African Train Journey

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FACTS

Regions covered: Cape Town – Matjiesfontein – Upington – Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz – Namib-Naukluft National Park – Swakopmund – Etosha National Park – Windhoek

A railroad safari across some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Deep canyons, wide-open plains, wild animals and the highest sand dunes in the world. The voyage of a lifetime. Set out on an unparalleled adventure across South Africa and Namibia. The African Explorer train takes you from the metropolis of Cape Town to the otherworldly wonders of the Namib Desert. Travel in comfort and ease by private train, watching elephants and giraffes graze in fields outside your window

What Makes Your Journey Unique

More than 3,000 kilometers of railroad on the African Explorer private train
Cape Town, one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful cities
Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa
The world’s highest sand dunes in the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei
Bizarre rock formations and lunar landscape in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Safari tour of Etosha National Park
Lüderitz, the first German colonial settlement in present-day Namibia
Kolmanskop, ghost town from Namibia’s diamond rush
Diverse flora and fauna of Namibia
Swakopmund, a historic town with colonial German architecture
Windhoek, a fascinating mix of African and European cultures
Namibian culinary specialties and select South African wines

Dates:

Windhoek to Cape Town

18 Oct 24 – 31 Oct 24 (14 days) {French speaking guides)
21 Feb 25 – 06 Mar 25 (14 days) {French speaking guides)

Cape Town to Windhoek

31 Oct 24 – 13 Nov 24 (14 days) (English speaking guides)
21 Jan 25 – 03 Feb 25 (14 days) (English speaking guides)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Welcome to Africa, Arrival in Cape Town
Day 2. Matjiesfontein and Hex River Mountains
Day 3. Across South Africa
Day 4. Augrabies Falls and Upington
Day 5. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Day 6. Namib Desert
Day 7. The Namib Desert: A Walk Among Giants
Day 8. Walvis Bay and Swakopmund
Day 9. Catamaran Cruise
Day 10. Spitzkoppe: Namibia’s Most Famous Peak and a Traditional Barbecue
Day 11. Etosha National Park: The Great White Place
Day 12. Safari Day
Day 13. Windhoek and Katutura
Day 14. Farewell Africa!

Entry Requirements:

Passport and visa required depending on nationality. Please check with your local embassy
Depending on your country of origin, you may require vaccinations. Malaria tablets and hepatitis A vaccination are recommended. Please consult your doctor

Compartment Types:

Elephant Category
The Elephant compartments offer private shower and toilet, individually adjustable air-conditioning, 220/230 V sockets, a small safe, towels, a compact wardrobe with coat hangers, small bedside cabinets, hair dryer, toiletries and one small bottle of water per person per day on the train. The windows (equipped with blind and sunshades) can be opened as needed.

Leopard Category
In addition to the features of the Elephant category the Leopard compartments offer a small sitting area and are located closer to the restaurant cars.

Inclusions:

8 nights on board the African Explorer private train in the category booked
1 night in a well-appointed hotel in Windhoek
1 night in a well-appointed safari lodge at the entrance to Etosha National Park
2 nights in a well-appointed lodge in the Namib Desert
1 night in a well-appointed hotel in Cape Town
Multilingual tour director between Cape Town and Windhoek
English-speaking tour guide for up to 25 guests from Cape Town to Windhoek
Doctor on board
All meals as specified in the itinerary
All excursions and sightseeing including admission fees
Excursions and transfers in air-conditioned buses
All airport transfers on first and last days
Fascinating series of lectures on sights, history, daily life and culture
Informative reading materials

Not Included

Visa fees
Gratuities
International flights
Personal expenses
GST and TCS as applicable

Rates:

From USD 12,410 per person on sharing basis

13 Nights / 14 Days

Experiential Holidays

From our gallery

African Train Journey

Tour Plan

Welcome to Africa, Arrival in Cape Town

Your journey begins in a destination that has drawn adventurers to Africa for centuries. Few places can rival Cape Town’s spectacular setting, nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Take your time to settle in and to stroll around on your own. In the evening you enjoy a special welcome dinner. Overnight: The Commodore Hotel (or similar) (D)

Matjiesfontein and Hex River Mountains

Today, you discover everything this multicultural melting pot has to offer during a fun and informative city tour. In the afternoon, your journey through Southern Africa truly begins as you board your private train, the African Explorer. Your friendly crew welcomes you aboard, and you discover the incomparable ease of rail travel as the African Explorer whisks you through green valleys and the dramatic tunnels of the Hex River Mountains. You pass the small railroad town of Matjiesfontein with its colonial flair. Overnight: On board (BLD)

