10-Day Luxury South Africa And Namibia Rail Journey

The premier rail journey between South Africa and Namibia is a 10-day luxury expedition operated by Rovos Rail. The 3,400-kilometer route travels between Pretoria and the Atlantic coastal town of Walvis Bay (or vice-versa), offering a mix of panoramic desert landscapes, diamond history, and wildlife safaris.

Embark on a captivating 10-Day Luxury South Africa And Namibia Rail Journey through breathtaking landscapes and quaint towns. Imagine riding in style on a posh train as it passes through a variety of landscapes, from lush countryside to vast deserts. The historic Rovos Rail journey departs from Pretoria and takes you to Kimberley, where you can learn about the town’s history of diamond mining while enjoying the train’s rich atmosphere. Explore the breathtaking Fish River Canyon and the charming quiver tree forest on an adventure in Namibia, a country famous for its untamed beauty.

Spend one night in the middle of the desert in Sossusvlei after four nights on the train. Here, you may marvel at the enormous sand dunes and enjoy a picturesque flight. You can continue your train ride northward from Windhoek, stopping at the world-renowned Etosha National Park for thrilling wildlife viewing along route. Before getting back on the train to the Atlantic Ocean, spend the night at Etosha Safari Lodge. After an incredible tour through fascinating landscapes and cultural riches, your 10-Day Luxury South Africa And Namibia Rail Journey ends at the beachfront magnificence of Walvis Bay.

A Detailed 10-Day South Africa And Namibia Rail Journey

Day 1: Set Off in The Luxury Rovos Train | 6 Nights

In the late afternoon, set out from Pretoria’s Capital Park Station. As you board a train pulled by this classic steam engine, you may feel the thrill of a bygone era while passing through some of Southern Africa’s most picturesque and historically significant locales. Savour a delectable three-course meal served in the elegant dining car with oak panelling. Since the evening is re-creating the romance of a bygone age, dinner attire is formal.

The famed Witwatersrand gold fields are to your south as you journey south.

Day 2: Explore Kimberley & The Big Hole

Your morning excursion to the Big Hole Diamond Mine will begin when you arrive in the renowned diamond-mining town of Kimberley. You will continue your journey to Upington through the Karoo semi-desert if you return to the train before lunch.

Day 3: Crossing into Namibia

Get some fresh air and exercise this morning by taking a self-guided walking tour of Upington, a historic town in South Africa and a site of historical Orange River missionary activity. In the wee hours of the morning, get back on the rails and make your way to the border into Namibia.

Your journey will continue to Holoog Siding, close to the world-famous Fish River Canyon, after you complete the border formalities in Nakop. Spend the night on the rails before setting out for the breathtaking Fish River Canyon the next morning.

Day 4: Discover the Fish River Canyon

You will have the chance to stand on the edge of the world’s second-largest canyon, Fish River Canyon, and wonder at the sheer grandeur of this dramatic natural feature during your morning tour.

The next stop is lunch, after which you’ll get back on the train and head to Windhoek via Keetmanshoop. While traversing the Kalahari Desert, you will stop by Garas Park, home of Giant’s Playground and the Quiver Tree Forest.

Day 5-6: The Dunes of Sossusvlei

After touching down in Windhoek, your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of this vibrant, multicultural metropolis that has a distinct German influence.

You will take a light aircraft for a brief journey to the world-renowned Sossusvlei sand dunes after your brief tour of the capital of Namibia. Before indulging in a bush meal, take a picturesque drive in the afternoon to admire the huge mountains and rough landscape.

In the morning, you will have breakfast before setting off on a trip to see the Sossusvlei region, home to some of the tallest sand dunes on Earth.

As you return to Windhoek to catch the train to Etosha National Park in the north, take in the breathtaking scenery of this area from above.

Day 7: Cheetah Conservation Project | 1 Nights

The dining cars will offer a delightful lunch before you reach a halt. From there, you will be taken to a cheetah conservation project in Otjiwarongo, which takes around an hour by road. The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was established in Namibia in 1990 with the aim of protecting wild cheetahs from several dangers, including habitat loss and the illicit pet trade.

Spend the afternoon discovering the cheetah conservation initiatives, and then get back on the train to Rovos Rail for another delicious multi-course meal.

Day 8: Arrive at Etosha | 2 Nights

You will be taken to your lodge in the game-rich Etosha National Park in time for lunch upon your late morning arrival. After you check into your suite at the lodge, you’ll have some downtime before your game drive.

Day 9: Aiming for the Atlantic

Your day will begin with a game drive in Etosha, followed by lunch on the train as it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 10: Conclude your Rail Journey in Walvis Bay | 1 Nights

Walvis Bay, nestled between the Namib Desert sands and the thundering Atlantic, is the final stop on your luxurious rail journey.

End of the 10-Day Luxury South Africa And Namibia Rail Journey

Inclusions

  • Meals:
    Rovos Rail : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
    Sossusvlei Lodge : Full Board Plus (All Meals, Select Extras)
    Rovos Rail : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
    Mokuti Etosha : Full Board Plus (All Meals, Select Extras)
    Rovos Rail : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
  • All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
  • All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
  • 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

Exclusions

  • Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
  • Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)