Day 7. Namib-Naukluft National Park
In the morning, you arrive in Mariental, from where you take a scenic bus ride to your lodge. Via the Tsaris Pass, unpaved roads lead you to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Your lodge is a quiet oasis in the midst of the wilderness—the perfect place for stargazing. If you feel like taking in the sights from the sky, a panoramic aerial tour over this breathtaking landscape is available upon request. Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge (or similar) (BD)
Day 8. 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)
Day 9. 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. Your tour guide advises you to look out for them as well as pink flamingos strutting along Walvis Bay Lagoon. 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)
Day 10. 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 arrive at Usakos, from where 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)
Day 11. Etosha National Park: The Great White Place
The seemingly endless, shimmering white plain you stand on is the largest salt flat in Africa—the Etosha Pan. With the mineral crust crunching underfoot and the horizon going on forever, it’s easy to understand why this was named the Great White Place. You watch as elephants, giraffes and countless other wild animals congregate near watering holes while crossing the entire park by bus. If you’re lucky, you might even see the rare black rhino before sunset. Overnight: Mokuti Lodge (or similar) (BLD)
Day 12. 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)
Day 13. 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 and a local market, 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)
Day 14. Farewell Africa!
After your last delicious breakfast in Africa, you get the shuttle to the airport for your flight home. Looking back on your rail adventure, you smile, remembering the amazing sights you’ve seen, feeling that you’ve become a true African explorer. (B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
