Rovos Rail Namibia

Ker & Downey’s Rovos Rail Namibia journey transports intrepid travelers to a bygone era of luxury train travel. The history of this region comes to life while traversing through southern Africa’s most enigmatic and stunning landscapes, from the mining settlements of South Africa to the deserts of Namibia.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1:

  Arrive Johannesburg / The Saxon Hotel

• Day 2:

  Pretoria / Rovos Rail (B,L,D)

• Day 3:

  Kimberley / Rovos Rail (B,L,D)

• Day 4:

  Upington/Holoong / Rovos Rail (B,L,D)

• Day 5:

  Kalahari Desert / Rovos Rail (B,L,D)

• Day 6:

  Windhoek/Sossusvlei / Sossusvlei Lodge (B,L,D)

• Day 7:

  Sossusvlei/Windhoek / Rovos Rail (B,L,D)

• Day 8:

  Etosha National Park / Mokuti Lodge (B,L,D)

• Day 9:

  Etosha National Park / Rovos Rail (B,L,D)

• Day 10:

  Swakopmund / The Strand Hotel (B)

• Day 11:

  Kaokoland / Serra Cafema Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 12:

  Kaokoland / Serra Cafema Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 13:

  Kaokoland / Serra Cafema Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 14:

  Departure (B,L,D)

Itinerary Description:

Departing on select dates throughout the year, the Rovos Rail Namibia journey is imbued with a "wild west" spirit. Your journey by train travels through the lands where pioneers flocked in search of fortune and glory in the diamond mines. The journey will also offer insight to the colonial heritage of the area, revealing the curious European style of the tiny towns founded by missionaries and visionaries. Ever present is the desert landscape, seen at ground level through your rail car's windows, and from above on scenic flight transfers. Though our suggested journey begins in Johannesburg and ends in Kaokoland, you may also take the itinerary in reverse. Your Ker & Downey luxury travel consultant can help you plan the itinerary that best meets your scheduling needs.

The Rovos Rail Namibia journey begins in South Africa, with a night in Johannesburg preparing you for the adventure ahead. Board the train at the historic Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria and settle in to your own private Pullman Suite within one of the wood-paneled coaches. Rovos Rail is most famous for its journeys across South Africa, from Pretoria to Cape Town or Durban, but exploring the railways of Namibia reveals its desert landscape from a unique perspective.

Begin in Kimberley, where you inspect jewels in the Kimberley Mine Museum and overlook the Big Hole, the world's largest man-made excavation. Pass through the Great Karoo to Upington before crossing into Namibia. On your way to Keetmanshoop you will stop and explore at the largest canyon in Africa, Fish River Canyon.

Continuing through the Kalahari Desert landscape, arrive to Namibia's capital city Windhoek. It is here that the Rovos Rail Namibia journey takes a break from the railway with a flight into Sossusvlei. This area of the Namib-Naukluft National Park is famous for its towering sand dunes of red and gold, and you will overnight nearby to have ample time to explore on afternoon and morning drives. Returning to Windhoek and the luxury train, you will travel north to Etosha National Park.

Leave the train once again for a game drive through the park, catching sight of wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, and even a few members of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, and black rhinoceros. Overnight at Mokuti Lodge and transfer back to the train for the final leg of your Rovos Rail Namibia journey. Travel through the Namib Desert towards the Atlantic Ocean, where the railway journey ends at Swakopmund.

After spending one evening in this quirky beachside town, you will fly into remote Kaokoland to end the unique safari experience. Serra Cafema Camp is your refuge for the final three nights of the itinerary. Located alongside the Kunene River, the luxury camp plants you comfortably in the middle of this lively region. Guides will help you track desert-adapted elephants and identify birds on game drives. You may also visit local settlements to meet the Himba people, a nomadic and secluded culture. With a blend of railway travel and desert exploration, our Rovos Rail Namibia journey offers an exciting and unique discovery of southern Africa.

If preferred, this nine-day rail journey is also available in reverse. Your Ker & Downey travel designer will work with you to customize your journey around your desired dates.

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