railtour suisse · Escorted tour

Jewel of the desert Cape Town - Namibia

Jewel of the desert Cape Town - Namibia, a rail journey with railtour suisse

Experience Namibia's deserts and Cape Town on a railtour train journey. Discover stunning landscapes and the vibrant city of Cape Town.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Departure from Switzerland in the evening

    Departure from Switzerland in the evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Cape Town

    Arrival in Cape Town

    You will arrive in Cape Town in the morning, where you will be greeted by your tour guide at the airport and accompanied to your hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure before you get to know your fellow travelers at the welcome dinner in the evening. (A)

  3. Day 3railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    Start of the journey with the African Explorer

    After a city tour, it's time to board the train at Cape Town station! Make yourself comfortable in your compartment and enjoy the view of the passing landscape. After your train has passed through the tunnels of the Hexriver Mountains, the scenery changes to the fascinating mountain world of the Great Karoo and you pass the Victorian town of Matjiesfontein. After dinner in the on-board restaurant, you can round off the evening with a glass of South African red wine or a beer in the bar car. (FMA)

  4. Day 4railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    From the coast to the hinterland

    Overnight, your special train has left the coastal region and is now travelling toward the northwest of South Africa. Enjoy engaging onboard lectures to learn more about your destination, and take part in a biltong tasting featuring various types of this popular dried meat. (FMA)

  5. Day 5railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    Augrabies Falls National Park

    You leave the train in Upington and travel by bus to Augrabies National Park (approx. 120 km). The nature reserve stretches along the Orange River and is known for the 56-metre-high Augrabies waterfalls. Various game species such as klipspringers, antelopes and black rhinos can be found in the park. Afterwards you will return to your train. (FMA)

  6. Day 6overnight: African Explorer (train)

    Namibia's lonely south - Fish River Canyon

    At Holoog station, actually just a stop in the middle of solitude, you change to the waiting buses and drive through untouched semi-desert landscape to the Fish River Canyon. If you wish, you can take a short hike along the edge of the canyon and enjoy magnificent views of the 500 m deep and 160 km long gorge. If time permits, the excursion continues by bus to the Kokerboom Forest. (FMA)

  7. Day 7railovernight: Namib Desert lodge

    Namib Desert

    In the morning, your train arrives in Mariental, situated on the edge of the Kalahari in southern Namibia. You disembark with small luggage and travel by bus for approx. four hours (295 km) to your lodge, where you immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Namib Desert for two days. (FA)

  8. Day 8overnight: Namib Desert lodge

    The highest dunes in the world

    The early morning hours are the best time to experience the glowing giant dunes. We travel in off-road vehicles to the main gate of Sossusvlei, which is about 60 km away and has been part of the Namib Sand Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. The climb up a dune is rewarded with sweeping views of a sea of sand. At sunset, you can enjoy a drive through the desert landscape. (FA)

  9. Day 9railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    Swakopmund

    A five-hour journey (approx. 300 km) takes you by bus through Namib-Naukluft National Park to the Atlantic coast. Along the way, you stop for photos at the striking rock formations of the Gaub Pass and the Kuiseb Canyon. As an alternative to the bus ride, you may choose (at an additional cost) to cover this stretch by light aircraft and admire the desert landscapes from a bird's-eye view during a scenic flight. The journey continues along the coastal road to Swakopmund, a town that in many places recalls a small German city, with its colonial-era buildings such as the Hohenzollern House, the old courthouse and the historic brewery. There is time for a stroll along the seaside promenade or for a slice of Black Forest cake at Café Anton before you are welcomed back on board your special train in the evening. (FA)

  10. Day 10railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    Catamaran cruise

    Today's program takes you to Walvis Bay. Here you set off on a relaxed catamaran cruise with brunch on board. With a bit of luck, you will see sea lions, pelicans, seals and flamingos. Back on land, you have free time in Swakopmund before going back to the train for dinner. (FBA)

  11. Day 11railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    Spitzkoppe, the Matterhorn of Namibia

    Early in the morning, your train leaves Swakopmund and heads east back to the inland plateau. The lonely wonderland of sand dunes passes in front of your window, often still bathed in the mystical-looking coastal mist at sunrise. The line between Swakopmund and Windhoek was completed in 1902 and is the oldest railroad line in the country. Your train stops at Ebony for an excursion to the 1'700 m high Spitzkoppe. Here you can discover centuries-old rock paintings of the San Bushmen. (FMA)

  12. Day 12overnight: Etosha National Park lodge

    Etosha National Park

    After breakfast, take the bus to your lodge in Etosha National Park (approx. 150 km). Enjoy the comforts of your accommodation before going on game drive in open safari vehicles (at an extra charge). A unique safari awaits you: you can observe elephants, wildebeest, numerous birds and other wild animals up close, especially at the waterholes. With a bit of luck, you may also spot lions or the rare leopards. The herds of animals in Etosha Park are dependent on the waterholes almost all year round, which is why the park, which covers more than 22,000 km², offers ideal conditions for game viewing. Before dinner, you will have the opportunity to experience a traditional boma. (FLA)

  13. Day 13railovernight: African Explorer (train)

    On safari

    The morning is free for a game drive in open safari vehicles. You will then travel back to your special train by bus, where the crew will be waiting for you and spoil you with a farewell dinner on board in the evening. (FMA)

  14. Day 14railovernight: Windhoek

    Windhoek

    In the morning, your train finally rolls into Windhoek station, where you say goodbye to the train crew. During a city tour of Windhoek, you will see the Christ Church and the so-called Ink Palace, today the seat of the Namibian parliament. With just under 300'000 inhabitants, tranquil Windhoek is the largest city in the country. Windhoek fascinates with its mixture of African and European ways of life. Here you will encounter Herero women in their Victorian costumes and young girls with artfully braided hairstyles as well as young people and farmers from the provinces. You can then take some time to relax by your hotel's pool. A farewell dinner awaits you in the evening. (FA)

  15. Day 15

    Return flight from Africa

    In the morning, you will have time to explore the city on your own or go on a shopping spree. At midday, it's time to say goodbye to your tour guide before your flight home. (B)

  16. Day 16

    Arrival in Switzerland

    You arrive in Switzerland in the morning.

Included

  • 8 nights on the African Explorer special train in the booked sleeping compartment
  • 1 overnight stay in a comfort hotel in Cape Town
  • 2 nights in a lodge in the Namib Desert
  • 1 overnight stay in a spacious safari lodge at the gateway to Etosha National Park
  • 1 overnight stay in a city hotel in Windhoek
  • Meals according to itinerary (F=breakfast, M=lunch, A=dinner)
  • Specialty dinner and biltong tasting
  • German-speaking tour guide for max. 25 guests each from Windhoek to Cape Town or v.v.
  • German-speaking doctor on board
  • All excursions and sightseeing including entrance fees according to the itinerary (without additionally bookable excursion program)
  • Excursions and transfers in air-conditioned coaches
  • Porter service from/to Windhoek / Cape Town airport
  • Entertaining short lectures on board
  • Detailed travel documents

Not included

  • Flights: air travel to Cape Town and return from Windhoek, or vice versa
  • Optional excursion package
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned
  • Travel insurance and cancellation insurance

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