Xi and his San tribe enjoy a peaceful existence in the Kalahari Desert, far removed from the encroaching industrial world. Their simple life takes a turn when an unsuspecting pilot tosses a glass Coca-Cola bottle from an airplane, which lands intact on the arid ground below. Initially, Xi's people regard this bottle as a divine offering from their gods, similar to the way they view other gifts from nature. They soon discover numerous uses for it, but as the sole bottle among many, it sparks unexpected tensions within the tribe. In response to this growing discord, Xi resolves to embark on a journey to the world's edge to dispose of the contentious item.
During his expedition, Xi encounters a mix of interesting characters, including Andrew Steyn, a biologist involved in studying wildlife droppings; his assistant and mechanic, M'pudi; and the passionate Kate Thompson, a former journalist from Johannesburg who has decided to dedicate her life to teaching in the village. Their paths intertwine with a group of guerrillas led by Sam Boga, who find themselves cornered by government forces after a botched assassination attempt on the president. This all unfolds in the fictitious town of Biryani, situated northwest of Botswana, where the guerrillas commit a violent act against cabinet members.
As their troubles unfold, Steyn finds himself in a precarious situation, struggling to connect with Thompson. A series of blunders, including their Land Rover getting stuck while crossing a river, leads to comical misunderstandings, including Thompson mistaking his intentions. Just as things appear dire, a boastful safari tour guide named Jack Hind appears to whisk Thompson away to safety.
In a twist of fate, Xi stumbles upon a goat herd and attempts to shoot one with a tranquilizer, leading to his arrest and a subsequent jail sentence. M'pudi, fluent in the San language and sympathetic to Xi’s plight, organizes a deal where they can utilize Xi's tracking abilities in exchange for his prison time. Through this, Xi learns to drive Steyn's Land Rover, signifying a merging of cultures.
Amid their endeavors, the guerrillas invade Thompson's school, taking hostages in their flight to safety. Steyn, M'pudi, and Xi find themselves monitoring the situation closely, utilizing a telescope to track movements. Using his skill with a miniature bow, Xi crafts makeshift tranquilizer darts that allow them to subdue several guerrillas effectively. Ultimately, with clever tactics and a touch of bravery, Steyn, M'pudi, and Xi manage to thwart the gorillas' plans.
As the dust settles, after finishing his term, Xi is compensated for his work but is bemused by the paper currency, tossing it aside in confusion. Meanwhile, Steyn tries to explain his clumsiness to Thompson but only clumsily endears himself further, culminating in a heartfelt kiss that encapsulates their budding romance.
In the end, Xi reaches God's Window, the summit shrouded in clouds, believing he has found the edge of the world. With a fulfilling sense of closure, he casts the divisive bottle over the cliff and makes his way back to the warmth of his family, leaving behind the complications it brought.
