his extensive knowledge on 4x4 driving.

We would highly recommend this tour to anyone during flower season. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left us with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Namaqualand.

Looking forward to booking my next tour with Why Not Africa. 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

Anira Pancha

September 2025

I can Highly Recommend the 5day Kalahari discovery tour. !

Hi. I’ve just returned from an amazing 5day lodge tour with Piet as our guide. The accommodations and meals were excellent. We met wonderful people and Piet went the extra mile to ensure everyone was well looked after. His knowledge of the area and General knowledge of nature and animals was amazing. We drove dunes and saw a part of our wonderful country that I have never experienced. I can Highly Recommend the 5day Kalahari discovery tour. I will be back for more…

Paul

September 2025

Don’t wait! Book now for next years Flower Trip!

Don’t wait! Book now for next years Flower Trip (or any other one that Alan offers sooner) if you want someone who knows his stuff
A bonus was meeting wonderful people who will become long term friends
We felt so comfortable having someone knowledgeable and experienced making all the arrangements…including stops, spectacular meals and even a wine tasting; and very comfy (to even luxurious) overnight accommodation
Plus guiding on navigating and driving a tricky 4x4 route and even helping others who’d got stuck in our path
Definitely checking his pages for the next trip

Jonathan Brookman

September 2025

Highly Recommended!

We just completed this tour and I can highly recommend it!!! Great accommodation and food!! Lots of activities to really show you the beauty and diversity of the Kalahari!! Met some great people along the way - we all had a blast.

Lani Lourens

June 2025

Would definitely like to do another tour with. this company in the future!

Just completed an epic 7 day 4 X 4 flower tour to the Western Cape with Why Not Africa Tours. Visited so many previously unknown little towns and interesting off the beaten track places.A real revelation for those of us who thought we knew the vast West Coast. Met wonderful like minded people on the tour and the food / accommodation generally exceeded expectations. Alan Williams is a qualified and competent guide who interacts well with his tour group and the locals. Would definitely like to do another tour with. this company in the future 👍

Gavin Simpson

August 2025

Well planned and executed!

Excellent 7 day West Cost Flower 4x4 Tour. Well planned and executed. Our first tour in SA, and 1st 4x4 at that and so worth it. Well done to Alan and Tyler. Will definitely do more tours with them. Experience not to be missed. I would not have found all the hidden gems that Alan introduced us to.

Priscilla Nadasan

August 2025

Flowers were amazing!

Alan was an amazing guide whose knowledge of the area and the plants made this an amazing experience. Flowers were amazing.

Jaco Botes

July 2025

The overall experience was fantastic!

The route and terrain covered during this tour were absolutely perfect for my first off-road adventure in my Mahindra Thar! The carefully planned itinerary allowed me to put my vehicle through its paces, tackling a variety of challenging terrain that tested its capabilities while showcasing its strengths. From rocky inclines to sandy dunes, every obstacle was a thrilling opportunity to push my driving skills and explore the vehicle's limits. The tour's route was expertly curated to provide a mix of excitement and scenic beauty, making for an unforgettable experience that left me eager for more.

*Scenic Views*
One of the highlights of the tour was undoubtedly the breathtaking scenic views and unique landscapes that unfolded before my eyes. Driving through the Orange river 4x4 tour was a truly unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into a hidden side of South African beauty that I'd never encountered before. The rugged, otherworldly landscape stretched out as far as the eye could see, with towering mountains, vast expanses of desert, and dramatic rock formations creating a visual feast that was simply stunning. Being able to drive through this incredible terrain in my Mahindra Thar added to the excitement, allowing me to soak up the scenery at my own pace and truly appreciate the natural beauty of this remarkable region.
The guided aspect of the tour was top-notch, thanks to our exceptional guide, Allan. He went above and beyond to ensure we were all comfortable with the terrain, providing expert guidance and valuable tips on navigating the challenging routes. But what truly set Allan apart was his vast knowledge of the area, which extended far beyond just the driving routes. He shared fascinating insights into the local fauna and flora, as well as the rich history and cultural significance of the region. His passion for the area was infectious, and his ability to share his expertise in a way that was engaging and accessible made the entire experience even more enjoyable. Allan's guidance added a whole new layer of depth to the tour, and I feel fortunate to have had him leading the way.
Allan from Why Not Africa Tours was an exceptional guide who truly made our off-road adventure unforgettable. His expertise in off-road driving and knowledge of the local terrain were evident throughout the tour, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer valuable advice when needed. What struck me most about Allan was his warm and approachable nature - he created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that made everyone feel like part of the group. The evening campfires were a highlight, with great chats and stories that added a wonderful social dimension to the tour. Allan's calm and collective demeanor was reassuring, especially when navigating challenging terrain, and his willingness to assist everyone where needed was greatly appreciated. Overall, Allan's guidance and support were instrumental in making this tour an unforgettable experience.
The overall experience was fantastic, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting off-road adventure. The level of challenge was just right for an entry-level experience - it was engaging and tested my skills, but I felt comfortable throughout, thanks to Allan's expert guidance and support. There were a few minor exceptions where I needed a bit of extra help, but that's exactly what Allan was there for.
The fun factor was off the charts - this tour was an absolute blast! It was the perfect antidote to everyday troubles, allowing me to unwind and relax in a truly unique and exhilarating environment. By the end of the tour, I was already planning my next adventure!
As for value for money, I'd say this tour was absolutely worth every penny. The combination of expert guidance, stunning scenery, and thrilling off-road experiences made for an unforgettable experience that I'd recommend to anyone without hesitation. If you're on the fence about whether to do this tour or not, my advice is simple: just do it! You won't regret it."

Nico Theunissen

July 2025

Highly Recommended!

We just completed this tour and I can highly recommend it!!! Great accommodation and food!! Lots of activities to really show you the beauty and diversity of the Kalahari!! Met some great people along the way - we all had a blast.

Lani Lourens

June 2025

Wat n fantastiese toer!

Wat n fantastiese toer....value for money.....great food.....ek het plekke gesien wat ek nog nooit en ook nie op my eie sou gesien het nie.Well done Allen and Piet.Highly recommended.Until next time.

Willem Reineke

May 2025