Luxury Train Journey Namibia – South Africa (African Explorer)

Day 1 – Arrival in Windhoek

International arrival in Windhoek (flights on request).
Meet & greet at the airport, then transfer to your hotel.

Namibia’s compact capital blends colonial heritage with contemporary African life. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a first look at the city: downtown strolls, local crafts, or relaxed cafés.
Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn (or similar). (Dinner included)

Day 2 – Windhoek & Boarding the Private Train

Morning city tour including Christuskirche, the Ink Palace, Katutura township, and Parliament Gardens.

Early afternoon transfer to the station to board your private luxury train, the African Explorer.

The journey begins across Namibia’s wide-open landscapes. From the panoramic windows, spot giraffes, springbok, and ostriches roaming freely across private reserves.
Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 3 – Safari in Etosha National Park

Full-day safari through Etosha, one of Southern Africa’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Look for elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and possibly lions.

The vast salt pan creates dramatic scenery, especially during the dry season when animals gather around waterholes.
Overnight at King Nehale Lodge (or similar). (Breakfast, light lunch, dinner)

Day 4 – Etosha – Otjiwarongo – Back on Board

Early morning safari, then drive to Otjiwarongo to rejoin the train.

Vintage-style carriages evoke the golden age of African rail travel with wood interiors and refined fabrics.

Evening braai (traditional Southern African barbecue).
Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 5 – Usakos – Spitzkoppe – Swakopmund

Stop near Usakos beneath the Spitzkoppe granite peaks. Visit San rock art sites.

Visit a local school (outside school holidays), offering insight into daily life.

Continue to Swakopmund, a coastal town with German-inspired architecture. Free time to explore.
Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 6 – Swakopmund & Coastal Cruise

Morning catamaran cruise with brunch along the Atlantic coast. Possible sightings include sea lions, seals, pelicans, and flamingos.

Afternoon free in Swakopmund, where desert meets ocean.

Return to the train in the evening.
Overnight on board. (Breakfast/brunch, dinner)

Day 7 – Walvis Bay – Namib Desert

Travel with light luggage for a two-night lodge stay.

Drive through Namib-Naukluft landscapes, crossing Gaub Pass and Kuiseb Canyon.
Overnight at Namib Desert Lodge (or similar). (Breakfast, dinner)

Day 8 – Namib Desert Dunes

Early departure to explore the famous Namib dunes. Climb Dune 45 for sunrise views, then continue by 4WD to Deadvlei with its fossilized trees.

Possible sightings of oryx and springbok.

Sunset at leisure in the desert.
Overnight at lodge. (Breakfast, dinner)

Day 9 – Namib-Naukluft – Mariental – Back on Board

Drive toward Mariental through semi-arid landscapes.

Rejoin the train and enjoy a tasting of local biltong.
Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 10 – Fish River Canyon

Visit Fish River Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons. Walk along the rim for sweeping views.

Return to the train and continue toward South Africa.
Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 11 – Augrabies Falls National Park (South Africa)

Cross into South Africa. Explore Augrabies Falls National Park, known for dramatic waterfalls and granite formations along the Orange River.

Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 12 – Matjiesfontein

Travel across the Karoo to historic Matjiesfontein, famous for its preserved Victorian atmosphere.

Free time to explore this timeless village.
Overnight on board. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 13 – Cape Town

Arrival in Cape Town. Transfer to your hotel.

Free afternoon: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, cable car to Table Mountain, or views from Signal Hill.

Farewell dinner.
Overnight at The Commodore Hotel (or similar). (Breakfast, dinner)

Day 14 – Cape Town Departure

Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule.

(Breakfast)

PRICE INCLUDES

• 8 nights in your reserved sleeper cabin aboard the African Explorer train
• 1 hotel night in Windhoek (capital of Namibia)
• 1 night in a spacious lodge near Etosha National Park (Namibia)
• 2 nights in a modern lodge in the Namib Desert
• 1 hotel night in Cape Town (South Africa)
• Meals according to the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Culinary specialties and biltong tasting
• Outdoor barbecue experience
• Continuous accompaniment by the lead tour manager from Windhoek to Cape Town
• English-speaking (or French-speaking, depending on departure) local guides for a maximum of 23 guests from Windhoek to Cape Town
• Doctor on board
• All excursions and sightseeing in Namibia and South Africa (entrance fees included)
• Luggage handling service to and from Windhoek and Cape Town airports
• Airport transfers on Days 1 and 14
• On-site assistance from Discovery Trains throughout the journey
  
  

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International flights
• Namibia tourist visa fee (e-visa approx. €80, to be arranged prior to departure)
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Transfers if your flights fall outside scheduled transfer times
• Local hotel tourist taxes in Namibia and South Africa
  
  

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Passport valid for at least six months after return, with two facing blank pages
• No vaccinations required
  
  

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION TERMS

A 20% deposit is due at confirmation (non-refundable)
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation policy:

• More than 92 days before departure: 20% penalty
• 90 to 42 days before departure: 50%
• 41 to 11 days before departure: 90%
• Less than 10 days before departure: 100%
  
  

GROUP SIZE

• Minimum: 50 guests
• Maximum: 64 guests