12 Day Namibia Safari
Pretoria to Walvis Bay Train Trip

This Namibia train safari will take you from Pretoria to Walvis Bay in Namibia, providing an unforgettable Southern African safari. Please note this package is also available in reverse from Walvis Bay to Pretoria.

What you can expect on this 12 day Namibia train trip

Namibia is a country of compelling beauty. Plentiful sunshine, unconfined landscape, the wide horizons, clear unpolluted skies and a population density which is among the lowest in the world that generate a sense of exclusion. Tranquility and stillness complements a landscape singular in its colours, full of contrasts of light and shade. Enjoy the country in its entirety during your excursion and explore the contrasting desert and beaches.

Accommodation in the Shongololo Express is in the Emerald Double Cabin, Emerald Twin Cabin, and Goldin Cabin.

The train departs Pretoria and your journey ends in Walvis Bay.

Day 1 - Pretoria

Board the Shongololo Express at Ravos Rail station in Pretoria. After being welcomed by your tour guide and the Shongololo Express representative, you will have time to relax and settle in as well as familiarise yourself with the detailed programme and the exciting excursions on offer to you during your trip ahead. Sip a refreshing cold beverage before the train departs for Kimberley.

Day 2 - Kimberley Tour

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and afterward meet your registered guide on board a bus for a half-day orientation tour of Kimberley -The capital of the Northern Cape.

Visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. After your excursion head back to the train at Kimberley station for lunch as the train travels through the Karoo. 

Tea will be served in front of the train in the lounge. A fromal dinner is served in the dining cars en route to De Aar.

Day 3 - Upington & The Orange River

After a delicious breakfast meet your guide for a historical walking tour of Upington and then return for lunch on board before embarking on a sundowner cruise on the Orange River.

Dinner is a grand affair! Served in the dining cars en route to the border of Namibia.

 

Day 4 - Fish River Canyon Visit

Wake up to an early morning breakfast and get ready to depart for Fish River Canyon - The second largest natural gorge in Africa. Listen to the fascinating facts and stories of the gorge from your knowledgeable guide while admiring the view. Its rugged and stoney plains, and drought resistant succulents make this a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Enjoy lunch on board and. continue your adventure. Spend the night at Aus.

Day 5 - Kolmanskop and Luderitz Tour

Wake up early for a full-day excursion through the desert. Visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop and see the wild horses on your way to Luderitz. Tour the historical town and learn about colonial architecture and the diamond rush. The area is home to a variety of aquatic birdlife, if you’re lucky you’ll see the gorgeous flamingos dance.

Board your train at Aus station to continue your train excursion to Keetmanshoop.

Day 6 - Keetmanshoop & Garas Park

Savour a tasty breakfast before starting the day. Today you will tour Keetmanshoop to see dolerite dykes and Garas Park (Quiver Tree Forest). The first stop on the tour is a visit to the Giant’s Playground and explore the three to five meter tall dolerite dykes. Afterwards you will visit the Quiver tree Forest which is home to roughly 300 specimens.

Don't forget your camera as both sites makes for fantastic photographic opportunities. Tuck into a delicious lunch on return to the train and depart for Mariental.

Day 7 - Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge with a visit to Seriem Canyon

Wake up early for breakfast and afterwards meet your guide for a transfer to a Sossusvlei lodge in the Naukluft Park and explore the Seriem Canyon. Today you will visit the Sesriem Canyon. The canyon was found by an early Afrikaans explorer and it is said that they used six (ses) leather straps (riem) to create a long rope to lower water buckets onto the canyon.

The Sesriem Canyon is the one of few places in the area that holds water all year round. After a great day out, head back to your lodge for dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 8 - Sunrise from Dune 45 and Scenic Drive across Namib-Naukluft Park

Wake up to the smell of a warm cup of coffee and get ready for a scenic drive in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The dunes in the Namib Desert were created by wind transport sand from the Namib coast. The areas is rich in iron-oxide content, which makes the beautiful red dunes.

As the sun rises over Dune 45, the light gives character to the “star dunes” - the wind in the area causes the sand to form a star shape with multiple arms - and makes for stunning photographs. 

Depart for a 1-hour flight to Windhowk where you will enjoy lunch at Windhoek Country Club followed by a tour of Windhoek. You will return to the train for dinner.

Day 9 - Cheetah Conservation Project

Today you will get to meet cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Project in Otjiwarongo. This is a memorable conservation experience to cherish.
In the evening you will depart for Otavi and enjoy a delicious supper in the dining cars.

Day 10 - Etosha National Park with Game Drive

Today you will be transferred to a lodge in the Etosha National Park. On arrival, the friendly staff will settle you in and later head out for a 3-hour game drive activity.

Etosha National Park offers excellent game viewing. See the big five and other wild species roaming freely across the endless horizons. Return to the lodge for a mouthwatering dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 11 - Etosha National Park Game Drive and return to Train

Wake up early and enjoy one last game drive before you transfer back to your train. In return enjoy breakfast.

Afterwards check out and meet your guide for your transfer back to Otjiwarongo. Bid your guide farewell and board your train as you head for the coast of Walvis Bay.

Day 12 - Arrive in Walvis Bay and Depart the Train

Your journey ends at Walvis Bay Station. Check out of the train and continue your onward travel arrangements. The coastal town of Swakopmund is a 30-minute transfer by car. Swakopmund is situated on the west coast of Namibia. The town features old Bavarian charm and is a popular seaside holiday destination.

Swakopmund’s continental vibe is its graceful Art Nouveau buildings that dates back to the return of the previous century.

Please Note

Please note this train journey is also available in reverse from Walvis Bay to Pretoria. We can arrange pre and post accommodation and transfers to the station.

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