Across South Africa

Today you enjoy a day of once-in-a-lifetime views from the comfort of your private train. As gorgeous landscapes pass by your windows, informative and entertaining lectures reveal local customs, culture and history that most travelers miss. Overnight: On board (BLD)

Augrabies Falls and Upington

From Upington a bus takes you to Augrabies National Park. As you stand before the world-famous Augrabies Falls, your senses come alive with their thunderous roar and refreshing spray—a truly invigorating wonder of the world! As the early evening sets in, your private train takes you further north. Overnight: On board (BLD)

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Welcome to Namibia—a land of color and texture, with landscapes almost too staggering to take in all at once. You marvel at its sweeping landscapes of deep, ancient ochre and its huge, aquamarine sky. In the distance, silhouettes of animals shimmer beneath the hot sun. You arrive at Holoog Station and take a scenic bus tour to discover the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa. If you wish, you can take a short walk along the canyon’s edge. Before sundown, there is time for a quick excursion to the Quiver Tree Forest (depending on train schedule). Overnight: On board (BLD)

Namib Desert

In the morning, you arrive in Mariental, from where you take a scenic bus ride to your lodge (approx. 4 hours). Your lodge is a quiet oasis in the midst of the wilderness—the perfect place for stargazing. Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge (or similar) (BD)

The Namib Desert: A Walk Among Giants

Today you take in the otherworldly beauty of the Namib Desert and have the opportunity to stand atop the biggest sand dunes in the world—immense, sculptural sand waves as dramatic and vast as the ocean. You’ve seen them in photographs, but nothing compares to real life. An excursion in open-top vehicles takes you to the famous Sossusvlei salt pan. Later, as the sun begins to set, you have the chance to join a desert safari. The natural beauty you see here is simply unforgettable. Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge (or similar) (BD)

Walvis Bay and Swakopmund

Today you head back to the coast, this time to Walvis Bay (aka Whale Bay), a deepwater port city named for its historical abundance of southern right whales. Alternative to the bus ride, you can cover the distance from Namib desert to Walvis Bay in a small plane and take in the desert landscape from a bird’s eye perspective on this panoramic flight (additional supplement, to be paid on spot). Later you continue your journey via air-conditioned bus to the coastal city of Swakopmund, famous for its unique examples of German colonial architecture. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a stroll on the promenade or a slice of Black Forest cake in Café Anton before heading back to your train. Overnight: On board (BD)

Catamaran Cruise

In the morning, you head for an exciting catamaran cruise including lunch from Walvis Bay. You might spot sea lions, pelicans, seals and flamingos. Afterwards you have leisure time in Swakopmund, bevor your let the day end with a sundowner. Overnight: On board (BLD)

Spitzkoppe: Namibia's Most Famous Peak and a Traditional Barbecue

You begin your day with a hearty breakfast, after which you continue your exploration of the Namib Desert. Today you head to the Spitzkoppe—known as Namibia’s Matterhorn—and marvel at its immense, granite peak. The ancient rock paintings you see here speak to the fascination this famous landmark has long held for humankind. Later, you return to your private train, stopping in the evening to enjoy a braai—a traditional African barbecue—alongside your train, beneath a fabulously starry sky. Overnight: On board (BLD)

Etosha National Park

After breakfast you drive to your lodge in Etosha National Park. Enjoy all the comforts of your lodge before taking a tour in open safari-vehicles (if you wish). A unique safari awaits: you might have the chance to observe elephants, wildebeests, birds and other wild animals, especially close to the watering holes and – with a bit of luck – you might even get a glimpse on lions and the very rare leopards. In the evening you have the chance to enjoy a traditional Boma before dinner. Overnight: King Nehale Lodge (or similar) (BLPD)

Safari Day

Today is a safari day, and you jump into a jeep in the golden light of the morning. You set out in search of feathered, furry and fanged creatures in their natural habitats. Overnight: On board (BD)

Windhoek and Katutura

This morning’s unique train route is a veritable safari. Your private train passes through game farms where giraffe, antelope and ostrich are often visible from your window. Soon, you arrive in the Namibian capital Windhoek, where you embark on a fun and informative city tour. Among the major sights of the day are the Christ Church—which combines neo-Gothic design with local African sandstone—and the Namibian parliament building, also known as the Tintenpalast (German for “Ink Palace”). Later in the day, you visit the township of Katutura, before heading back to relax at your hotel. That evening, you enjoy a special dinner in celebration of your exceptional journey and to say farewell to your fellow travelers. Overnight: AVANI Windhoek Hotel (or similar) (BLD)