Dunes in the Skeleton Coast Park in Namibia

Our Story

Welcome to our story at Tokkies Travel, where our journey began with a passion for exploration and a love for sharing unique travel experiences. Founded on the belief that travel should be transformative and enriching, we invite you to discover how our adventures have shaped who we are today. Explore our journey, our values, and our commitment to creating memorable and meaningful travel experiences for every adventurer.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 2013 by Travis and Mare-Lize “Tokkie” Peddie, Tokkies is the culmination of their lifelong passion for exploration, adventure, and conservation. As a bespoke safari operator located in Swakopmund, Namibia, Tokkies offers a unique and personalized experience to its clients. With their extensive travels throughout Namibia, Travis and Mare-Lize have had the privilege of experiencing the very best their country has to offer, and they are eager to share these remarkable experiences with you.

At Tokkies, our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your journey with us is truly unforgettable. Namibia is a treasure trove of ecological and cultural wonders, and as custodians of this remarkable land, we actively support various conservation and humanitarian foundations. By choosing to travel with Tokkies, you contribute to the conservation and protection of Namibia’s wildlife and rural communities, safeguarding these invaluable resources for generations to come.

OUR VISION

Namibia, with its unparalleled wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, leaves an indelible mark on those who visit. Our vision is to introduce Namibia to the world, spreading awareness about the importance of safeguarding our precious wildlife and diverse cultures. We believe that eco-tourism serves as a powerful tool to support and advance conservation efforts. With your support, we can work together to ensure the preservation of these invaluable treasures, allowing future generations to revel in their beauty and significance.

Mare-Lize "Tokkie" Peddie

Mare-Lize Peddie, affectionately known as Tokkie, is the driving force behind Tokkies Travel, sharing her deep love for Africa, particularly Namibia, with the world. Born in Keetmanshoop, a small town in the southern part of Namibia, later relocating to Swakopmund where she spent her childhood, where she reveled in playing amidst the sand dunes and vast, empty beaches. Her fascination with the unique knocking song of the dune beetles earned her the nickname “Tokkie” from her father. After completing her education, Mare-Lize worked at an adventure activities center near her hometown, where she warmly welcomed guests from all corners of the globe. Witnessing the joy and enthusiasm people expressed when recounting their adventurous travels in Namibia resonated deeply with her own adoration for the country, fueling her desire to continue inspiring others to explore its wonders. Although life took her on a different path for a while, working in a pharmacy, Mare-Lize cherished the daily interactions with people, and travel always seemed to find its way into their conversations. In 2013, she took a leap of faith and founded Tokkies Travel. A decade later, her passion for introducing people to the addictive allure of Namibia remains as strong as ever.

Travis Peddie

Travis Peddie was born in a rural area of South Africa and grew up in Durban, known as the Surf Capital of the country. Seeking excitement and adventure, he worked as an angling safari guide on a remote island in northern Mozambique. His thirst for knowledge led him to study law in Johannesburg, and after completing his internship, he utilized his legal skills as a commercial manager in a marine construction company. In 2008, Travis relocated to Namibia and eventually established a marine logistics company in partnership with one of the country’s largest corporate entities.

Despite his success in the corporate world, Travis realized that his true passion lay in nature and adventure, and he wanted to pursue it on a daily basis. Becoming a father further emphasized the importance of preserving Namibia’s wilderness areas for future generations. Initially joining Tokkies Travel as an advisor, Travis is now fully dedicated to the company, viewing it as an incredible opportunity to make a living from his passion and inspire others.

WHY CHOOSE TOKKIES?

As residents of Namibia and with over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, we possess an intimate knowledge of our country. Being adventurers and conservationists ourselves, we are uniquely positioned to design a safari that perfectly aligns with your expectations.

As one of Namibia’s respected, owner operated, safari operators, we specialize in creating bespoke private or small group naturalist safaris tailored to your specific interests. Our unwavering attention to detail ensures an intimate and personalized experience for every traveler.

The high number of returning clients we have is a testament to our ability to deliver unforgettable safari experiences to discerning travelers. Our naturalist guides are extensively trained and experienced in providing expert guidance on private safaris throughout Namibia and neighboring countries. They possess the unique ability to be informative, entertaining, and culturally sensitive, ensuring that your experience is truly memorable.

When you embark on a safari with us, your journey not only enriches your own life but also contributes to the preservation of our environment, wildlife, and ancient indigenous tribes. Through the conservation associations we support, funds raised from your safari directly impact these important causes.

As an independent company, we have the freedom to create safaris that perfectly suit our clients’ interests. We take great pride in being a proudly Namibian company and consider it a privilege to share our home with you.

Discover our safaris