Rovos Rail: Namibia Luxury Train Journey

Itinerary

Pretoria to Swakopmund or v.v.

In May each year this 3 400-kilometre seven-day journey takes the train from Pretoria to Kimberley, centre of one of the world's most famous diamond rushes, where there's an opportunity to visit the Big Hole, the world's largest man-made excavation, and to savour the 1870s atmosphere of the mine museum village.

The railway line covers the stark vistas of the arid Northern Cape as the train travels through Upington to the border and into Namibia. There is time for an excursion to the Fish River Canyon - second only in size to the Grand Canyon and a truly spectacular sight. The journey continues across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert and onto Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. After a short city tour and an afternoon game drive, the train continues onto Tsumeb for an overnight stay at Mokuti Game Lodge in the Etosha National Park. On the last morning the train passes along the German built railway through the Namib Desert and into Swakopmund, a perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town set on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Day 1

  The Pride Of Africa departs Rovos Rail’s Station in Capital Park. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the midway Lounge car or Observation carriage at the rear of the train. Dinner is served in the dining car/s.

• Day 2

  Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 09h45. Ten minutes before arriving in Kimberley there is a shallow lake on the right hand side facing forward. On most occasions there are spectacular flocks of Flamingos (approx. 23 000). Arrive in Kimberley. Guests disembark and proceed by coach/combi for a tour of the city, the “Big Hole “and the Mine Museum. Depart Kimberley. Lunch is served in the dining car/s. Dinner is served in the dining car/s. Please ensure that the train manager is in possession of your passports before retiring to your suite.

• Day 3

  Depart Nakop and Ariumsvlei after immigration formalities. Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 10h00. Arrive in Holoog. Disembark from the train for an excursion to the Fish River Canyon with lunch at Canyon Lodge. Please wear non-slip walking shoes and comfortable clothes. It will be hot so sun tan lotion and hats are strongly recommended After returning to the train we depart Holoog. Dinner is served in the dining car/s.

• Day 4

  Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 10h00. Depart Rehoboth. The train arrives in Windhoek. Visit the train museum followed by a city tour. Lunch will be taken at Okapuka Game Lodge followed by an afternoon game drive. Return to the train and depart Okapuka. Dinner is served in the dining car/s.

• Day 5

  Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 10h00. Arrive in Tsumeb. Disembark for coach transfer to Mokuti Lodge. Arrive at Mokuti Lodge for lunch, an afternoon game drive and overnight stay at the lodge. Please pack a small overnight bag. Tog bags have been placed in your suite for your convenience. Comfortable clothes and shoes for hot days and cool evenings are essential. Sun tan lotion and hats are strongly recommended. It can get very cold during the game drives so please take along warm clothing. Your belongings will be safe inside your compartments under the guard of the train staff. Lunch is served in the dining area at the lodge. Afternoon game drive. Dinner at the lodge.

• Day 5

  Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 10h00. Arrive in Tsumeb. Disembark for coach transfer to Mokuti Lodge. Arrive at Mokuti Lodge for lunch, an afternoon game drive and overnight stay at the lodge. Please pack a small overnight bag. Tog bags have been placed in your suite for your convenience. Comfortable clothes and shoes for hot days and cool evenings are essential. Sun tan lotion and hats are strongly recommended. It can get very cold during the game drives so please take along warm clothing. Your belongings will be safe inside your compartments under the guard of the train staff. Lunch is served in the dining area at the lodge. Afternoon game drive. Dinner at the lodge.

• Day 6

  Morning game drive into Etosha Pan. Depart by coach from Mokuti Lodge and rejoin the train in Tsumeb. Lunch is served in the dining car/s while we depart from Tsumeb.

• Day 7

  Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 10h00. The train arrives in Swakopmund.

• Rovos Rail

  Rovos Rail has two trains of 20 painstakingly restored coaches, half of which date back to the twenties and thirties. Each train can accommodate up to 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.

  For details on Rovos Rail

• Accommodation

  Royal Suites fill half a carriage at 16 square metres and additionally include full bathrooms with Victorian bath and separate shower.

  Deluxe Suites occupy 11 square metres with three to a carriage and include en-suite bathroom.

  Pullman Suites are seven square metres with five to a carriage and include en-suite bathroom.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.